10 Things to Know about Mexican Auto Insurance

1) If you are planning to drive in Mexico, you need Mexican auto insurance. If you drive in Mexico without valid insurance and you are stopped by the police, your car will be impounded and you may be detained.

2) At the very least, you must have liability insurance for your car, truck, motorcycle or RV, and the insurance policy must be issued by a Mexican-based insurance company.

3) Always carry a copy of your insurance policy with you in your automobile.

4) There are American and Canadian insurance companies that will issue "Mexican insurance coverage," including collision and comprehensive coverage, but insurance issued by companies outside of Mexico is not legally valid in Mexico. And Mexican auto insurance is not valid in countries other than Mexico.

5) Mexican auto insurance can be purchased through numerous websites and is relatively inexpensive, starting at about $5 per day. Policies can last for a day, a week, six months or a year. Policies can be downloaded from your computer and printed at home.

6) It is a good idea to purchase the same amount of insurance in Mexico as you would in the U.S. or in Canada.

7) Although Mexico has "Green Angles," roving trucks that provide free roadside help to stranded motorists, it is a good idea to purchase roadside assistance with your insurance policy.

8) If you are involved in an auto accident, Mexican police with impound your car and take you into custody until they can determine who is at fault. If you cannot provide proof of at least Mexican liability auto insurance, you will be prevented from leaving the country even in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

9) Different Mexican insurance companies offer different levels of coverage. While liability coverage (for bodily injury and property damage to parties other than the insured) is the minimum required, it is a good idea to also have coverage for:

a) Total theft of the car and physical damage to the car, including fire, explosion, collision and acts of God such as hurricanes, earthquakes and windstorms. Vandalism is not included under this coverage but towing costs usually are.
b) Medical expenses for the auto's occupants, covering costs of injuries incurred in the event of a covered loss.
c) Legal and travel assistance, in addition to roadside assistance, which will provide 24-hour help as needed. A bilingual hotline phone number will be provided.

10) Before driving in Mexico, make sure you fully understand what is included in your auto insurance policy. Not having the right coverage can land you in jail and cause criminal charges to be filed against you. And in Mexico, you are guilty until proven innocent.