Do I Need Mexico Car Insurance?

When it comes to Mexico car insurance there are a number of misconceptions regarding its importance. Many believe that "no insurance" means you will get a slap on the wrist, pay a $20 fine to a police officer, and then be on your way—because it is Mexico.

Unfortunately this is not the case. There are many important reasons to be sure you are properly covered in Mexico, but here are the most important.

1.  It is the Law!

Despite what many people think, Mexico car insurance is required by law. In the US each state has "state minimum limits" and people without insurance face fines and confiscation of vehicle (depending on the state).

Mexico is instituting similar laws. In fact, on January 1, 2019 Mexico made it mandatory that all vehicles traveling on federal highways have a minimum of third party liability insurance coverage.

In the US when there is an accident, insurance information is exchanged, and we go on our way. In Mexico, things are slightly different, and an accident means facing a local judge who determines fault.

What if I'm found at Fault?

When one possesses limited to no knowledge of the legal system in Mexico, sitting in front of a judge can be intimidating, even for Spanish speakers.

The bottom-line is that not having insurance can equal a fine, or worse, jail time. This is why seasoned Mexico visitors call Mexico insurance the "get out of jail free card."

2.  Your US Policy Does Not Cover You in Mexico

Some people believe they will be covered by their US auto insurance policy. This belief is flawed in a couple ways.

When you look at a US auto policy you will usually see language that is similar to the following:

The policy territory is:

The United State of America, its territories or possessions;

Puerto Rico; or

Canada

This policy also applies to loss to, or accidents involving, "your covered auto" while being transported between their ports.

What this means is that US policies specifically exclude coverage for anywhere outside of the US, Puerto Rico, or Canada.

There is an endorsement that would include Mexico, but it is extremely limited and usually has the following language:

Auto Accidents in Mexico are subject to the Laws of Mexico, not the laws of the United States. Under Mexican Law auto accidents are considered a criminal offense as well as a Civil Matter.

The coverage we [your US insurer] provide you by this endorsement does not meet Mexican Auto insurance Requirements.

You are required to purchase liability insurance through a licensed Mexican insurance company for this endorsement to apply.

In addition, this endorsement usually limits coverage to 25 miles. While this may vary by company, the fact that there is a limitation creates a problem. One minute you could be covered, and within a mile you could be out of coverage.

One final thought; let's assume for a second that we did have a US carrier that insisted they were able to provide coverage in Mexico. How would they provide claims service? How would they deal with the unique legal system? What kind of infrastructure do they have to get you out of jail, repair your car or any of the other things insurance does for us? The truth is they can't; US insurers really aren't capable of providing you with what you need when it comes to Mexico insurance.

There are several other reasons to buy Mexico insurance including protecting your own car, travel assistance, or providing medical payments for the occupants of your vehicle in the event of an accident. When it comes down to it, though, the most important reason is that it is the law and your US policy doesn't have anything to offer.

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©1999 - 2024 Mexpro - Mexico Insurance Professionals • DBA Mexico & RV Insurance Services • CA License Number 0D06599 214 East Birch Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001  +1-928-214-9750 • Site Map • Privacy Policy

©1999 - 2024 Mexpro - Mexico Insurance Professionals • DBA Mexico & RV Insurance Services CA License Number 0D06599 • 214 East Birch Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001  +1-928-214-9750 Site Map • Privacy Policy

©1999 - 2024 Mexpro - Mexico Insurance Professionals DBA Mexico & RV Insurance Services • CA License Number 0D06599 214 East Birch Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001  +1-928-214-9750 • Site Map • Privacy Policy

©1999 - 2024 Mexpro - Mexico Insurance Professionals DBA Mexico & RV Insurance Services CA License Number 0D06599 214 East Birch Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 +1-928-214-9750 Site Map • Privacy Policy

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