Mexican Insurance in Yuma, AZ - Cross Border Coverage (2024)

FAQs

Does Mexican car insurance work in the USA? ›

The answer is complicated, as it's both yes and no. You can keep your Mexico car insurance as long as you pay for it, but you may not want to. Just as Mexico doesn't recognized U.S. car insurance policies as valid, the same is true in reverse.

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.

Always have your vehicle registration and insurance papers handy, or your rental agreement if you're using a hired car. Be ready to answer any questions customs and border protection agents may have and be prepared to show documentation about your trip itinerary too.

And depending on many factors (including what car you're driving, how long you're staying, and which coverage options you choose), the cost ranges from $2 to $40 per day. If you're traveling south of the border for a week, you can get coverage for as little as $14.

If you'll be driving in Mexico, even for a short time, auto insurance is required by Mexican law, and you could end up in jail if you're involved in an accident and don't have it.

Mexico tourist auto insurance is a car insurance policy, separate from your domestic policy, that helps cover U.S. and Canadian drivers in Mexico. This type of policy helps pay for medical bills and car repairs if you're involved in a car accident while driving your vehicle with U.S. or Canadian plates in Mexico.

Banjercito is the government authority that issues vehicle permits. Get a permit online, at the Mexican border, or at certain Mexican consulates in the United States. U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, and an entry permit issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración.

Law enforcement officers at the border can search your vehicle or your baggage without any reasonable suspicion or your permission provided the searches are routine. If your property contains contraband or evidence of a crime, the law enforcement officers at the border can take that property away.

Mexican law requires that any vehicle operating on federal roads carries third-party liability insurance to provide coverage for damage caused in an at-fault accident. As stated earlier in this page, your US insurance policy will not cover your vehicle while driving in Mexico.

Border crossing checklist

A valid driver's license. A current passport for everyone in the vehicle. Vehicle registration. Proof of insurance coverage.

Should you travel without travel insurance? ›

When Is Travel Insurance Not Necessary? You generally don't need travel insurance if you're not putting down large non-refundable trip deposits, or if your U.S. health plan will cover you at your destination.

What does travel insurance cost? While travel insurance costs vary, the average is somewhere between 4-12% of your total trip cost*. If you're on the fence, then consider this: an emergency situation can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but the insurance plan might be a fraction of your trip cost.

So, can you buy Mexican car insurance at the border? The answer is yes, but there are some things you should know before you go. First of all, it is important to understand that Mexican law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance from a Mexican insurance company.

A U.S. auto insurance policy won't cover you in Mexico, and you could be jailed if you are in an accident while driving uninsured there. You can buy a short-term Mexican auto insurance policy to make sure you're covered during a brief visit.

It is better to think of this as covering only your vehicle losses in Mexico, but it cannot cover your financial responsibility to others (liability). Mileage restriction - Generally, U.S. auto policies have a mileage restriction into Mexico (usually between 25-100 miles).

Private health insurance:

Heath insurance for expats from a local Mexican company. You buy private health insurance for a local company in Mexico, but you will not be covered if you decide to go back to the US for a visit or if you travel abroad. Health insurance for expats with international coverage.

Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the U.S.

Yes, you can get car insurance for foreigners in the U.S.A. To do so, they typically need a valid foreign driver's license and, in some cases, an IDP may be required.

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.