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. In addition to car insurance, the U.S. State Department recommends getting bail coverage — this is included on all Progressive Mexico auto policies through MexPro.
4 min to read
How to get temporary Mexico auto insurance
Progressive can provide you with appropriate coverage through MexPro, a specialized broker for Mexico auto insurance policies. Start your quote through us, and MexPro will help you find policies tailored to your travel plans that have all the coverage you need to be fully compliant.
How much does Mexico car insurance cost?
Temporary Mexico car insurance generally costs less than a standard policy in the U.S. Your Mexico car insurance cost will vary by insurer and be based on factors like your vehicle, how long you need coverage, and which coverages and limits you choose — much like standard car insurance cost factors. For example, the average daily rate for a Standard Coverage Mexico auto insurance policy from MexPro is $33.24 (includes liability, theft, and collision coverage),* while the average daily rate for a liability-only policy with $300,000 of coverage is $25.
MexPro offers varying periods of coverage, from one day up to a year. If you're planning a short-term trip to Mexico, you can get insurance coverage for just the period you'll be in the country. However, if you frequently cross the border for work or to visit family, you might consider a yearly plan that will protect you anytime you drive into Mexico. The cost per day of Mexican car insurance for tourists typically decreases the longer your Mexico trip is.
Get a Mexico insurance quote online or call 1-877-537-7878 to talk with a MexPro specialist.
How much is Mexican car insurance at the border?
Mexican car insurance at the border is typically far more expensive that purchasing a temporary Mexico policy ahead of time. So while it may be possible to get coverage at the border, you can save money and the hassle of purchasing at the border by getting a Mexico auto insurance policy ahead of your trip.
What kind of coverage do I need in Mexico?
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.Progressive Mexico Auto Insurance by MexPro can help you get the coverage you need. Consider the Mexico equivalent of these additional auto coverages when buying car insurance for your Mexico trip:
Collision
Theft
Travel assistance
Medical payments
Legal assistance
Vandalism
Roadside assistance
Some plans offer the option of repairing your vehicle in the United States if it's damaged in Mexico. This means the policy will cover additional labor costs associated with having your car repaired in the U.S.
Pro tip:
Research how much liability coverage is required in each of the Mexican states you plan to drive in. If you'll be traversing multiple states and one has a higher requirement for coverage limits, you'll need to get at least that amount.
What insurance documentation should I carry in Mexico?
When you purchase Mexico car insurance, you should receive a receipt, declarations page in English and Spanish, disclosures, claims instructions, roadside assistance instructions, and terms and conditions. Print a couple copies of everything except the terms and conditions, and take them with you.
Important note: Mexico authorities accept electronic documentation as proof of insurance, though it's suggested to have printed copies on hand. MexPro will email your documentation in one PDF document once you purchase a policy.
During your Mexico trip, carry one copy of your car insurance documentation when you're driving and keep one in a more secure place like your hotel safe. You should also be prepared to access a digital version. If you get in an accident or pulled over for a traffic violation in Mexico, show your documentation to the police as proof of insurance.
Find out the additional documentation requirements for driving into Mexico.
Rental car insurance in Mexico
If you rent a car in Mexico, you should consider buying insurance through the rental agency. You may find renting a car in the U.S. for a Mexico trip a little more difficult, since many U.S. rental agencies don't allow their cars to be driven into Mexico, or they may limit where you can travel to. If you do rent a car in the U.S. for a Mexico trip, you can buy coverage through the rental agency or check with your credit card provider to see if they offer coverage for rental cars in Mexico. Either way, make sure you research your rental and coverage options before making plans to avoid any travel headaches.
Is my car insurance valid in Mexico?
No, U.S. auto insurance policies aren't valid in Mexico. If you'll be driving in Mexico, even for a short time, auto insurance is required by Mexican law, and you could end up in jail if you're involved in an accident and don't have it. If you're found to be at fault, Mexican authorities could detain you until liability coverage for the necessary amount can be verified. Because of this, the U.S. State Department recommends adding bail coverage to your Mexico auto policy.
Learn more about international car insurance.
Quote Mexico auto insurance for your trip
- Or, call 1-877-537-7878
Learn more about Mexico auto insurance policies.
Have more questions? Browse articles by insurance type
See all articles by product
- Car insurance 435 articles
- Home insurance 157 articles
- Renters insurance 27 articles
- Condo insurance 7 articles
- Motorcycle insurance 56 articles
- RV/Trailer insurance 36 articles
- Life insurance 90 articles
- Pet insurance 21 articles
