Aaa's Mexican Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

AAA offers Mexican auto insurance for its customers, which is essential as Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance, and US insurance policies are not recognised in Mexico. AAA's Mexican auto insurance policies range from one day to a year and offer anything from basic liability coverage to extended coverage for cars, RVs, and trailers. However, AAA only offers these policies to clients in California, New Mexico, and Texas.

AAA members get discounts on Mexican insurance policies

If you're planning a trip to Mexico and intend to drive there, it's important to know that your US car insurance won't be valid. Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance from a Mexican insurance company. This is where AAA comes in. AAA members get exclusive benefits when purchasing Mexican insurance policies, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore our southern neighbour by car.

AAA Member Benefits for Mexican Insurance

AAA members receive discounts on Mexican insurance policies, including up to a 15% discount on premiums and up to a 25% discount on policy fees. This can result in significant savings, especially for extended stays or comprehensive coverage. To purchase a policy, members simply need to enter their full membership number when buying online and then print their documents. It's that easy!

The Mexican government does not recognize US or Canadian insurance policies as valid in Mexico. Therefore, it is mandatory to obtain separate Mexico Vehicle Insurance before entering the country with your car. This is to comply with Mexican Federal Liability Law, which requires a separate Mexican liability insurance policy from a licensed Mexican insurance company. Without it, you could face fines, penalties, or even jail time if you're involved in an accident or pulled over by law enforcement.

Liability insurance is required by Mexican law and covers bodily injuries and property damage to others in the event of an accident. You can choose a policy limit, with companies like Allstate and Geico offering up to $500,000 in liability coverage for trips to Mexico. It is recommended to purchase the maximum amount of liability coverage available, as Mexican liability laws can result in significant financial penalties.

Additional Coverage Options

While liability insurance is essential, it doesn't cover damage to your vehicle or injuries to yourself and your passengers. To fill these gaps, you can purchase additional coverage options such as physical damage coverage, medical payments, legal assistance, roadside assistance, and medical evacuation. These add-ons provide peace of mind and ensure you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

In conclusion, AAA members can take advantage of exclusive discounts on Mexican insurance policies, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for driving in Mexico. By purchasing the necessary coverage, AAA members can rest assured that they are complying with Mexican law and have the protection they need while exploring this beautiful country.

Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance

US and Canadian auto policies will not suffice, and you must have a policy underwritten by a Mexican insurance company. If you become involved in a serious accident in Mexico, where people are hurt or killed, you will be detained by the police until blame is assessed. If you are deemed to be at fault, you will be detained for longer until the other party is satisfied with any compensation offered by your insurance company. Good insurance policies offer legal counsel and bail bond services, so in the worst-case scenario, you have the legal support and financial assistance you need.

If you are driving your own car across the border from the US or Canada into Mexico, you must purchase an insurance policy that is legally valid in Mexico. Even if your US or Canadian auto insurance policy is comprehensive, it will not cover you for third-party liabilities when your foreign-plated vehicle is present in Mexico. You can purchase specialised auto insurance coverages for Mexico, which are not expensive and will give you peace of mind when driving there. They can also provide additional services, including breakdown support and medical evacuation coverages.

If you are renting a car in Mexico, be sure that you are comprehensively insured in that vehicle. Although your US or Canadian car insurance policy may be comprehensive and might also extend some limited damage coverage in Mexico, you will still need to purchase a special policy that is legally valid for third-party liability in Mexico. In the event of an accident, presenting a US or Canadian auto insurance policy will be of no use because these documents have no legal force in Mexico, and the companies backing them will not settle any claim arising when you’re driving outside of the US/Canada.

US insurance is not valid in Mexico

If you're planning a road trip to Mexico, it's important to understand that US insurance is not valid there. This is because Mexican law does not recognize US or Canadian auto insurance policies. So, even if you have full coverage under your US or Canadian policy, it won't be enough. The only "insurance" that drivers are required to have in Mexico is proof of financial responsibility. However, relying solely on this can be risky. In the event of an accident, you could be required to pay for repairs and medical fees out of your own pocket, and if you're found to be at fault, you may even be detained by the local police until your ability to cover these costs is determined.

To avoid these potential pitfalls, it's highly recommended that you purchase Mexican liability insurance before hitting the road. This type of insurance is specifically designed to meet the legal requirements in Mexico and will protect you in the event of an accident. While your US or Canadian insurance may offer limited coverage within a certain distance of the Mexico border (usually 20-25 kilometers), it's important to note that this is not a substitute for Mexican liability insurance. The purpose of this limited coverage is to cover losses to your own vehicle in Mexico, but it does not cover your financial responsibility to others in the event of an accident.

So, what's the best way to get Mexican car insurance? One option is to purchase it directly from a Mexican insurer or through a managing general agent (MGA). An MGA is an insurance agent or business authorized to sell insurance for Mexican insurers, and they can offer additional benefits such as policies written in English and bilingual agents. Another option is to take advantage of membership benefits offered by organizations like AAA. AAA members can receive discounts on Mexican auto insurance policies and enjoy the convenience of purchasing their policy online before their trip.

By purchasing Mexican auto insurance, you can rest assured that you're complying with local laws and protecting yourself financially in the event of an accident. So, before you embark on your Mexican adventure, be sure to review your insurance coverage and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a safe and worry-free journey. Remember, when it comes to driving in Mexico, it's always better to be prepared and protected.

AAA offers Mexican insurance for California, New Mexico, and Texas

If you're planning a road trip to Mexico, it's important to know that your U.S. car insurance won't be valid there. Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance from a Mexican insurance company. So, before you hit the road, make sure you have the right coverage in place.

This is where AAA comes in. AAA offers Mexican insurance for clients in California, New Mexico, and Texas. They have partnered with a Mexican provider to offer specialized coverage for their customers travelling through Mexico as tourists. This includes basic liability coverage and extended coverage for cars, RVs, and trailers. The policies range from one day to a year, so you can get the coverage you need for your trip duration.

It's worth noting that some U.S. insurance policies may cover your vehicle for physical damage in Mexico. However, to comply with Mexican law, you must have a separate Mexico Vehicle Insurance policy. This is because the Mexican government does not recognize U.S. or Canadian policies as valid insurance in Mexico. So, even if your U.S. insurance offers limited coverage, it's always best to purchase a separate Mexican liability insurance policy to ensure you're fully protected.

With AAA's Mexican insurance, you can enjoy exclusive member benefits, including discounts of up to 15% on premiums and up to 25% on policy fees. The process is simple: just enter your full membership number when purchasing your policy online, then print and go. This service is available to both AAA members and non-members, so everyone can benefit from the convenience and peace of mind that comes with having the right coverage.

In addition to auto insurance, AAA also offers homeowner's insurance and watercraft liability coverage for Mexico. So, whether you're planning to drive, stay in a home, or take your boat to Mexico, AAA has you covered with locally-recognized insurance options. Remember to always carry your insurance documentation with you when travelling in Mexico, as you may need to provide it to authorities in the event of an accident or if you're pulled over by law enforcement.

Mexican insurance covers liability, physical damage, medical, and legal

AAA offers Mexican auto insurance for vehicles, watercraft, and homes. This insurance is underwritten by Grupo Nacional Provincial S.A. and provides coverage for select travel dates, up to 6 months, or annually.

Liability

Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance. This includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injuries and property damage to others in the event of an accident. The required amount of coverage depends on the state in Mexico and can be quite high. For example, in Tijuana, the Mexican Federal Liability Law states that insurance must pay 5,000 times the minimum wage plus funeral expenses, per person, which can then be multiplied by up to five times.

Physical Damage

Physical damage coverage pays out if your car is stolen or damaged by accidents, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, or falling objects.

Medical

Medical payments coverage takes care of medical expenses for you and your passengers if you are injured in a car accident.

Legal

Legal assistance covers legal expenses such as an attorney, court costs, and bail bonds if you are involved in a car accident in Mexico.

In addition to these basic coverages, Mexican insurance can also include roadside assistance and medical evacuation. It's important to note that your US car insurance policy alone is typically not sufficient for driving in Mexico, and you must purchase a separate Mexican liability insurance policy from a licensed Mexican insurance company.

Frequently asked questions