If you plan on driving across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, it is important to keep all your bases covered when it comes to car insurance. It’s already inconvenient enough getting into a wreck on your own familiar turf, but imagine being in the middle of a new-to-you place where the local dialect may not include intelligible English. You never know what could happen on your ventures, and being so far from home can make getting into a jam seem much worse than it might have on familiar ground. If you’re an uninsured motorist in Mexico not only will the fines skyrocket, you might also find yourself spending a few nights in the clink. Mind you, spending any time in a Mexican jail is not going to be the most fun you’ve ever had. Without insurance, legal proceedings will take a lot longer to go through, and your vacation may stretch well beyond your luxuriously planned trip. With the help of Mexican Insurance Store, a Mexican car insurance provider, we will tell you how to avoid this situation.
Do You Need to Buy Car Insurance When Traveling in Mexico?
Mexican law enforcement does not accept American insurance cards, so as soon as you cross that imaginary line your credentials will become invalid. In Mexico, it is mandatory to carry a legal liability policy to cover any damages in the event of an accident. This is known as financial responsibility. Many of us don’t have torrents of money right on hand to throw at any scenario that should arise, so you should go the route of acquiring proper vehicle insurance.
When you go ahead and purchase your policy, it can be accomplished in several different ways. If choosing to use a rental vehicle, some of the larger companies can provide insurance right there at the counter that will cover you while on your adventure. If you arrive at the border and still have yet to gain a policy, you may also have the option of buying one right there at the crossing, but beware as this could possibly cost you an arm and a leg.
If you are already enrolled in an insurance plan with an American company, they might have an option available for international policies, so be sure to check out their different plans before jumping in with a different company altogether.
Your insurance must be purchased through a company that is nationally registered and recognized in Mexico. There are insurance brands here in the U.S. that specialize in such things, and conveniently have all of the fine print written in English, which can be a big help when you’re about to sign legal documents. This is likely the best way to go about it, as you can go over everything with your own native-speaking agent, and some brands even offer extra coverage for things like a plane ticket to get back home.
If you are able to use your current insurance company, make sure that any extensions granted for your Mexican excursion are written down on paper by your agent.
How Much Coverage Should You Buy?
When purchasing insurance, it’s always a good idea to get a bit more than you’re likely to need. It is recommended to get $300,000 to $500,000 of coverage, which is more than usual for many with only liability insurance, but when traveling in unfamiliar areas, it never hurts to have that little extra.
If you happen to find yourself in a tight situation, having more money or financial backing at your disposal is clearly better than having less. Be advised: Mexican states all have different maximum liability limits, so be sure to check those out before you go.
How Much Does It Cost Compared to What You’re Paying Now?
Realistically, there is not a whole lot of difference between the cost of insurance in the U.S. vs Mexico, depending on how you choose to bundle your package. This will obviously vary depending on how much coverage you purchase, the payment plans you decide on, length of coverage needed, and so on. Many times, insurance for your travels will be offered in three different options: daily, semi-annual, or annual.
Even though you might only be headed south for a week, it’s a good idea to peruse these prices since sometimes you can buy daily insurance at anywhere from $16 to $200 per day or just get the annual for under $500, so be sure to weigh your options.
Being that there is no shortage of options for you to purchase your Mexican car insurance, there is really no excuse to not have coverage. By taking your time and being selective, you might be saving yourself, your travel partners, or your family a whole lot of trouble. Besides that, it’s illegal not to have coverage, so go ahead, spend the extra cash, and make sure your Mexican vacation is all it can be.