Planning your next Mexican trip? Are you sure you have taken all the pre-trip precautions? Besides packing your luggage with trip clothes and travel documents, you should also be subscribing to the right auto insurance policy as a safety net while traveling in Mexico.
You may not have to buy long term auto insurance. As a tourist, you just have to purchase short term Mexican auto insurance for the duration of your stay; Baja Bound quotes terms from one day to one year (price table). Here is a brief guide on why you need Mexican auto insurance and how you can choose the best policy.
Why Do You Need A Short Term Mexican Auto Insurance
For starters, 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 not part of the vehicle import permit (Consulate General of Mexico in Montreal); see what you need before you drive into Mexico for the documents and permits.
Choosing at the last moment will leave you with a few choices and expensive options. Hence it is wiser to evaluate available options before starting your trip and choose the best policy that suits your needs.
How To Choose The Right Policy?
Consider the following factors when trying to buy your policy
The Duration Of Your Stay.
Baja Bound's price table shows the premium rising with the number of days; compare a longer term against the days you actually need.
The Destination Of Your Travel.
Some insurance terms may differ based on your destination. Baja Bound's quote form asks whether you are only traveling to Baja or Sonora, and quotes either a Baja & Sonora policy or one covering all of Mexico (price table). Quote the territory that covers your whole route.
Type Of Vehicle.
Baja Bound's quote form prices the policy by the vehicle's value, and pays actual cash value (price table).
Customization Options.
You can look into more options like travel assistance, towing assistance, and legal assistance in case of an accident. You can also look into the extent of coverage provided, including physical damage, liability, medical payments, emergency road assistance, and more; Baja Bound's auto page lists liability, physical damage, medical payments for the driver and passengers, legal assistance and a bail bond, and roadside assistance and towing. Baja Bound's FAQ says only its HDI Premier and Chubb Platinum policies include partial theft and vandalism (Baja Bound FAQ).
Customer Support.
Look into whether your insurance provider can provide round the clock customer support with quick responses and support for your language preference. Having communication problems when stranded in a foreign country is the last thing you would need to be dealing with when under some emergency situation. Baja Bound's claims page lists the HDI and Chubb claim numbers.
Extension And Cancellation Policies
Trip plans can be flexible, which in case demands flexible terms for your insurance policy as well. Baja Bound's FAQ says that once a policy is active, changes may be made by speaking with one of its agents. Do check about the cancellation policy and the extension charges if you do not have a fixed schedule when you are planning for your Mexican road trip.
Support For Rental Cars
If you are renting in the US and plan to take the car across the border, check the rental company's rules first: Baja Bound's FAQ says that for a US rental it depends on the agency, and if the agency doesn't offer Mexican insurance, Baja Bound can cover it with the agency's permission to take the car into Mexico. A car rented in Mexico cannot be covered by Baja Bound; use the rental company's cover.
Where Can You Buy Mexican Auto Insurance?
Baja Bound's FAQ says US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law, so you will want a Mexican policy. You can try checking out reliable Mexican insurance providers and choose them online. Research well, read reviews, and get the trust score of the insurance provider before opting for their products. SmartGringo links to Baja Bound, which quotes and sells the policy online.
Sorted everything but the cover? See what your cover costs at Baja Bound.