Road Tripping Through Mexico: A Lively Guide To Mastering Mexican Auto Insurance
If youre planning to drive a car through Mexico, youre in for the road trip of a lifetime. The culture is colorful, the landscapes are breathtaking. But before you hit the road, you owe it to your brain and your vehicle to get the right coverage.
Understanding Mexican Auto Insurance Requirements
Whenever a person drives a car in Mexico, one of the first things that person needs to have to comply with local insurance regulation is liability insurance. Specifically, drivers from the US or Canada must buy this type of policy from an insurance company that is licensed in Mexico since Mexican law dictates that every vehicle driven in this country must have this type of insurance for the driver to be legally compliant while driving in Mexico.
Essential Coverage Options
Comprehensive and collision coverage is another option. Comprehensive pays for damages that arent due to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, and storm damage. Collision pays for the damage done in a collision with another car or object. Both coverages absolutely need to be purchased and they are relatively cheap.
Choosing the Right Insurance Provider
You should be prepared with Mexican auto insurance before you depart. Research the best, highly recommended auto insurance companies, and request free quotes online so you can compare offers, in order to get the best price and service. Choose an auto insurer with a top rating by an independent financial firm as well as rave reviews from customers.
Factors to Consider
Selecting your limits of coverage can be done with a close eye on the replacement value of your vehicle as well as your personal financial situation. In most cases, youll pay a higher premium for higher coverage limits, but with the peace of mind of having more security in case of a serious accident.
Proof of Financial Responsibility
Drivers in Mexico must prove that they have the financial means to pay for damage they cause in a collision. You need either an insurance coverage or deposit of cash, which will guarantee that you have the means to pay for any damages you cause in an (hopefully unlikely) accident. Thus, the insurance proof of financial responsibility.
If your insurance policy is in a language other than Spanish, I would strongly suggest that before entering Mexico you get an insurance agent of yours to translate it and copy it in Spanish. I would never drive in Mexico without my copy of the translated policy at arms length.
Safety Precautions
Beyond buying adequate insurance, drive safely and securely. Read up on Mexican traffic laws, travel with necessary safety supplies on board, and consider splurging on a good GPS unit or downloading offline maps to your smartphone. As long as proper precautions are taken, including purchasing adequate insurance, driving through Mexico should be worry-free. And the memories made along the way will last a lifetime.
So strap yourself in, point the car in the right direction and experience all that Mexico has to offer; its landscapes, but also its culture and cuisine. Safe travels!