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Driving Your Car into Mexico: What Do You Need? A Checklist

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:57:35 -0700

Driving your car to Mexico for tourism or business purposes is an everyday activity for Americans. However, forgetting to acquire auto insurance while driving in  México for protection in case of an accident is very common. Car accidents are an event from which no one is exempt. Therefore, you should always prepare so that if one should occur, you are protected. This is just one of the reasons why buying auto insurance for Mexico is necessary. Besides being able to drive on Mexican roads with the security of being protected, there are more benefits to having an auto insurance policy.

Required Documents and Paperwork

One of the most common questions American citizens ask is, what do I need to drive my car into Mexico? Crossing into Mexico is not as complicated as it seems, although as with countries such as Canada, it is necessary to have the required paperwork to take the car to Mexican soil. To answer the question, “What do I need to drive my car into Mexico?” The first part will be to show the documents that prove that you own the car, that is, the car's registration in your name, or that you have permission to drive in Mexico by the legal owner. Some of these required documents are:

  • Valid U.S. Passport.
  • Vehicle registration.
  • Ownership title of the vehicle.
  • DMV payment receipt for vehicle registration and insurance.
These requirements answer the question: what do I need to drive my car into Mexico?

Mexican Auto Insurance

Once you answered, "what do I need to drive my car into Mexico?" It is time to purchase Mexican auto insurance because not having auto insurance could make you subject to several fines, which could worsen in case of suffering some kind of car accident. Another reason it is necessary to have one is that, in this way, you avoid making significant expenses in car repairs or in case you need assistance. Obtaining this insurance is very simple; the first thing required is the necessary information about the vehicle. This type of insurance can be requested from the agency or by filling out the required info online. In either of the two options, you will have the opportunity to choose the type of coverage you wish to obtain, taking into account the characteristics of your vehicle. Some of the things you will need to get your car insurance for Mexico will be the number of days you will need, the type of coverage desired (Liability Only or Full Coverage), and the amount of money you are able to spend. Then you will be able to get a quote, and based on that, you can choose the options that best suit your needs.

Preparing Your Car for the Trip

Before any travel, knowing the answers to "what do I need to drive my car into Mexico?" and purchasing car insurance for Mexico will help you better prepare for driving on Mexican roads and highways. You must first do vehicle maintenance to ensure your vehicle has the safety measures to drive. In other words, make sure the car is in good condition. This type of check will ensure that there are no unforeseen events on the road or that hinder the journey, which consist of having liquid resources with gasoline, car oil, and water. In addition, of course, it must be ensured that the brakes have no failures and that the tires are in optimal conditions with the necessary air level. Having some other emergency preparedness is necessary to allow you a much safer trip. First of all, having a first aid kit with all the necessary medicines and sanitary materials is important. A spare tire in case it breaks down in the middle of the road and all the equipment required to change it. As if that were not enough, you should carry the car papers and any type of identification that proves your identity.

Crossing the Border

When crossing into Mexico, travel planning is necessary, starting by making a checklist of all the previously mentioned tips, such as the papers you must carry and the car inspections. During the crossing process, it is normal for the border patrol to ask certain questions to verify that the reasons for crossing do not have any illicit purpose, so it is recommended to answer all questions sincerely and calmly because it is very common that some people get nervous when crossing, especially those who travel for the first time.

Driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico can be a different experience since, in certain cities with a fast-paced lifestyle, some drivers can be abrupt in their driving. However, as in every country, it is important to know the laws and customs to avoid being subject to any kind of fine and to have travel safety. Some safety tips for driving in Mexico are to have your seat belt fastened at all times and keep the doors closed, as well as adjust your mirrors to allow you to have a good view of the cars behind or to the sides. In case of an accident, Mexico has the necessary measures to safely carry out the whole process, from auto repair to medical services.

Now You Know What You Need To Drive Your Car into Mexico

Knowing "what do I need to drive my car into Mexico?" is important to drive safely through these roads. Having everything prepared when making a road trip will allow that at the time of crossing the border, there is no unforeseen event such as incomplete paperwork or any other circumstance preventing you from crossing into Mexican soil. If you happen to cross these roads, you should take your Mexican auto insurance with you, and at AmigoMex, we are known for having one of the best mexico auto insurance policies on the market. We have different types of policies that perfectly fit your needs and rest assured in case of a claim, you will be properly guided to make sure you are well-taken care of. If you need more information, you can contact us through our phone number, in our offices, or directly from our website.

For any questions, please call us at (619) 428-4200 or visit us at www.amigomexinsurance.com to ensure you have a great trip to Mexico.