Mexico offers travelers so many wonderful
things, like incredible cuisine, breathtaking views, and amazing cultural
experiences. One of the best ways to enjoy all that Mexico has to offer is to drive,
take in the countryside, the laid-back way of life in much of the country, and
be open to deviating from an itinerary. Driving along the Western coast of
Baja, through the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe, or through the ruins and
colonial cities of the Yucatan Peninsula, offers some of the best of Mexico. No
matter where you plan to drive or why you need to know what happens if you
don’t have car insurance in Mexico.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Car Insurance in
Mexico?
Many travelers, possibly yourself included,
often take chances when preparing for trips. When purchasing plane tickets, do
you also purchase the ticket insurance “just in case?” What about when booking
hotel rooms or purchasing theme park tickets in advance? Do you pack extra clothing
in a carry-on for those extra long airport stays that can pop up unexpectedly?
Although all of these choices can result in an inconvenience or lost funds,
they don’t generally carry the possibility of jail time. However, getting
caught by the police in Mexico without Mexican car insurance can cost you not
only a hefty fine but could also land you in jail with your car impounded. That
is quite a significant price to pay when purchasing Mexican car insurance would
cost much less and keep you out of jail. It’s also important to note that while
some American car insurance policies may cover your vehicle a short way over
the border, it will not be valid for Mexican authorities.
Are Mexican Car Insurance Policies
“One-Size-Fits-All?”
As a matter of fact, many
Mexican car insurance policies have several coverage options allowing you to
customize the policy to suit your needs. The base coverage that is required by Mexican law is a Liability Only Policy, although most minimum Liability Limits are enough to cover the cost of any damages you cause to other people and/or property, any damages to your vehicle will not be covered. If you want to protect your vehicle, you must purchase a Policy that includes Comprehensive & Collision Coverage. Most policies include Medical Coverage for Occupants of your vehicle as well as roadside assistance and legal assistance. Additionally, there are usually options available for different time periods as you wouldn’t need coverage for six months if you’ll only be there a day, a few days, a week or two. However, if you live close to the border and believe you will drive into Mexico frequently, you can certainly purchase annual policies which will save you a lot of money and time.
Is It Difficult to Obtain Mexican Car Insurance?
No, it is quite easy to purchase Mexican car
insurance! You will need some basic information from your Vehicle Registration
Card as well as your Drivers License, and can purchase your policy in just a
few minutes online. The following information will be required:
- Make, model, and year of the
car you will be driving
- The value of your car
- Where in Mexico you’ll be
driving
- Your length of stay
- Will anyone be driving the car
other than you
See? You’ll only need to provide basic
information and you can have a very important pre-travel requirement taken care
of before you head to Mexico!
Other important considerations include obtaining
a vehicle import permit, as well as your driver’s license from the U.S., and
your passport. It’s always essential to have all of your documents in order
before traveling to make the process as smooth as possible. After all, no one
wants to begin or end their vacation with a big border crossing headache.