Car Insurance for Mexico: What You Need to Know
Buying Mexican car insurance is necessary if you’re going to drive in Mexico. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip.
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Whether you fly into Mexico and rent a car or drive across the border in your own car, you need to have the proper car insurance if you want to drive legally. You can’t use a standard U.S. policy in Mexico, even if you’re just taking a day trip to Baja, California.
Some insurers, like USAA and The Hartford, offer endorsements that cover you in Mexico. But this coverage is usually limited to driving a short distance from the border and doesn’t meet Mexico’s legal requirements. Before you head to Mexico, you’ll need to buy temporary Mexican car insurance if you plan to drive.
Do you need car insurance in Mexico?
Yes, you need car insurance in Mexico. Whether you rent a car or drive your car over the border, you need to secure Mexican insurance or you risk arrest.1 Americans need car insurance if they want to drive in Mexico.
“The legal minimum requirement is a third-party liability policy," explains Zach Lazzari, owner of Cross Border Coverage. “For rental cars, the rental company typically sells the policy or recommends an agent. For private vehicles with U.S.-based registration, Mexican insurance is mandatory and is easy to purchase.”
You also have to have a valid driver’s license to drive in Mexico. Your U.S. driver’s license is valid in Mexico. If you drive a non-rented car, the owner of the vehicle you’re driving in Mexico must be present in the car.
Where to buy car insurance for Mexico
When it comes time to buy Mexican car insurance before your road trip, Lazzari explains that you have options.
“U.S. car insurance does not cross the border with the vehicle,” he says. “The vehicle owners must purchase a policy issued by a Mexican insurer.”
Some digital agencies make it easy to purchase a policy online before your trip. Insurers like GEICO and Progressive sell insurance for road trips to Mexico. If you don’t buy insurance before you leave, you may be able to buy an insurance policy at a border crossing.
Best car insurance for driving in Mexico
Whether you’re planning to visit Mexico for a short trip, cross the border regularly, or are planning an RV trip, you’re required to have a Mexican insurance policy. Without it, you could face legal trouble with Mexican authorities if you’re in a car accident.
Here are some of Insurify’s top picks for Mexican tourist insurance.
AAA: Best for AAA members
GEICO: Best for high coverage limits
Progressive: Best for customizable packages
Insurify reviewed a variety of car insurance companies when choosing the best options for Mexico car insurance. We considered factors like coverage limits for Mexico car insurance, policyholder benefits, customer service and financial strength ratings, and more.
How much Mexican car insurance coverage should you get?
Mexican law requires liability insurance when driving in Mexico, and the required amount may be different from how much vehicle insurance coverage you need in the United States. Requirements vary when you travel to different Mexican states, but it’s generally advisable to secure $300,000 (MXN$5,784,195) to $500,000 (MXN$9,640,325) worth of insurance.
It may be also wise to buy higher policy limits if you’re unsure about the exact amount you need. Many Mexican auto insurance policies go up to $1,000,000 (MXN$19,280,650). Mexican tourist insurance typically covers the following but can vary by insurer and policy:
Rental car insurance coverage in Mexico
Renting a car in Mexico follows the same general process as renting a car in the United States. Popular car rental agencies that operate in Mexico include ABA Seguros, El Aguila, GNP Seguros, and Qualitas.
You still must have a form of valid liability insurance when driving a rental car in Mexico. Most rental agencies provide policy options when you’re renting a car. While you must purchase liability insurance for a rental car, it may be a good idea to purchase optional coverages that help pay off any damages to the rental car itself.
Some credit card companies offer a form of insurance coverage for rental cars, though the company may not have everything you need. When driving internationally, this type of insurance is better for covering any gaps the policy you purchased has, as it usually only kicks in after you exhaust your primary coverage.3
Other things to consider while driving in Mexico
Here are some tips to keep in mind while driving in Mexico:1
Have a valid U.S. driver’s license. Don’t forget to pack your driver’s license. You’ll need a valid U.S. license in order to drive in Mexico.
Research driving routes. Learn which routes are safe to take and which you should avoid. Poorly maintained, unsigned, and hazardous roads can put you in danger and potentially lead to a claim.
Know how to contact roadside assistance. Accidents can happen wherever you are. Make sure you know how to access roadside assistance in Mexico before you get behind the wheel. It’s also a good idea to have a list of local emergency phone numbers written down.
Have the right supplies. Pack a map and spare tire, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the gas tank so you never run out.
Mexico car insurance FAQs
To help you prepare for your trip to Mexico, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Mexico car insurance.
Does your U.S. insurance cover your car in Mexico?
No. Your American insurance policy won’t satisfy insurance requirements in Mexico. You can ask your American insurance company if it works with any third-party Mexican insurance companies, and if you can purchase a special policy that covers you in Mexico, or if you should purchase a short-term policy from a Mexican agency.
What insurance do you need to drive your car in Mexico?
You need a Mexican liability insurance policy from a licensed Mexican car insurance company to drive in Mexico. Your U.S. policy alone won’t cover you in the event of an accident in Mexico. You need to confirm you have the right type and amount of car insurance coverage before driving in Mexico.
Does AAA cover you in Mexico?
If you have AAA car insurance, you won’t be able to use it in Mexico. But AAA sells temporary Mexican car insurance policies through a partnership with Grupo Nacional Provincial. Policies cover bodily injury and property damage liability, theft, physical damage, medical expenses, and more. While the company has partnerships with some foreign motor clubs, motorist services like roadside assistance aren’t available in Mexico.
Can you get American car insurance on a car registered in Mexico?
No. You can’t get American car insurance on a car registered in Mexico, even if you keep the vehicle in Mexico. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a policy from a Mexican insurance company.
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