Learn About Automobile Insurance in Mexico
If you are traveling to Mexico by car, you should know that your U.S. insurance for your vehicle will not come along with you. You will need to buy a separate policy for Mexico. You can easily obtain it online, through a trusted authorized provider, such as Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance.
If you know the basics but still have a few doubts that need clarification, read on. Here are some common questions regarding Mexican automobile insurance for tourists.
A Liability-Only Policy Isn’t Enough
Mexican law requires that all motorists have proof of financial responsibility in case of an accident. If you are from San Diego, you need to have the proper insurance evidence to show authorities, given that U.S. or Canadian policies are not recognized in Mexico.
You will at least need liability-only Mexican auto insurance for tourists. If you are found legally responsible, it will cover the damages you caused to other parties up to the limit on the policy. However, you, your vehicle, and your other passengers don’t get that coverage. This is why a liability-only policy will not get you the optimal protection.
The liability amount depends on the Mexican state and can go as high as $300.000 or even more. You should take this into consideration when purchasing your automobile insurance for Mexico. For peace of mind, it’s best that you get the maximum coverage.
Mexican automobile insurance has you covered
Mexican car insurance for tourists is a Named Peril policy. Only what is stated in the policy as covered can be covered in case of an accident. Depending on the policy you choose, you may also have coverage for medical expenses, damage to your car or total theft, etc.
Five basic risks included in a standard policy are:
-
Collision, Upset, and Glass Breakage
-
Fire and Total Theft
-
Property Damage Liability
-
Bodily Injury Liability
-
Medical Expenses
Oscar Padilla’s Mexican automobile insurance policy for tourists includes Legal Services, Bail Bond, Uninsured Motorist, and Unlimited Labor Repair Rate as an added bonus.
Essential rules for cars rented in Mexico
You should know that vehicles rented in Mexico are not eligible for the policies sold in the U.S. In this case, you will need to get your policy when you arrive in Mexico, which can easily double the rental price. Also, make sure that you read the fine print to check what exactly the policy covers.
On the other hand, you can get coverage for a vehicle that is rented in the U.S. and buy your Mexican auto insurance for tourists before you set off.
Obtain a permit and get your Mexican auto insurance
If your car is leased or financed, you need to contact your leasing company to see if your contract terms permit you to drive your car across the border. This means that you can obtain Mexican car insurance for tourists only if you get permission first. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter Mexico.
We offer ample flexibility to make adjustments
If you contacted Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance, completed your policy transaction and now need additional time for coverage, you can make the necessary adjustments before the first policy takes effect. The minimum term of coverage is 24 hours.
You can also acquire another Mexican car insurance policy for tourists for the additional day or days. Just make sure that your policy starts at the exact time your first policy ends.
The third option would be to cancel the first policy and purchase another one with the period of coverage you need. In this case, you need to call 800-466-7227 to authorize the cancellation. Your first policy will be refunded.
Keep the U.S. driver at the wheel
You don’t have to name all the drivers on your policy. Name the registered owner or the primary driver if the owner won’t be accompanying the car to Mexico. Your vehicle will be covered as specified on your automobile insurance policy as long as the driver driving through Mexico has a valid license.
However, it is prohibited by Mexican law for any Mexican resident to drive a vehicle with Canadian or U.S. plates. Should this happen and you get involved in an accident or pulled over by the police, your car can be impounded. Mexican auto insurance for tourists will not cover the costs of recovering your vehicle.
Simple & streamlined process for making a claim
The process of making a claim is much the same as the one you use with your U.S. auto insurance provider. In case of a loss, you need to report it immediately so that the claims adjuster can start the investigation. Also, if your policy covers it and you need auto repair, contact your claim handlers so they can set up an appointment with a repair shop.
Keep in mind that in case of an accident in Mexico, your claim has to be filed before you return to the U.S. You should immediately call the number included on the instructions page, which is a part of the policy, and follow further instructions.
Get your automobile insurance in Mexico from a reliable provider
Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance is the oldest and largest exclusive Mexican insurance provider. It represents Qualitas Compania de Seguros, Mexico’s leading Tourist Auto Insurance carrier.
If you are looking for a reliable service, Oscar Padilla can get you the coverage you need. Get a free quote on our website, buy your Mexican car insurance for tourists and print your policy in no time, before you hit the road.
For any questions you may have that are not answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us at (800) 466-7227.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Mexican car insurance is valid? ←
The first step is to check the expiration date on the policy. If the policy has expired, then it’s no longer valid and you will need to purchase new automobile insurance for tourists. Read More
Even if the policy hasn’t expired yet, it’s still important to check for any updates or changes that may have been made since you purchased it. These changes could invalidate your policy, so it’s always best to double-check before setting out on your trip.
How much does Mexican car insurance cost? ←
Rates may vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of coverage you need, the vehicle you're insuring, and your driving history. Read More
The best way to get an accurate estimate of your Mexican auto insurance for tourists is to request a quote from a reputable insurer. Once you provide some basic information about yourself and your vehicle, you'll be able to get a sense of how much your policy will cost.
How do I make a claim on my Mexican car insurance? ←
If you end up in a situation where you need to make a claim on your policy, the process is fairly straightforward. First, you'll need to file a police report detailing the accident. Once that’s done, you'll need to submit a claim form to your insurance company. Read More
Be sure to include all relevant documentation, such as the police report and any bills or receipts for repairs. Once your claim is processed, you'll receive compensation for damages up to the limits of your policy.
Do I need to buy Mexican car insurance in advance? ←
While you can sometimes buy Mexican auto insurance for tourists at the border, it's usually cheaper and easier to buy it in advance. Read More
Make sure to buy from a well-established provider with experienced staff.
Where can I buy Mexican car insurance? ←
At Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance, we offer a variety of insurance packages that are specifically designed for travelers to Mexico. Read More
Whether you're looking for liability coverage, comprehensive protection, or something in between, we can help you find the right policy for your needs. You can reach out to us for any questions or concerns about your policy. Don't wait until it's too late - get your Mexican car insurance for tourists today.
