American drivers go to Mexico all the time. In fact, the southern border is one of the most heavily trafficked zones in the world. From San Diego, CA to Brownsville, TX, thousands of drivers cross the border every day. Many do so on business, while others cross for vacation or recreational purposes.
Still, driving into Mexico presents driving risks. Many are just like the problems you face every day on American roads. Other niche risks come with the territory which you visit. Therefore, wherever you plan to travel, you need to have car insurance with you.
However, American car insurance policies do not protect you when you go to Mexico. You have to get a Mexican auto insurance policy. So, how do you get this protection? It comes in a lot of forms, and there are a lot of different ways to find a policy.
What’s Mexican Coverage?
Mexican and American car insurance laws differ. Therefore, the way the two insurance industries function are completely different as well. This is one reason why Mexican insurance law does not recognize American insurance.
When you drive into Mexico, your American car insurance becomes void. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you are free to go, nor would you want to be.
You need protection, first of all. Secondly, in most cases, Mexican law requires tourist drivers to carry auto coverage. Going without coverage raises your personal safety risks, and also makes you liable for breaking the law.
A Mexican car insurance policy comes with various types of protection. Some of these will look like American coverage, while others will not look familiar.
- Liability insurance: Can help you compensate third parties for the damage you cause them.
- Vehicle coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle following an accident or other hazards.
- Theft protection: Compensates drivers in case their car gets stolen.
- Medical payments coverage: Covers your medical costs following an accident.
- Roadside assistance: Have a breakdown? Use this coverage to protect you.
- Legal aid protection: Accidents in Mexico sometimes lead to detention by the authorities. This coverage can help you get legal assistance in case you need it.
- Travel expense protection: If you need help getting home, this coverage might pay for a rental vehicle, or even airline tickets home.
Your policy’s limits will align with Mexican law, but also your personal preferences. An agent who specializes in Mexican coverage will help you tailor coverage to your needs. In most cases, they can even make your coverage active only for the duration of your stay in Mexico.
You’ll need to look at the various avenues for your coverage. How do you do that? It will involve research, and a close attention to detail. Take a look at the pros and cons of each source.
Coverage from Your American Insurer
Mexican auto insurance comes backed by reputable Mexican insurance providers. This means that your American insurer might not be able to help you. You’ll have to get coverage from a provider that offers policies specifically in line with Mexican law.
In some cases, American insurance companies work with Mexican insurers to help Americans obtain travel policies. Don’t get confused. Most American insurers cannot supplement your coverage with policies of their own. However, they might be able to help you pinpoint specific Mexican policies. In some cases, they might even help you enroll in that protection. For example, you might be able to get insurance from Mexican insurers like:
- ACE Seguros
- Qualitas
- Atlas
- Zurich Danos
- Banorte
And more. Nevertheless, a provider like Progressive(R) or Geico(R) might be able to point you in the right direction.
Buying Coverage at the Border
Along the border, many insurance agencies offer auto policies for tourists and travelers. In some cases, you can obtain a policy up to the moment you cross the border. Whatever you do, you need to get coverage before you cross into Mexico. It’s illegal to try to travel without Mexican insurance.
If you decide to get coverage shortly before crossing, still think about your options. If you stop at an agency by chance, hold the agent to the same standards you would anyone else. Ask your agent to help you research the most affordable, yet comprehensive protection.
Getting Coverage from an Independent Agency
One of the best ways to get a Mexican auto insurance policy is with an independent agency. Many offers specific insurance options for cross-border travel. Sanborns Insurance Agency is one of those companies. We offer a full range of online services to help you research and buy a policy to your satisfaction.
We can compare the policy options of multiple insurance providers, and we’ll make sure the protection you receive offers ample protection. That’s why we recommend contacting us well in advance of your planned travel. It will give us time to help you find and enroll in a secure policy.
So don’t wait. Contact us today, and we’ll make sure you get Mexican auto insurance for your needs.
Also Read: Mexican Insurance: What You Need and Must Have