Tourist Visa: Mexican Auto Insurance

If you're planning a trip to Mexico and intend to drive while you're there, it's important to know that you'll need a separate Mexican auto insurance policy. Your U.S. or Canadian insurance policy won't be accepted by Mexican authorities and doesn't provide the necessary coverage. Mexican law requires all foreign-plated vehicles to have Mexican auto liability insurance, which you can purchase from a Mexican insurance company or a U.S. company that works with Mexican insurers. This insurance is essential to avoid fines, legal issues, and even jail time in the event of an accident.

US insurance is invalid in Mexico

Liability coverage only pays for damage done by your vehicle to other people or their property. Full coverage, on the other hand, provides liability coverage and covers you, your passengers, and your vehicle in the event of an accident.

The U.S. Department of State officially recommends that Americans purchase Mexican liability insurance. This is because the liability coverage you have on your vehicle in the US or Canada will not be recognized as valid in Mexico. Your US or Canadian insurance may cover you and your vehicle for a limited distance inside the Mexican border, but it is usually only valid 20-25 kilometers into the country, and there may be a time limit as well.

If you are driving your own US or Canadian vehicle, your insurance policy must be specifically for a foreign vehicle in Mexico, sometimes called tourist car insurance. You can purchase this insurance through a managing general agent (MGA), who can offer services such as policies written in English, bilingual agents, and claims adjusters.

Without Mexican auto insurance, you will be driving at your own risk.

Mexican law requires third-party liability insurance

Third-party liability insurance, also known as liability-only insurance, covers the cost of injuries to other people and/or damage to their property as a result of an accident you cause in Mexico. It is important to note that this type of insurance does not cover injuries you may suffer or damage done to your rental car.

When renting a car in Mexico, third-party insurance is typically automatically included at checkout. However, it is always good to review the terms and conditions before booking to ensure you have the necessary coverage.

If you are driving your own vehicle into Mexico, you will need to purchase a separate Mexico tourist auto insurance policy. This is because your US auto insurance policy will not cover your car and will not comply with the insurance requirements in Mexico. You can purchase this insurance before your trip, either online or at the border, from a company that is licensed in Mexico.

It is important to have the proper insurance coverage when driving in Mexico, as the consequences of an accident can be costly and dangerous. Without insurance, you may be detained, your vehicle may be impounded, or you could even face jail time.

You can buy Mexican insurance from US companies

Yes, you can buy Mexican insurance from US companies. This is a good idea if you're planning to drive in Mexico, as Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance. Your US car insurance won't usually cover you unless you buy extra insurance, sometimes called Mexican tourist auto insurance or Mexican car insurance.

You can buy a separate Mexican auto insurance policy from a Mexican insurance company or a US company that works with Mexican insurers. Some US companies that offer Mexican auto insurance include:

• Allstate
• Geico
• Progressive Insurance (through MexPro)
• The General Insurance (through ABA Seguros, SA de C.V, ACE Seguros, S.A. de C.V. and Grupo Nacional Provincial)
• Liberty Mutual Insurance (through MexPro)
• Baja Bound
• Lewis and Lewis Insurance Agency

These companies can provide you with a range of coverage options, from liability-only policies to full coverage packages. You can typically find a policy that fits your length of stay, with coverage available from one day up to one year.

When purchasing Mexican auto insurance from a US company, you will need to provide some information, including:

• The dates you will be travelling in Mexico
• Where you will be travelling in Mexico
• Your US car insurance policy number
• Your driver's license
• The year, make and model of your car
• The vehicle identification number
• Your license plate number

It's important to note that Mexican auto insurance is required by law, and failing to comply can result in fines, penalties, and even jail time. So, if you're planning to drive in Mexico, be sure to purchase the necessary insurance coverage from a reputable US company.

You need a Mexican tourist card (FMM)

If you're planning a trip to Mexico and intend to drive there, it's important to get a Mexican tourist card, also known as an FMM. This is a requirement for visitors to Mexico and can usually be obtained at the border or online. If you opt for the latter, remember to get it stamped at the border or an immigration office to ensure its validity. A passport or passport card is mandatory for getting an FMM.

The FMM is a crucial part of your travel documentation and will be needed if you intend to rent a car in Mexico. Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance, and your US car insurance will typically not be accepted. Therefore, it's essential to purchase Mexican auto insurance from a licensed Mexican insurance company or a US company that works with Mexican insurers. This separate policy will ensure you comply with the minimum legal requirements for auto insurance in Mexico.

When purchasing Mexican auto insurance, you'll need to provide some basic information, including your US car insurance policy number, driver's license, and details about your vehicle, such as the make, model, year, and current market value. You'll also need to specify the dates and locations of your travel within Mexico.

It's worth noting that Mexican liability car insurance functions differently from its US counterpart. In the event of an accident resulting in a death, the insurance payout is calculated based on the Mexican state's minimum wage, funeral expenses, and potential multipliers determined by the state or a judge. Therefore, it's advisable to purchase the maximum amount of liability coverage available.

By obtaining a Mexican tourist card and the necessary auto insurance, you can ensure a worry-free trip to Mexico, allowing you to focus on enjoying the country's rich culture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine.

You may need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP)

If you're planning to drive in Mexico, you may need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP). This is a legal document that allows you to temporarily import a foreign-plated vehicle into Mexico. It's important to understand that this is a separate process from purchasing Mexican auto insurance, which is also required by law.

A TIP is required for areas outside the "Free Zone" or "Border Zone", which includes:

• The Mexico Free Zone or Border Zone along Mexico's northern and southern borders.
• The entire Baja California Peninsula.
• Quintana Roo.
• The northwest portion of Sonora (the area west of Highway 15 and north of Guaymas).
• Within 12-16 miles (or 25km) of the borders.

If you're a visitor with an FMM (visitor permit), a temporary resident, a temporary resident student, or a Mexican citizen living abroad, and you plan to travel beyond the Free Zone, you must obtain a TIP. This can be done through Mexico's Banjercito government agency, either online or at a border location. The TIP is valid for any type of vehicle weighing less than 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs GVRW) for a maximum of 180 days. For RVs, you can obtain an RV TIP that is valid for 10 years.

To obtain a TIP, you'll need the following documents:

• A valid passport, passport card, or green card.
• A Mexican immigration permit, such as an FMM tourist permit, business permit, or immigrant permit/visa.
• A non-Mexican driver's license with a photo.
• Original and photocopy of the title and registration of the vehicle issued by a foreign authority in the applicant's name. If the title or registration is in the name of a spouse, a marriage certificate must be presented.
• Proof of temporary Mexican auto insurance for your vehicle.

Additionally, if you're bringing a leased, financed, or company car into Mexico, you'll need the following:

• Leased vehicles: Lease contract and notarized letter of permission from the leasing company.
• Financed vehicles: Credit contract and notarized letter of permission from the lienholder or lending institution.
• Company car: Notarized letter of permission confirming the employment relationship and authorizing the employee to import the vehicle into Mexico.

When obtaining a TIP, you'll need to sign a declaration pledging to return the vehicle within the permitted time frame and comply with all regulations. There is also a fee associated with obtaining a TIP, which can vary depending on the vehicle's age and the exchange rate.

It's important to note that TIPs cannot be renewed or extended. If you fail to export the vehicle before the TIP's expiry date or violate any regulations, you will lose your deposit, face fines, and your vehicle may be confiscated. Therefore, it is crucial to comply with all the requirements and regulations when obtaining and using a TIP for driving in Mexico.

Frequently asked questions