Be aware! Your north of the border insurance STOPS at the border. You will need to obtain Mexican car insurance to cover your vehicle while driving in Mexico.
Care Insurance in Mexico Mandatory
Mandatory automobile liability insurance became law in Jalisco October 4, 1999. Vehicle insurance in Mexico is similar to north of the border. Full coverage includes collision, fire, total theft, glass (subject to deductible) and liability insurance. One major difference is the amount of liability insurance; you will find the coverage needed to be lower than back home as the court rewards are much lower. Many policies also include accident protection, road service (i.e. towing) reimbursement. Focus recommends that you get full comprehensive coverage when traveling to and driving in Mexico.
No matter what the coverage you choose, be sure the policy includes legal and adjuster coverage. This is absolutely invaluable if you are involved in an accident. Small fender benders normally are settled with an offer to pay cash – could be $50 to $200 US., depending on the damage and your negotiating skills.
If you have an accident involving injury, you will need legal representation and an Adjuster’s service. In these cases, it is normal that the vehicle(s) be impounded until fault is determined. Your Lawyer will look after your legal rights and arrange a bond. The Adjuster will look after your vehicle so it gets repaired and returned to you as promptly as possible.
Make sure your policy covers direct payment by the Lawyer of any bonds required.
Some companies only offer re-imbursement, which is useless if you don’t happen to have the cash on hand and cannot get it immediately locally. (Credit cards don’t often work; remember Mexico is a cash society.) Note! If your car has a financial lien against it, it will be necessary to get written permission from the lender in order to bring it into Mexico.
The following documentation is required in order to obtain insurance:
- Title of the vehicle (registration)
- Driver’s license of all persons to be insured on the policy
- Either a Passport, FM3 or FM2
- Address outside of Mexico
| Source: http://www.mexpro.com |
Included in all Mexican liability insurance coverage policies:
- Civil Liability -This coverage protects you in the event you cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties. Coverage is available up to $300,000 U.S. Combined Single Limit for damages you do to others. BEWARE OF OTHER MEXICO INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO USE LOWER SPLIT LIMITS, I.E. 40/80/40. Lower split limits reduce the amount of payment for certain types of losses.
- Guaranteed Bond and Legal Assistance - Our policy will pay to assist you in the event you need to deal with Authorities following a covered cause of loss. BEWARE OF OTHER MEXICO INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO DO NOT INCLUDE THIS COVERAGE IN THEIR PROGRAM.
- Travel Assistance - Our policy includes certain types of travel assistance, including medical assistance, tourist information, vehicle towing, etc. MOST OTHER MEXICO CAR LIABILITY INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOT OFFER THIS SERVICE.
Click here to see details on our special travel coverage
- Medical Expense for Occupants - Our policy will pay medical expenses of the driver and occupants of the vehicle in Mexico for injuries sustained in a covered cause of loss. Mexico car liability insurance coverage is available up to $5,000 for each injured party but not more than $25,000 for all occupants combined. Not included in MOTORCYCLE policies.
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Optional Physical Damage Coverages:
- Property Damage to Your Vehicle - This coverage includes Collision, Turnover, Fire, Lightning, Explosion, and certain meteorological events, among other coverages. Note that "Comprehensive" coverage as known in the U.S. is not available in Mexico.
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Total Theft - This coverage includes Total Theft of the vehicle. Note that partial theft coverage is not available from most Mexican insurers.
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{About MexPro: One of the leading MGA's in the market representing companies such as Grupo Nacional Provincial (AM Best rated A 9), GE Seguros (a subsidiary of General Electric), as well as Zurich Mexico and ANA Seguros.}
Have a good trip - drive safely