Driving into Mexico can be a great way to save on car rental costs and give yourself some added flexibility during your vacation. But while your driver’s license is valid south of the border, your auto insurance probably isn’t.
To make sure you’re properly covered during your travel plans, you’ll need to purchase a separate Mexico car insurance policy.
A separate policy for a simple vacation? You bet.
Luckily, the trusted insurance broker
and quote comparison app Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about car insurance
in Mexico. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Do you need car insurance in Mexico?
Yes, you need car insurance if you're driving into Mexico.
Mexico doesn’t recognize American car insurance policies and driving in the country (or any country!) without the right coverage leaves you open to serious liability
. If you get into an accident
, Mexican authorities may arrest you and impound your vehicle until the matter is addressed. You could also be on the hook for any repair costs, medical bills, or legal fees. Getting car insurance for your trip to Mexico is an easy way to make sure your vacation is as enjoyable and worry-free as possible.
How much does Mexico car insurance cost?
Depending on your needs and the duration of your road trip in Mexico, you can typically find daily, 6-month, or 12-month policies. Generally speaking, Mexican car insurance policies are cheaper than American ones.
Here are some quotes for cars worth $15,000 with optional full coverage, including $300,000 of liability insurance.
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How to buy Mexican car insurance
You can purchase Mexico car insurance policies the same way you purchase your regular American car insurance policy—through a reputable insurance company.
Some large US-based insurance companies have relationships with Mexican insurance companies that specialize in international policies.
When you’re ready to purchase car insurance to travel to Mexico, here’s what you’ll need to provide the insurance company:
Basic information about the car you drive—make, model, year, VIN, and license plate
The type of coverage and limits you want
How long you’ll be in Mexico
Where you’ll be in Mexico
If you have any underage drivers (under 21)
If you’re towing anything (an RV, for example)
Jerry
can help you find the right coverage and make it easier to buy. The app will present you with the top quotes and take care of the paperwork once you decide which one best fits your needs.You’ll get the coverage you need and can use the savings to enjoy a few extra micheladas on the beach!
What type of coverage do you need in Mexico?
Liability insurance is mandatory in Mexico, and driving without it is illegal
. You can usually add other benefits, as well, including rental car insurance
and roadside assistance. The amount you’ll need to pay if you get into an accident while you’re driving in Mexico and someone is injured varies depending on where you are.
Different states have different laws, and where you’re driving will impact how much liability insurance you will need.
The general recommendation is $300,000 of third-party liability damage coverage.
It’s worth noting that if you don’t carry this coverage on your American insurance policy, you won’t be able to add it to your Mexican one.
Does U.S. car insurance work in Mexico?
Though you can use your American driver’s license while in Mexico, your car insurance policy will not be valid when you cross the border. Most standard policies do not extend coverage to driving in Mexico.
Some companies do offer an endorsement for coverage in Mexico. If you live in a border state like Texas, California, or Arizona, it’s definitely worth asking your insurance company.
Which companies offer car insurance to travel to Mexico?
Many of the major American insurance companies offer coverage that you can purchase for the duration of your time in Mexico. Be sure to check with your insurer that you’ll be able to remove it when you return to the US.
The following companies provide additional coverage that you can purchase to travel to Mexico:
GEICO’s
Mexico Tourist Auto Policy coverage includes standard and extended options:Allstate
offers Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance to adults over 21 that hold a similar policy in the US. Coverage includes:Physical damage and theft
Liability: bodily injury and property damage up to $500,000
Medical payments for the policyholder and passengers
Legal assistance after an accident
Medical evacuation after an accident
You can purchase coverage through Progressive
for cars, motorcycles, and RVs. They offer three tiers of coverage: Basic: liability, travel assistance, medical, roadside assistance, legal assistance
Standard: basic coverage + collision and theft
Extended: basic and standard coverages + vandalism, partial theft, domestic repair, and fixed deductibles
Like Progressive, Liberty Mutual
insures cars, motorcycles, RVs, and other towable vehicles. Their coverage includes: Third-party liability ($300,000 to $500,000)
Optional fixed deductible
You can also find Mexican car insurance through AAA
, Esurance
, and Costco
. Rental car insurance in Mexico
If you’re not driving your own car and instead choose to rent through a rental agency, you can often purchase insurance through them.
You can find most major rental agencies in Mexico, including Avis, Hertz, Alamo, National, and Enterprise.
Since third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Mexico, you will not be allowed to rent a vehicle without it. This individual coverage is available at a daily cost of around $15 per day.
Additional individual coverages like collision, medical, roadside assistance, and zero deductible are available at a daily cost—or you might choose to purchase a protection package.
Most rental companies offer basic protection and total protection packages that give you complete peace of mind during your stay.
You may also wish to check if your credit card offers rental car insurance. You’ll want to read the terms and conditions, though, as many provide the collision damage waiver but do not cover liability insurance.
How to find cheap car insurance if you’re traveling to Mexico
For cheap Mexico car insurance, your best bet is to comparison shop. And if there’s coverage available to you, Jerry
can help you find it! Jerry is a personal insurance broker that lives in your pocket. But don’t worry about buying tiny office furniture—Jerry is an app!
Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. The best part? It’s absolutely free.
With Jerry on your side, you know you’ll get the coverage you need for a relaxing, worry-free vacation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Mexican car insurance cost?
Similar to your regular car insurance policy, the cost of Mexican car insurance will depend on a variety of factors—your driving record
, the type of car you have, the coverage you need, and the length of your policy. Most insurance providers offer daily, 6-month, or 12-month Mexico car insurance policies. You can expect to pay anywhere from around $200 to $500 for your premium. It’s often more cost-effective to go with a longer-term policy than a daily one.
What do I need to get a Mexico car insurance policy?
You’ll need to provide the insurance company with your US car insurance policy number and information about when and where in Mexico you’ll be traveling.
If you’re driving your personal vehicle into Mexico, you’ll also need to share the following information:
The make, model, year, and current value of your vehicle
Your license plate number
How do I file a claim for an accident in Mexico?
Hopefully, you don’t get into any accidents during your stay—but if you do, it’s relatively straightforward to file a claim.
Just like in the US, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider in the event of an accident. The company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and you will likely need to file a police report.
Your insurer will let you know what documents and information you need to provide and will offer support through the claim process.
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