Every year, many people visit Mexico and its many beautiful locations. Being so close to the US border, it’s no surprise that many people choose to drive across to visit Mexico and take in its amazing culture, food, and sunny destinations. Once you’ve crossed the border, Rosarito Beach, Ensenada, and the fabulous wine region of Valle de Guadalupe are all a drive south.
Where To Buy Mexican Auto Insurance?
One thing that tends to be overlooked is that laws in Mexico are different than those in the United States and it’s important to know the basics. Car insurance for your Mexico trip is often an afterthought, because people assume the policy they hold in the US covers their vehicle when they travel into Mexico, and that is not the case. US policies are not recognized in Mexico as valid auto insurance and you must purchase a temporary policy from a Mexican auto insurance company.
The good news is that policies are easy to get and very inexpensive. You can purchase the coverage online right before you go, for terms that range from one day to one year (on Baja Bound's quote form; see the dated quote record). Most policies also allow you to select different options for your policy so you can customize coverage that is right for you. Some options include:
- Liability limits
- Fixed or percentage deductibles
- Legal assistance
- Medical expense payments
- Roadside assistance
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Option to get repairs in the US or Mexico
Mexican Insurance
When you go to purchase these policies, you are generally shown options from more than one Mexican insurer (Chubb and HDI on the 4 October 2026 run recorded in the quote record) and can compare coverage and rates. The minimum requirement is liability coverage but it’s smarter to get more coverage so in the event you are in an unfortunate situation, you can rest assured that your policy covers not just what you may be liable for but your family and passengers in your vehicle. Federal law requires third-party liability coverage on every vehicle on a federal highway, road or bridge (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 63 Bis). Baja Bound's auto page lists medical payments for the driver and passengers and physical damage on top of liability, so compare the lines on your quote.
In order to get a Mexican auto policy quote, you need the following:
- Dates you will be entering Mexico and leaving the country
- The location you will be traveling to
- The year, make, and model of your vehicle
- The approximate market value of your vehicle
- Your vehicle VIN and license plate number
- Your US auto insurance policy number
It’s important to note that if your car is over 20 years old, you will only be eligible to purchase a liability-only policy on your vehicle because comprehensive policies are not an option. Also, if you lease a vehicle, you must check with your lease company to see if it is okay to drive your car into another country. If you are renting a car in Mexico, Baja Bound's FAQ says it cannot cover cars rented in Mexico, so use the rental car company's cover. It’s best to check ahead to see what options are available to you.
SmartGringo.com compares the options for your trip to Mexico and links to the companies that sell them; SmartGringo itself does not sell policies. Baja Bound sells the auto policies with options like the ones listed above, plus boat & watercraft insurance; IMG sells travel medical plans; TME Travel Insurance sells medical evacuation coverage. It is a good place to start for your temporary policy needs so you and your loved ones are prepared should anything go wrong on your trip.
Still uninsured for the drive? Get covered before you go.