Adequate Auto Insurance for Your Mexico Road Trip (2024)

FAQs

Adequate Auto Insurance for Your Mexico Road Trip? ›

Liability car insurance is crucial when driving in Mexico

To have coverage while driving in Mexico, you need to buy a separate Mexico tourist auto policy. Mexico car insurance is competitively priced and offers customizable short-term or extended coverage options, including physical damage, liability, vandalism, partial theft, medical payments, roadside assistance, and more.

Personal Liability Insurance, also referred to as Third-Party Insurance, is mandatory when renting a car in Mexico. You cannot rent a car without this coverage. Although this is the only obligatory type of insurance, it's not always enough. In fact, it's highly recommended to opt for additional coverage.

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.

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).

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 agent.

Most United States auto insurance policies are invalid or very limited in Mexico. The Border Zone ends approximately 12 to 16 miles from the northern border of Mexico, with some exceptions. If you plan to drive beyond the Border Zone, also known as the Free Trade Zone, you'll need a Vehicle Temporary Permit (TIP).

The only type of coverage you're legally required to have in Mexico is liability, and you'll need to get it through a specialized insurer.

Whether you're driving your own vehicle or renting a car, you'll need to purchase a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy for your trip.

Extended protection: Many car rental companies in Mexico offer Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), which is an extended protection that increases the coverage from the 50,000 pesos included in basic insurance. SLI is not mandatory, but it may come in handy in case of an accident.

How much is Mexican car insurance per day? ›

How Much is Mexican Car Insurance Per Day? The costs average between $2 and $40 a day. The cost depend on several factors including type of vehicle, length of stay and the type of coverage you choose. You can purchase a policy for a day, a month, or a year.

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.

Mexico car insurance is competitively priced, with standard or extended coverage options—including physical damage, liability, vandalism, partial theft, medical payments, and emergency roadside assistance.

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.

Your Mexican auto insurance company will help you after a car accident. Be sure to contact them as soon as possible. Call the police first! Your Mexican auto insurance policy will provide you with bail bond insurance, as well as accident insurance if you purchased that coverage.

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.

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.

Mexico legally requires all drivers, including American tourists, to have liability insurance, and failing to purchase enough insurance could land drivers in jail should they cause an accident.

In other words, if you drive into Mexico beyond the border zones, it will be mandatory for you to get liability insurance (also called "third party liability") from a company based in the Mexican Republic.