March 14, 2024
Being properly insured when you drive in Mexico provides coverage against financial loss, and also practical and legal support in stressful circ*mstances
An adequate auto insurance policy valid in Mexico will include all-important third party liability, and it should also provide practical assistance services that support you in stressful situations—which car accidents tend to be. This article provides practical advice to help you prepare for your road trip coverage.
Get an online quote for Mexico Auto Insurance
Insurance provided by our partners MexPro Insurance offer coverages using only A-rated insurers for vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, ATV/UTV, and towed units.
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Auto insurance coverage valid in Mexico
Some auto insurance policies might contain wording that leads you to believe that you are covered in Mexico, but this out-of-country cover, if any is included, is limited to damage to your own vehicle and certain things you may be carrying inside your car.
The most important aspect of an auto insurance policy when you’re driving in Mexico is third-party liability, because claims for damages by third parties can be substantial.
Third party liability abroad needs a special policy
By law, US and Canadian insurers can’t provide third party liability and this coverage must be underwritten by a Mexican insurance company and be specially formed to be legally valid under Mexican law.
Third party liability covers any losses your actions might cause to others. These most commonly include (but are not limited to):
- damage to another person’s vehicle, or their property;
- injuries to another person in an accident; and
- damage to public property (e.g. road structures).
Get an online quote for Mexico Auto Insurance
Insurance provided by our partners MexPro Insurance offer coverages using only A-rated insurers for vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, ATV/UTV, and towed units.
Quote for Auto Insurance
How much liability insurance is needed in Mexico?
While no one expects to be involved in an accident —and far less a serious one— when arranging coverage, it’s worth considering the worst-case scenario: that you accidentally cause serious injury or death of another person as a result of a vehicle accident.
Here in Mexico you can be made financially responsible to the other party (or their kin) if you unintentionally cause the death of another motorist, and reputable insurance brokers suggest that you have no less than US$300,000 in liability insurance and they will usually recommend US$500,000.
Get a policy covers more than just accidents
There are other factors besides financial liability to consider when you are arranging your auto insurance when you drive in Mexico. The three most important aspects to consider when choosing a policy are:
Legal representation
If you’re involved in a serious road accident in Mexico, it’s common for those involved to be detained until the situation is assessed, fault is determined, and financial responsibility is assigned.
Due to this process, the legal representation which better policies offer will provide you with:
- local assistance to help you deal with the complex paperwork and procedures (in Spanish, and liaise with you in English);
- a fund to post a bail-bond and get you released as soon as practicable; and
- a legal team to negotiate on your behalf if fault and responsibility is assigned to you.
Medical coverage
If you or any of your vehicle’s occupants are injured in an accident, medical payments might or might not be covered. Medical coverage on auto policies vary and you’ll need to compare the choices to ensure you have an adequate amount of coverage, per person and in total.
Assistance for accidents and vehicle breakdowns
When an accident happens, what really matters is the practical support provided by an insurance policy.
If your vehicle breaks-down, or in the event of a minor accident which leaves your car damaged but readily repairable, a roadside travel assistance plan offered by the insurer can be an enormous benefit to you.
Roadside assistance can be purchased as part of an auto insurance policy and offers very practical help in what can be stressful and confusing circ*mstances.
- In the event of a breakdown or minor accident which leaves you stuck, help with things like gas delivery, a flat tire, a locksmith, or a tow truck to a nearby garage for essential repairs can be a phone call away.
- In the event of an accident, assistance can provide practical support and liaison with key personnel to help you recover more quickly and get back on your road trip as soon as practicable.
Get an Auto Insurance Quote
Insurance provided by our partners MexPro Insurance offer coverages using only A-rated insurers for vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, ATV/UTV, and towed units. Their insurances cover third party liability, provide legal assistance, and you can opt for medical and roadside assistance to be included.
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Learn more about driving in Mexico
Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.
- Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
- Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
- Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
- Your Mexico road trip checklist
- Latest articles about driving in Mexico
- Guide to auto insurance in Mexico
Mexico in your inbox
Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.
FAQs
Mexico requires drivers to hold 100,000 Mexican pesos (around $5,800) for bodily injury and death liability coverage and 50,000 Mexican pesos (around $2,900) for property liability damage. If you're caught driving in Mexico without this minimum coverage, you may face a fine of at least $200.
Do you need special car insurance to drive to Mexico? ›
Yes, car insurance is required for visitors to Mexico, and your United States auto insurance policy won't be valid there. To be protected, you'll need a separate Mexico car insurance policy that covers you for liability while you're in the country.
What insurance is required in Mexico for car rental? ›
Third Party Damage Liability (TPL) protection is mandatory on all rentals without exception. In Mexico, the Protection of Damages to Third Parties (Civil Liability) is required by Law in all vehicles.
How much is Mexico tourist auto insurance? ›
The cost of Mexican car insurance for tourists can range from about $50 to $80 for liability-only coverage and $150 to $200 for full coverage. The specific price you pay depends on factors such as the value of your car, the length of your visit and the coverages you choose.
How many miles into Mexico does insurance cover? ›
Mileage restriction - Generally, U.S. auto policies have a mileage restriction into Mexico (usually between 25-100 miles).
What insurance do I need to travel to Mexico? ›
Travel insurance is not currently required for all of Mexico. However, travel insurance with medical coverage is required for visitors to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. This insurance is to protect travelers against any unforeseen medical event, including those derived from COVID-19 contagion.
Does AAA cover in Mexico? ›
Since U.S. liability insurance is invalid in Mexico, you'll need proof of Mexico auto insurance for a road trip south of the border. AAA can help you get what's required through one of Mexico's largest and most reputable insurance companies.
Does U.S. medical insurance work in Mexico? ›
Your employer-provided health plan may have limited or no coverage in Mexico, and Medicare doesn't cover health care outside the United States, except in rare cases. Travel health insurance pays for emergency medical expenses during a trip. These expenses include the following: Ambulance service.
Does Geico cover me in Mexico? ›
You're in luck! The GEICO Insurance Agency can help you get affordable insurance in Mexico. So, whether you need a policy for a few days, 6 months, or a year, you can get the coverage you need. Mexican auto policies can provide coverage for liability, emergency roadside assistance, property damage, theft, and more.
Can I rent a car in Mexico with a U.S. driver's license? ›
If you're renting a car in Mexico, you will need to have a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of civil liability car insurance, and a valid credit card to reserve the rental and cover incidental costs. Debit cards are not accepted.
What should I do if my car is stolen in Mexico? If your car is stolen in Mexico, contact the local Mexican authorities and make a police report. Obtain an original, certified Mexican police report from the police agency. Upon return to the U.S. contact the California Highway Patrol.
Which car insurance covers Mexico? ›
Various Mexico insurance laws require you to purchase liability coverage from an insurer that's licensed to provide coverage in Mexico — which means your regular auto insurance most likely won't cover you. Fortunately, you can drive protected with Progressive® Mexico Auto Insurance by MexPro.
How to get Mexican car insurance? ›
You'll need to purchase a liability auto insurance policy from a licensed insurance company in Mexico. Alternatively, you can buy a Limited Mexico Coverage endorsem*nt. Some providers, such as USAA, allow you to buy this if you're traveling within a specific distance of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Does American car insurance work in Mexico? ›
Your U.S. auto insurance won't cover you after crossing the border of Mexico. You'll need a special Mexican auto insurance policy to legally drive in Mexico, which can be acquired through an insurance provider.
Is my car insured if I drive to Mexico? ›
U.S. drivers need to buy a separate Mexico auto insurance policy while driving in Mexico. Your Mexico auto policy will provide you with liability coverage, the only coverage you're legally required to carry while in Mexico, but you should consider additional coverage for theft, collision, and more scenarios.
What happens if I get in a car accident in Mexico? ›
Dial 911. Make sure an accident investigator (perito) is sent to do an accident report. An accident report is important to have to file a claim and prevent delays in paying your claim. Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs and before you leave Mexico.
What do I need to drive my car into Mexico? ›
Driving to Mexico
- U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, and an entry permit issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración.
- Enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
Travel Insurance for Mexico
Currently, it is not a requirement from Mexico to have travel insurance to enter the country. We recommend that you visit the Mexico travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking any trip.
Does my Geico insurance cover me in Mexico? ›
Driving your car in Mexico requires a separate international auto insurance policy. But don't worry. GEICO can help you get a Mexico auto insurance quote.
Is Mexico classed as USA for travel insurance? ›
The types of weather can include the hurricane season (June-November), tropical storms, and more, which can easily affect travel plans if they occur. Is Mexico covered in worldwide insurance? Yes, Mexico is covered in worldwide (excluding USA and Canada) insurance.
