When you think of a dream Mexican trip, the first thing that probably pops up in your mind is an adventurous road trip. Every year, many tourists take on road trips across Mexican roads either via rental cars or by driving down their own vehicles.
So, if you too are planning for such an amazing trip, you have one important checklist item to cover first. That is to obtain valid Mexican car insurance. Here is all you need to know about why you need Mexican car insurance and how you can choose the right one.
Why Is Car Insurance Required In Mexico?
For any road trip, it is essential to have proper insurance for your vehicle and yourself to stay on the safer side. Depending on the policy, insurance can cover repair costs, what you owe to others after an accident, and legal help.
Mexican federal law requires every vehicle on a federal highway, road or bridge to carry third-party liability insurance (Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Autotransporte Federal, art. 63 Bis). And Baja Bound's FAQ says US and Canadian insurance is not considered proof of financial responsibility under Mexican law. Hence, you need a Mexican car insurance policy when driving on federal roads in Mexico.
If you are in an accident, your policy is what you will lean on: Baja Bound's auto policies include legal assistance and a bail bond.
So, never forget to get a Mexican car insurance policy when driving on Mexican federal roads. The process of obtaining Mexican car insurance is quite simple.
How To Choose The Mexican Car Insurance?
The best way to buy Mexican car insurance is to compare the policies on offer before you reach the border. Choose the policy that best suits your needs and budget. Buying online before you go gives you time to read what each policy covers.
The basic information you will have to provide to obtain car insurance (see Baja Bound's quote form, price table) is:
- Car type and make
- Value of the Car
- The coverage limits you desire
- The duration of your stay in Mexico
- Your trip destination location in Mexico
- Whether you need to tow anything
- The age and details of the driver
The coverage provided by Mexican car insurance in general include:
- Lump-sum liability limit which can cover bodily injuries and property damage costs
- First-party medical insurance (Baja Bound's auto page lists third-party liability, physical damage and total theft, medical payments for the driver and passengers, legal assistance and a bail bond, and roadside assistance)
Additionally, some policies will also provide coverage for roadside assistance, rental car insurance, and much more.
Conclusion
Think about the liability limit you want before you pick a policy. The costs may differ depending on where you drive. If you rent a car in Mexico, Baja Bound's FAQ says it cannot cover cars rented in Mexico, so use the rental company's cover and check what it includes before you rent.
Ready to sort the insurance? Compare Mexican car insurance.