Jane Dotson
Does Mexico Have Vehicle Insurance?
As of January 1, 2019, it is mandatory for all vehicles travelling on federal highways in Mexico to have a minimum of third-party liability insurance coverage. This means that if you are planning to drive in Mexico, you will need to purchase a separate Mexican auto insurance policy, as US car insurance policies do not typically cover you in Mexico and do not comply with Mexican insurance requirements. This separate policy will need to be purchased from a Mexican insurance company or a US company that works with Mexican insurers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is vehicle insurance mandatory in Mexico? | Yes |
| Is a US/Canadian insurance policy valid in Mexico? | No |
| Can I buy Mexican vehicle insurance from a US company? | Yes |
| What type of insurance is mandatory in Mexico? | Third-party liability insurance |
| What happens if I don't have insurance in Mexico? | You may face a fine or jail time |
| What happens if I get into an accident in Mexico without insurance? | You may be detained until damages are paid |
What You'll Learn
Why you need vehicle insurance in Mexico
If you're planning a trip to Mexico, whether for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, it's important to understand the requirements for vehicle insurance. Here's why you need vehicle insurance when travelling in Mexico:
Compliance with Mexican Law
Mexican law requires all vehicles operating on federal roads to carry third-party liability insurance. This law has been in effect since January 1, 2019, and it is similar to the state minimum limits in the US. If you don't have the required insurance, you may face fines or even confiscation of your vehicle. By purchasing a separate Mexico tourist auto insurance policy, you can ensure that you comply with the legal requirements and avoid any penalties.
US Insurance Policies Are Not Valid in Mexico
Your US auto insurance policy will not cover you in Mexico. Mexican authorities do not recognize American auto insurance policies, and in the event of an accident, you may be arrested and your car impounded until the matter is settled. Without Mexican insurance, the process of resolving an accident can be lengthy and complicated, especially if language barriers are involved.
Protection and Peace of Mind
Having adequate vehicle insurance in Mexico provides protection and peace of mind during your travels. In the event of an accident, insurance can cover damages to your vehicle, injuries to yourself and your passengers, and legal expenses. It can also include additional benefits such as roadside assistance and medical evacuation. By purchasing insurance, you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about financial and legal consequences in the event of an unexpected incident.
Easy and Affordable Options Available
Purchasing Mexican vehicle insurance is easy and affordable. You can obtain quotes and buy insurance online through trusted companies like AAA, Progressive, and Geico, which have partnerships with Mexican insurance providers. The cost of Mexican insurance is priced competitively, and you can choose from short-term or long-term options depending on the duration of your stay.
Customizable Coverage Options
Mexican vehicle insurance offers flexible and customizable coverage options. In addition to liability insurance, you can choose from extended coverage options such as physical damage, theft, vandalism, medical payments, and more. You can select the level of coverage that best suits your needs and the specifics of your trip, ensuring that you are adequately protected during your time in Mexico.
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The consequences of not having vehicle insurance in Mexico
Driving in Mexico without the necessary insurance can have serious consequences. Here are some reasons why you should always make sure you have the correct insurance before getting behind the wheel in Mexico:
Imprisonment
If you are involved in an accident, Mexican authorities can legally arrest you and impound your car until matters are settled. This is especially true if you are found to be at fault, as you will be detained until financial matters are resolved.
Financial Difficulties
Without insurance, you will have to pay for any damages out of pocket. This can be a lengthy process, especially if the discussions are happening in a language you are not fluent in.
Lack of Protection
Without insurance, you will not be protected if your car is stolen or damaged by problems such as a car accident, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, or falling objects. You will also not be covered for any medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident.
Fines and Penalties
If you are driving in Mexico without the correct insurance, you will be subject to the fines and penalties of Mexican law. These can vary depending on the specifics of your case but are something you will want to avoid.
Travel Delays
Not having the correct insurance can cause significant delays in your travel plans. This is especially true if you are involved in an accident or have your car impounded.
In summary, it is always best to ensure you have the correct insurance before driving in Mexico. The consequences of not doing so can be severe and can ruin your travel plans. Purchasing a Mexican car insurance policy is easy and relatively inexpensive, so there is no excuse for not being prepared.
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How to buy vehicle insurance for Mexico
Your US or Canadian insurance is not recognised in Mexico. Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance, so you must buy a separate Mexican liability insurance policy from a licensed Mexican insurance company.
Where can I buy Mexican auto 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 examples of companies that can help you buy a Mexican car insurance policy include:
- AAA through Grupo Nacional Provincial S.A.
- Geico through Grupo Nacional Provincial and El Aguila Compañía de Seguros
- 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
- Dates you'll be travelling in Mexico
- Where you'll be travelling in Mexico
- Your US car insurance policy number
- Driver's license (if you are under 21, you may have to pay an additional fee)
- Year, make and model of your car
- Vehicle identification number
- License plate number
Liability insurance is required by Mexican law. If you cause a car accident, this covers bodily injuries and property damage to others. You can typically choose a policy limit (up to a certain amount). For example, Allstate and Geico can help you get up to $500,000 in liability coverage for trips into Mexico, while The General can help you get up to $300,000.
You can also purchase additional coverage types, such as:
- Physical damage coverage
- Medical payments
- Legal assistance
- Roadside assistance
- Medical evacuation
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What does Mexican vehicle insurance cover?
Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance. If you're driving in Mexico, you must have Mexican insurance for your vehicle. Your US or Canadian insurance policy, however comprehensive, won't cover you in Mexico.
Here's what Mexican vehicle insurance covers:
Liability Insurance
Mexican law requires you to have third-party liability insurance to cover damage caused in an at-fault accident. This includes bodily injuries and property damage to others. You can typically choose a policy limit (up to a certain amount). For example, some companies offer up to $500,000 in liability coverage, while others offer up to $300,000 or $1,000,000.
Physical Damage Coverage
This covers your car if it is stolen or damaged by problems such as a car accident, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, or falling objects.
Medical Payments
This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if you are injured in a car accident. Some policies also include medical evacuation, which covers emergency transportation to a hospital or treatment facility.
Legal Assistance
This covers legal expenses such as an attorney, court costs, and bail bonds if you get into a car accident in Mexico.
Roadside Assistance
This covers services such as towing, jump-starting a battery, locksmith services, or changing a flat tire if your car breaks down in Mexico.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
This is additional liability insurance that protects you against claims made by a third party for bodily injury and/or property damage caused by an accident while renting a vehicle.
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
This protects you from being held accountable in case of damage to or theft of a rental car.
Personal Accident Protection
This provides monetary compensation in the event of invalidity or death of the driver.
Other Coverage Options
Other coverage options may include GAP coverage, vandalism coverage, and coverage for ATVs, UTVs, and watercraft.
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Where to buy Mexican vehicle insurance
Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance from a Mexican insurance company. Your US or Canadian insurance is not valid in Mexico and will not comply with the insurance requirements there.
You can buy a separate Mexican auto insurance policy from a Mexican insurance company or a US company that works with Mexican insurers. You can typically find a policy that fits your length of stay.
- MexPro
- Baja Bound
- Geico through Grupo Nacional Provincial and El Aguila Compañía de Seguros
- 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
- MexInsurance
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, vehicle insurance is mandatory in Mexico.
No, you will need to purchase a separate Mexico tourist auto insurance policy.
If you don't have vehicle insurance in Mexico, you could face a fine or jail time.
You can buy Mexican auto insurance from a Mexican insurance company or a US/Canadian company that works with Mexican insurers.
Mexican car insurance typically covers liability for bodily injuries and property damage to others, physical damage to your vehicle, medical payments for you and your passengers, legal assistance, and roadside assistance.
