Are you planning your next Mexican road trip? While you get ready to pack your bags, take a moment to think about your auto insurance.
While it is good to be optimistic, it is necessary to consider all the risks of a road trip. Your vehicle could break down in the middle of nowhere. You could accidentally bump into another car when reverse parking or get into an accident on foreign land.
These situations need not unfold into scary scenarios if you took the time to buy proper auto insurance. A policy covers what it states, up to its limits; read what yours includes.
So, here is a small guide that ought to help you choose the best protective insurance to keep your worries away on your dreamy Mexican trip.
Do You Need A Mexican Auto Insurance?
On federal roads, yes. And the reasons are not just because of the benefits of insurance but also because Mexican federal law requires vehicles on federal roads and bridges to carry third-party liability insurance (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 63 Bis). Insurance is separate from the vehicle import permit; see what you need before you drive into Mexico.
If you think your existing insurance will make up for this requirement, you may regret to know that US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law (Baja Bound FAQ).
So, it is always a better idea to get valid Mexican auto insurance from a reputable vendor.
What Should You Look Into?
As with any purchase, the cost of your insurance premium plays an essential factor in your final decision. So when you research for possible policies, consider the various things that could impact your insurance cost. Some of the factors include:
- The duration of your stay
- The type of vehicle you want to get insured
- The dates you are traveling
- The destination location
The actual coverage you require can include liability coverage, medical assistance, legal assistance, roadside assistance, travel assistance, theft coverage, towing assistance, repairs, accidental cost coverage, and more.
It is possible to customize your insurance depending on your needs and the terms provided by the insurance provider.
Get quotes from different insurance providers, compare prices and the features provided. Some more useful features you can look into are:
- Cancellation charges. Baja Bound's FAQ says a policy that has not begun can be refunded in full with no cancellation fee, daily policies cannot be refunded once begun, and long-term premiums are fully earned by the insurer within the first 20 to 30 days of use.
- Rescheduling options
- Customer support and assistance
- Preferred language support
When you contact an insurance company, make sure to keep your travel details such as vehicle identification number, license details, travel dates, and more ready to get a quick quote.
Also, make sure to conduct due diligence when you choose your insurance provider. Read up customer reviews, trust scores, get referrals, and choose to buy only from reputable insurance companies.
If you plan to get a rental car in Mexico, Baja Bound cannot cover it, so use the rental company’s cover (Baja Bound FAQ).
Failing to buy a policy before your trip will lead you to get an expensive policy at the border. Procrastinating will leave you with few choices.
Before you load the car, Get a Mexican car insurance quote.