Just like in the United States it is illegal to drive in Mexico without Auto insurance. You’re probably wondering if your U.S. car insurance will work in Mexico and the answer is a bit complicated. While some U.S. insurance companies do offer limited coverage such as Collision and Total Loss, usually 30 to 50 miles south of the US border, Mexican law requires you to have Mexican car insurance, issued by a Mexico-based Insurance carrier, such as the policies offered by AmigoMexInsurance.com. So, even if you’re just crossing the border into any border town in Mexico such as Tijuana, Mexicali or El Paso, it’s best not to take the risk and cross the border without Mexican car insurance. You may think that driving in Mexico without Mexican auto insurance may not be an issue unless you’re involved in an accident, however, if you are at fault and responsible for any damages or injuries, the consequences could be very significant. You can be given a hefty fine beginning at $1,000 USD, your car can be impounded, you could end up in jail until any injured parties are released from the hospital or any property damages are paid, or a combination of these repercussions plus legal fees. Nothing ruins a trip like landing in jail, especially considering that you would remain in jail until the matter is settled. Even if you aren’t involved in an accident, but are caught by authorities without car insurance to Mexico due to a traffic infraction, you can still face a fine beginning at $200 USD. Also, depending on where you are in Mexico, English speaking authorities could be limited, making things a bit complicated.

The minimum required Mexican auto insurance liability limits in Mexico vary by State. We always recommend you purchase third-party-liability, with a combined single limit of $300,000 USD or more. This is because any accident that results in the death of an individual outside your vehicle could result in a payment of up to $300,000 USD. Additionally, significant damage to your vehicle or another person’s vehicle would likely cost more than the minimum coverage limit.

AmigoMexInsurance.com provides policies with proper coverage that meets the minimum required by Mexican law and more. AmigoMex provides comprehensive coverages such as collision, fire, total theft, bodily injury, property damage, uninsured motorist, medical expenses, legal defense, bail bond, and roadside assistance. Full Coverage and Liability-Only policies are available. Purchasing Mexican auto insurance online with AmigoMex is quick and easy, and your policy can be emailed immediately after your purchase online, saving you time and money.

Now that you’re aware that you need temporary Mexico car insurance and the requirements are according to Mexican law, where do you find adequate Mexican auto insurance? Mexican car insurance can be obtained online as well as through reputable Insurance Agencies throughout Southern California, Arizona and Texas. While you can certainly buy it in person from some Insurance Agencies, there are additional quick and easy alternatives where you can purchase your policy from the comfort of your PC, Mobile device or Tablet.

To purchase Mexican auto insurance you will need to have the following information available: Full name and address as well as date of birth. Additionally, you’ll need basic information for the vehicle you will be driving into Mexico such as the year, make, and model, the license plate number, the VIN number, your driver’s license number, and leasing information. You will also need to disclose if you will be towing anything and what it is, such as a boat. The insurance company will also need to know when you will be crossing the border into Mexico, the reason for your visit (business or pleasure), and any additional drivers of the vehicle. Of course you can always contact us and we’ll be happy to take this information over the phone and email your policy immediately.

In addition to temporary auto insurance for Mexico, traveling to any country comes with individual requirements to enter that country, and Mexico is no different. When you’re traveling to Mexico you will need a passport or passport card. Passport cards are the quickest method for re-entry into the United States and are recommended by the U.S. State Department.

You may need to obtain a vehicle import permit if you plan to travel outside of the free zone. You will not need a permit to travel in the States of Baja or Sonora either. To obtain a vehicle import permit, you can do so online, at the border, or at certain Mexican consulates. For additional information on vehicle import permits, please read our blog for the requirements. You will also have to pay a deposit that will be refunded upon your return. You should also carry your driver’s license with you at all times.

Travelers from the U.S. and Canada that are staying for less than 180 days are required to obtain a visitors permit into Mexico (FMM Card). Stays longer than 180 days will require a Mexican resident visa. An additional required form that you may not be familiar with is the Multiple Migratory Form, also called an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). You can obtain it online prior to your travel or you will have to get it at the border. It is extremely important to have this form on you at all times. You could be asked to present it randomly by authorities. If you don’t have it, you could face serious repercussions like being detained.

So there you have it! It is necessary and well recommended to purchase Mexican Auto Insurance to drive into Mexico. Fortunately, AmigoMexInsurance.com offers Mexican Car Insurance in San Diego and San Ysidro as well as the rest of Southern California, Arizona, and Texas. Backed by AIG and CHUBB, two US-based multinational Insurance carriers, and with more than 25 years of experience in the market, AmigoMex provides quality Mexico Car Insurance, including short-term Mexico Auto Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance. AmigoMex insures sedans, pick-ups, vans and SUVs, rental cars, motorhomes and motorcycles. Additional coverage includes legal assistance, medical expense reimbursement, roadside assistance and hotel lodging in case of an accident. AmigoMex also provides coverage in case you have an accident which leaves your vehicle in a Total Loss, or in case of Total Theft, our Policies provides transportation all the way back to your place of residence in the USA or Canada from any part in Mexico, via Auto, Bus or Airplane.

Now that you have the information you need to drive to Mexico, plan your trip ahead and look forward to all the great things Mexico has to offer. Whatever the reason for traveling - vacation, business, or medical - there is plenty to see and do to make your trip special. Having the correct documentation in order just makes it that much better. You can enjoy cultural excursions, beach strolls, amazing cuisine, and excellent medical and dental services in all of Mexico! Visit AmigoMexInsurance.com today to purchase your Auto Insurance for Mexico!

You’re probably wondering, “can I drive in Mexico with U.S. insurance?” While technically, the answer is yes, think about this - should you drive in Mexico with U.S. insurance? Although United States car insurance policies vary and offer a plethora of coverage options, if you are stopped by Mexican authorities for any reason or get into an auto accident in Mexico, U.S. car insurance policies are not valid. Because U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico, you will need to purchase insurance from a Mexico-based insurance company to legally drive in Mexico. Failure to have valid insurance can result in significant fines and jail time. Your stay in jail could be lengthy as you wait for the authorities to sort out an accident, determine fault, and you can ensure you are able to pay damages to the other party.

Also, because liability car insurance isn’t required in every area of Mexico, you could end up in a situation where the other driver may not have insurance either, but if you have your own insurance you will be able to pay to fix your car and depending on the policy you purchase, help with medical bills as well. Everyone is required, however, to have “proof of financial responsibility.” Insurance is an accepted form of proof, plus the additional bonus of having coverage for any losses you might have resulting from an accident.

Additionally, your car may be impounded, requiring a large payment to retrieve it, not to mention that much, if not all, of these proceedings will be in Spanish.

To purchase Mexican Auto Insurance, you will need some basic information, such as the make and model of your car, the value of your car, what coverage you want, how long you will be in Mexico, what part of Mexico will you driving in, will you be towing anything, and if any driver of the vehicle is under 21.

Not only do you need to buy Mexico-based car insurance, you probably need to get it quickly, right? Want to know how to get instant Mexico auto insurance? To get instant Mexico auto insurance, you’ll begin with filling in a few pieces of information to get a quote in seconds. Once you have done that, you will provide the insurance company with some more details to finalize the process. It is quick and easy to get Mexican-based car insurance so you can travel with peace of mind and focus on simply enjoying your time in the beautiful country of Mexico!

You can also purchase car insurance for Mexico before crossing the border. However, you can expect to pay a premium price as well as create an additional hassle for yourself when you’re really ready to just get started on your journey.

Temporary Mexican car insurance is simple and easy to get, but still offers a variety of coverage options. You choose how much coverage you want based on the value of your car and how much medical coverage you feel might be needed. An agent can help you determine how much coverage is best based on medical costs in Mexico. Basic coverage options will include a minimum liability limit and uninsured motorist coverage. Other options often include insurance coverage for theft, vandalism, roadside assistance, legal fees, and bail. Generally, it is suggested that you have a minimum of $300,000 USD worth of coverage. Remember, it is temporary, and should something arise during your travel, you would rather have paid a bit more and have enough insurance, than not have it and end up in a serious predicament.

Mexican car insurance is usually offered in different packages including daily, semi-annually, or annually pricing. You can choose how you want to pay for your car insurance to Mexico depending on how long you will be traveling in Mexico. How much does a car insurance for Mexico cost per day? If you’re only going to drive a few days and do not plan to return within the year, daily pricing may make the most sense for you. The price varies based on coverage amounts, however, generally, you can expect to pay about $23 USD for 1 day , or around $38-$55 USD for a weekend, whereas an annual policy is around $255 USD

Including Mexican car insurance, there are some other helpful things to know about driving in Mexico. Similar to driving in the United States, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. Stoplights work the same way in Mexico as well. However, be sure not to drive at night. Many roads are not well maintained and you could easily hit a large pothole, damage your vehicle, and potentially be stranded! Highways work differently than in the U.S. - including the prevalence of speed bumps and left-hand exits.

If you do run into trouble on the roads, call the Green Angels at 078. You will likely encounter wild animals on the road, please be sure to keep an eye out for them to keep from hurting them, or you. Just like in many places in the U.S. there are free highways and toll roads. The free highways, also called la libre, are not usually maintained as well as the toll roads, or la cuota. The free highways are also not patrolled as often by police so if you do run into a problem, help may take a long time to come. City driving can be an experience all on its own as drivers typically do not yield to pedestrians, drive in “lanes” that you may not normally consider a driving lane, or street signs being hidden or non-existent.