If you have an upcoming road trip to Mexico, you’re probably already thinking about hotels, restaurants, destinations, and more. However, has the thought of buying specific car insurance for your trip crossed your mind? Like America, Mexico has specific car insurance laws and requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of coverage. In addition to being in accordance with the law, you also need car insurance to protect yourself and your passengers should any accidents occur. Learn why you need Mexican car insurance and secure quality insurance coverage before your big trip.
What Is Mexican Car Insurance?
Mexican car insurance refers to the type of coverage Americans need when traveling to Mexico, as the Mexican government doesn’t accept American car insurance. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Mexico for business or leisure, you need car insurance that’s specially tailored to Mexico’s rules and regulations.
Mexican Car Insurance Requirements
Mexican law requires all drivers and tourists on the road to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. That way, if you get into an accident, your liability insurance will cover any bodily harm or property damage the other party sustains. Like all liability insurance, Mexican liability insurance is meant to protect you against financial loss if you’re responsible for someone else’s injuries.
How Are Mexico’s Insurance Laws Different from America’s?
If you already know a thing or two about liability insurance, the above information may be old news. However, despite the similarities between American and Mexican liability insurance, Mexican insurance laws are still different from America’s.
For example, if you cause a fatal accident in Mexico, their insurance laws require you to pay a large fee in addition to the funeral expenses for the recently deceased. The price of the fee is the Mexican state’s minimum wage multiplied by 5,000, plus the funeral expense. In addition, depending on the judge, this fee can be multiplied by up to five times. Without car insurance, this could set you back quite a bit financially.
Additional Mexican Car Insurance Coverage Options
We know that you need liability insurance to visit Mexico, but most individuals opt for more comprehensive coverage to protect their assets on their trip. Comprehensive Mexican travel insurance can include the following:
- Medical expense coverage—covers medical treatments for you or your passengers should you get into an accident.
- Travel assistance coverage—like roadside assistance, it pays for car repairs and other services if your car breaks down, you run out of gas, or you get stranded on the side of the road.
- Legal assistance coverage—pays for your legal expenses should you be involved in a car accident and get sent to court, including an attorney, court costs, and bail.
- Physical damage and theft coverage—pays for your car if it’s stolen or damaged on the road.
Visiting Mexico with a Leased Vehicle?
If you’re leasing a car, you’re going to need a “letter of permission” to take the car into Mexico before you cross the border. Most leasing companies require comprehensive coverage on their financed vehicles, so ask your leasing office about their insurance requirements before purchasing a policy, then remember to show them proof of insurance to get the necessary documentation before your trip.
Mexican Car Insurance from The General
Protect yourself and your passengers with a Mexican insurance policy from The General’s partners. We’ve teamed up with trusted partners to bring you Mexican car insurance policies that give you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your trip. Get a free insurance quote today in under two minutes or read tips for crafting the perfect road trip (to Mexico or otherwise) on our insurance blog.
