Do you need extra car insurance for Mexico?
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.
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. If you plan on driving your own vehicle, contact your insurance provider about purchasing a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy.
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.
Mexico Insurance provides a customer with liability and asset protection necessary to be in compliance with Mexican law while visiting Mexico. Mexican law requires this insurance to drive into Mexico. Mexico insurance can only be purchased at the rental counter and not online.
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.
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.
The short answer to the titled question is yes, it is safe to drive in Mexico with US plates. No major issues will present themselves.
Travel insurance is not currently required for all of Mexico. However, travel insurance with medical coverage is required for visitors to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. This insurance is to protect travelers against any unforeseen medical event, including those derived from COVID-19 contagion.
- U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, and an entry permit issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración.
- Enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
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.
Does my insurance cover rental cars in Mexico?
If you are flying into Mexico and plan to rent a car, purchasing Mexican car rental insurance is one of the most proactive steps you can take to prepare for your trip to Mexico. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you are required to have liability coverage for your rental car in Mexico.
Most typical U.S. auto insurance policies will not cover Mexico. So, if you're heading south of the border, you'll need additional coverage for the family wagon. GEICO, for example, has partners that offer Mexico-specific policies for cars, RVs and motorcycles.
Your employer-provided health plan may have limited or no coverage in Mexico, and Medicare doesn't cover health care outside the United States, except in rare cases. Travel health insurance pays for emergency medical expenses during a trip.
Cheap travel insurance for Mexico
Worldwide travel insurance is considerably more expensive than domestic or European policies due to the potential medical costs in foreign countries. You can still find affordable cover, though. If you're travelling with your partner a couples travel policy could be cheaper.
Roadside assistance in Mexico is provided by Green Angels since 1960 when it was founded. Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes) is the Mexican version of AAA in the USA. Unlike in the US where AAA is a private organization, in Mexico, Green Angels is a government run organization and falls under the Ministry of Tourism.
Immediate Steps After an Car Accident in Mexico:
Stay calm and call 911. Check to see if anyone is injured or hurt, offer help, if possible. Get the names and addresses of all the drivers involved in the accident. Get the license plate numbers of all the vehicles involved in the accident.
In Mexico, right turns on red are generally allowed unless a sign indicates otherwise. Mexico City has implemented a new transit law which prohibits right turns on red.
What is the safest route to drive through Mexico? The all-time favorite route among casual tourists and surfing enthusiasts is the Pacific Route. It has the following advantages: It's well-maintained and has good infrastructure.
Even though you always have the right to remain silent, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may deny you entry to the U.S. or detain you for search and/or questioning. Agents may search any person, the inside of any vehicle, and all passenger belongings.
I have probably done more miles in Mexico than anywhere else and would therefore tell you, that yes, indeed, it is not inherently UNSAFE to drive in Mexico. If you want it to be safe, YOU will need to make it so. So watch out and be aware of what is going on.
Is travel insurance for Mexico worth it?
At the bare minimum, you'll want to have travel health insurance that applies if you become sick or injured during your vacation. Other types of insurance coverage can also make sense for travel to Mexico, including coverage for trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, missed connections and more.
If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them. Failing to declare carries a fine ranging from 20% to 40% of the exceeding amount.
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
If you're renting a car in Mexico, you will need to have a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of civil liability car insurance, and a valid credit card to reserve the rental and cover incidental costs.
You'll need coverage from an admitted and authorized Mexico Insurer to drive across the border. Our partner, MexPro, offers customizable coverage options to ensure you have the right insurance plan for your trip.
