Mexican Auto Insurance Cost Explained
If you’re planning a road trip south of the border, you may not be aware that your American automobile policy is not valid there. Mexican authorities do not recognize either U.S. or Canadian vehicle policies, not even from locations close to the country like Phoenix or San Ysidro.
To make sure that you are covered in case of an accident, it’s necessary to purchase a Mexican car insurance policy. It will protect you against unanticipated losses during your travel. Given that Mexican auto insurance is required by the law, you will also avoid getting into trouble with their authorities.
You may be wondering how much Mexican car insurance costs. Here’s what you need to know.
Mexico's car insurance cost
The cost of your Mexican car insurance will depend on many factors. The value of your vehicle, the length of your stay, and the limits of liability you choose will dictate the price of your insurance policy. Mexico’s auto insurance policies usually come in daily, weekly, six-month, or annual pricing packages.
If your trip lasts about 25 days or you’re planning to visit the country several times in the following months, it’s more cost-effective to buy a six-month or annual insurance policy. It’s best to consider all your options and then decide which one suits you most.
As each case is unique, the easiest way to know how much your Mexican insurance will cost is to obtain a quote online. On the Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance website, you can get your free quote within minutes.
Factors that affect the cost of Mexican car insurance
We already mentioned a few factors that insurers take into consideration when determining how much they’ll charge you for coverage. Listed below, you can see individual circumstances that affect the cost of car insurance in Mexico.
- The duration of your stay
- The destination (which part of the country you intend to visit)
- The year, make and model of your vehicle
- The cash value of your vehicle
- Whether you’ll be towing something (a boat, a trailer, etc.)
- Car driver details and their driving record
- The type of coverage
What Mexican car insurance covers
Unlike a regular U.S. auto insurance policy, a Mexican tourist car policy doesn’t provide such wide coverage. It is a Named Peril policy, which means that only what is specifically termed as covered can be covered in case of an accident. Nothing more and less than that.
Five basic risks to standard Mexican tourist auto insurance include:
- Collision, Upset, and Glass Breakage
- Fire and Total Theft
- Property Damage Liability
- Bodily Injury Liability
- Medical Expenses
Oscar Padilla Mexican insurance policies also include Legal Services and Bail Bond as an added bonus.
The length of your stay south of the border can modify the term of your policy. The longer the duration of your trip, the higher the premium. Also, the type of coverage preferred may affect the rate and get you some additional benefits in the event of a loss.
Entering with a leased car
If your car is leased or financed, you will not be allowed to enter the country without the permission of your leasing company or lien holder. So don’t let it surprise you. Get an affidavit if your car is leased and buy your Mexico insurance online. Then pack your suitcase, take your passport and let your road trip adventure begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does car insurance work in Mexico? ←
Mexico has strict policies when it comes to car insurance. When driving on their territory, it’s important to pay attention to their laws and regulations. Read More
Don’t drive around the country if your vehicle is not insured.
What happens if you get in a car accident in Mexico? ←
If you end up in an accident south of the border, the usual legal procedure requires you to show proof of your Mexican auto insurance to the police. Read More
If you’re unable to cover the damages of the accident either with your policy or out of pocket, you could end up in jail until the situation is sorted out.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Mexico? ←
Driving without coverage is not only a bad idea for safety and financial reasons, but it’s also illegal. Read More
You could experience trouble with the law, significantly high fines and a lot of stress.
Does my full coverage insurance cover me in Mexico? ←
A full coverage policy from a reliable provider like Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance will have you covered and protected in case of an accident or any other unforeseen circumstances with your vehicle. Read More
Just make sure that you’re getting car insurance made specifically for driving in Mexico.
Buy your Mexican car insurance at a reasonable cost←
Equip yourself with the proper auto insurance protection and purchase your Mexico car insurance policy before the trip. Read More
You can buy it online through a trustworthy provider, such as Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance. This is the easiest and the best way to do it.
Otherwise, you’ll end up having to buy your policy at the border. This may not be the best solution, since the cost of Mexican insurance at the border is several times higher. A policy purchased in advance will be cheaper and more reliable. Also, you wouldn’t want to waste any minute of your upcoming vacation on what you could have done beforehand.
