Going to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know About Car Insurance
If you’re getting ready for a Mexican travel adventure, there are a few important considerations to have in mind. In particular, you need to inform yourself about auto insurance Mexican policies and relevant legal guidelines. If you don’t know whether a car insurance policy is necessary when going to Mexico, you should research this topic in detail to avoid unpleasant situations with authorities.
With a valid insurance policy, you can travel to Mexico City or explore some other beautiful regions in the country without worrying about paying a fine for not having insurance. Such insurance will make your travel experience much safer and more enjoyable.
Does my car insurance cover Mexico?
One of the main questions that travelers have when visiting Mexico is whether their current car insurance policies are valid in this country. It’s essential to know that Mexican authorities do not recognize American or Canadian car insurance.
Therefore, you will need to apply for a Mexican insurance policy that will cover you when you enter the country. You should take some time to research where you can get Mexican auto insurance. This will also enable you to learn more about the necessary information you need to provide, daily insurance rates and some additional issues that might concern you.
Is Mexican car insurance necessary?
Mexican laws stipulate that all motor drivers need to have a relevant Mexican insurance policy. Therefore, applying for Mexican car insurance is a requirement according to the country’s legal regulations.
According to Mexican financial responsibility law, all responsible individuals involved in any type of car accident must incur damages or injuries. This can be realized through a monetary payment or Mexican car insurance policy.
In addition, it’s important to note that although Mexican and American laws are quite similar, the difference lies in the manner of application, which often brings about confusion and misunderstandings. Namely, if you’re involved in an accident in Mexico, you will be held guilty until proven innocent unlike in the U.S., so having a relevant car insurance policy will definitely be helpful.
Acquiring insurance doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow some of the essential road safety tips outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Possible consequences of not having Mexican car insurance
To understand the importance of having a relevant auto insurance policy, you should know that Mexican authorities are usually quite strict to travel transgressions. If you get involved in a car accident and are proven responsible, you will have to pay for all the expenses incurred, which may amount to even $500,000. If you are not able to pay for the damages or an accident results in a serious injury or fatalities, there’s a possibility that you will be incarcerated.
What does Mexican insurance cover?
When it comes to insurance, the scope of coverage may vary depending on the policy you opted for. Therefore, when applying for Mexican auto insurance, you’ll be able to choose from several options.
You should keep in mind that Mexican insurance is based on a Named Peril policy. This means that your insurance will cover only the damages and situations explicitly stated in the policy you choose.
Choosing a policy that will meet your needs is simple and time-efficient nowadays. Most trustworthy and authorized insurance providers give their clients an opportunity to apply for insurance online. You can just fill in the necessary information, choose a desired policy and get a quote.
Liability coverage
According to Mexican insurance laws, you need to have at least a liability coverage policy. This type of coverage will insure you in case you cause an accident. Any damages to the other party or injuries that the other party and their passengers experience will be covered under the liability coverage policy. If you’re found responsible for an accident, your insurance policy will cover the expenses.
It’s important to note that this type of policy won’t cover any additional expenses such as the damages you experienced.
Standard Mexican auto insurance
You can choose a standard Mexican insurance policy with most providers. The standard policy is quite comprehensive and it will cover you in case of five basic risks. These risks include:
Collision, Upset, and Glass Breakage
Fire and Total Theft
Property Damage Liability
Bodily Injury Liability
Medical Expenses
Some insurance providers like Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance will also include certain bonuses, such as Bail Bond and Legal Service.
What about rental or leased vehicles?
Insuring a rental or leased car brings some additional considerations that you should be aware of.
When it comes to cars rented in Mexico, your Mexican auto insurance that you applied for in the U.S. won’t be valid. Instead, you will need to insure it in the country while a car rented in the U.S. will be covered by your existing Mexican insurance policy.
As for leased cars, you will need a notarized permission document to prove that the legal owner, leasing company or lien holder has leased the car to you. You will need to have this document on you while traveling through Mexico. Your existing insurance will cover the car and the policy will be made out in both your and the owner’s name.
Should all drivers be named on the policy?
If you have several fellow companions, you don’t have to name all the conceivable drivers on the policy. Instead, you can name two individuals who are likely to be driving the most, but you should definitely name the primary driver. In addition, if you’re not the registered owner, you should name them, as well.
Do you need auto insurance? Contact Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance
Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance is an authorized insurance provider of Mexican insurance, as well as the pioneer in the industry. You can apply for a Mexican auto insurance policy for your next trip to this beautiful country and enjoy your travel worry-free. We offer affordable rates that you can check via our online booking platform.
Feel free to contact us for any additional information that you might need and start planning your Mexican travel adventure!
