Car Insurance for Mexico: What You Need to Know
Buying Mexican car insurance is necessary if you’re going to drive in Mexico. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip.
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Written bySarah Archambault
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Experienced personal finance writer
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
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Edited byAshley Cox
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Updated October 20, 2024
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Table of contents
Whether you fly into Mexico and rent a car or drive across the border in your own car, you need to have the proper car insurance if you want to drive legally. You can’t use a standard U.S. policy in Mexico, even if you’re just taking a day trip to Baja, California.
Some insurers, like USAA and The Hartford, offer endorsements that cover you in Mexico. But this coverage is usually limited to driving a short distance from the border and doesn’t meet Mexico’s legal requirements. Before you head to Mexico, you’ll need to buy temporary Mexican car insurance if you plan to drive.
Quick Facts
Mexico law requires liability insurance, and you could be arrested or face fines and penalties without proper coverage.
U.S. insurers like AAA, Allstate, and GEICO partner with Mexican insurers to offer coverage.
If you rent a car in Mexico, you can usually purchase insurance from the rental agency, and your credit card may offer some international coverage, too.
Do you need car insurance in Mexico?
Yes, you need car insurance in Mexico. Whether you rent a car or drive your car over the border, you need to secure Mexican insurance or you risk arrest.[1] Americans need car insurance if they want to drive in Mexico.
“The legal minimum requirement is a third-party liability policy," explains Zach Lazzari, owner of Cross Border Coverage. “For rental cars, the rental company typically sells the policy or recommends an agent. For private vehicles with U.S.-based registration, Mexican insurance is mandatory and is easy to purchase.”
You also have to have a valid driver’s license to drive in Mexico. Your U.S. driver’s license is valid in Mexico. If you drive a non-rented car, the owner of the vehicle you’re driving in Mexico must be present in the car.
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Where to buy car insurance for Mexico
When it comes time to buy Mexican car insurance before your road trip, Lazzari explains that you have options.
“U.S. car insurance does not cross the border with the vehicle,” he says. “The vehicle owners must purchase a policy issued by a Mexican insurer.”
Some digital agencies make it easy to purchase a policy online before your trip. Insurers like GEICO and Progressive sell insurance for road trips to Mexico. If you don’t buy insurance before you leave, you may be able to buy an insurance policy at a border crossing.
Best car insurance for driving in Mexico
Whether you’re planning to visit Mexico for a short trip, cross the border regularly, or are planning an RV trip, you’re required to have a Mexican insurance policy. Without it, you could face legal trouble with Mexican authorities if you’re in a car accident.
Here are some of Insurify’s top picks for Mexican tourist insurance.
AAA: Best for AAA members
AAACompare personalized, real-time quotes
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 830 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | NR |
If you’re a member of AAA, you can automatically qualify for a discount on one of its Mexico car insurance policies from Mexican insurer Grupo Nacional Provincial. Members can save up to 15% on their premiums and up to 25% on policy fees. You can buy coverage for a day trip or up to one year.
Pros
Extended coverages available, including theft, physical damage, medical expenses, liability, and legal assistance
15% discount for AAA members
Covers vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, and trailers
Cons
Boats and personal watercraft only covered when on a trailer
$500,000 coverage limit
Limited to AAA members in California, New Mexico, and Texas
GEICO: Best for high coverage limits
GEICOCompare personalized, real-time quotes
| User Reviews | 3.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0/10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $55/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $121/mo |
GEICO partners with third-party insurers — like Grupo Nacional Provincial and El Aguila Compañía de Seguros — to offer Mexico car insurance. You can buy up to $1 million in liability insurance that can help protect you on your trip to Mexico. GEICO offers a few types of coverage you can choose between, including physical damage, theft, vandalism, gap insurance, and medical payments.
Pros
Daily, six-month, and annual policies
Dedicated support team
Coverage of up to $1 million
Cons
Must insure ATVs and UTVs separately
Doesn’t cover boats and personal watercraft
No rental car coverage
Read more driver reviews of GEICO
Narasimha Rao - October 20, 2024
Verified
Not Value for Money, Always Extra Charges
Initially, it was shown that the monthly cost would be 'x' value. However, it has now increased to 'x+20', 'x+30', 'x+40', which is inconsistent.
Patti - October 20, 2024
Verified
Very Expensive Insurance
Their rates have become unaffordable.
Ronald - October 20, 2024
Verified
GEICO
The service is good, except for the frequent price increases.
…
Progressive: Best for customizable packages
ProgressiveCompare personalized, real-time quotes
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 819 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4/10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $79/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $138/mo |
Progressive offers three types of Mexico car insurance policies: basic, standard, and extended. As a bonus, all forms of MexPro coverage through Progressive come with roadside assistance, which can help give you some extra peace of mind when driving in Mexico.
Pros
Three coverage options
All packages include roadside assistance
Dedicated support team and toll-free number
Cons
Vehicles older than 20 years only qualify for liability coverage
Doesn’t cover boats and personal watercraft
Low customer satisfaction
Read more driver reviews of Progressive
Jeffrey - October 20, 2024
Verified
Just Tell Me the Truth, Not What I Want to Hear
I had insurance with them for 12 years. When my new car arrived, it wasn't what I ordered, so I had to reorder. I was without a car for 62 days. When I was scheduled to pick up my car, I called to put insurance on it. However, they told me my policy was cancelled. I got my new car, but it had the wrong options. I called again and informed them that I had sold my old car and wanted to put the policy on the new car when it arrived in 45 to 90 days. They said it was no problem and to call back when the new car arrived. 55 days later, I was informed that my new car would be arriving in 7 days. However, they told me that my policy had expired and could only be reinstated within 30 days. The new insurance was twice as high with higher deductibles. Someone ran into my parked car while it was turned off and I wasn't in it. With the new insurance, I had a claim. I was told I had accident forgiveness, but that didn't apply to the new policy. My renters insurance was $458 and the renewal was $888. It was time to leave them.
Janet - October 20, 2024
Verified
The first three years were good. Then, I asked for a discount due to my good driving record and also because I turned 70. Now, I need a snap device to get a discount. My rate went from $276.00 to $188.00.
The first three years were good. Then, I asked for a discount due to my good driving record and also because I turned 70. Now, I need a snap device to get a discount. My rate went from $276.00 to $188.00.
Robin - October 20, 2024
Verified
Unsatisfactory Experience
When I first got Progressive, it was for liability on one car, and I paid over $100. When I inquired about removing the car or what to do since I no longer had that car, I was told it would be cheaper to cover just me. Surprisingly, it was more expensive, and I was told I couldn't go back to the cheaper policy. Then, I tried adding my new car with full coverage, and it was over $300. I am very unhappy with this experience.
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Insurify reviewed a variety of car insurance companies when choosing the best options for Mexico car insurance. We considered factors like coverage limits for Mexico car insurance, policyholder benefits, customer service and financial strength ratings, and more.
How much Mexican car insurance coverage should you get?
Mexican law requires liability insurance when driving in Mexico, and the required amount may be different from how much vehicle insurance coverage you need in the United States. Requirements vary when you travel to different Mexican states, but it’s generally advisable to secure $300,000 (MXN$5,784,195) to $500,000 (MXN$9,640,325) worth of insurance.
It may be also wise to buy higher policy limits if you’re unsure about the exact amount you need. Many Mexican auto insurance policies go up to $1,000,000 (MXN$19,280,650). Mexican tourist insurance typically covers the following but can vary by insurer and policy:
Physical damage and theft
This type of coverage helps pay for damages due to collisions, falling objects, hail, and glass breakage and can protect you if your car is stolen.
Bodily injury and property damage
Third-party liability coverage helps pay for bodily injuries and property damage when you’re the at-fault driver.
Medical expenses
This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, like ambulance fees or hospital bills, if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.
Legal assistance
If you’re involved in an accident in Mexico, this coverage can help with professional services, like bail, court costs, and legal representation.
Gap coverage
Gap insurance helps cover the difference between your car’s value and what you still owe on your loan or lease if the vehicle is totaled.
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Rental car insurance coverage in Mexico
Renting a car in Mexico follows the same general process as renting a car in the United States. Popular car rental agencies that operate in Mexico include ABA Seguros, El Aguila, GNP Seguros, and Qualitas.
You still must have a form of valid liability insurance when driving a rental car in Mexico. Most rental agencies provide policy options when you’re renting a car. While you must purchase liability insurance for a rental car, it may be a good idea to purchase optional coverages that help pay off any damages to the rental car itself.
Some credit card companies offer a form of insurance coverage for rental cars, though the company may not have everything you need. When driving internationally, this type of insurance is better for covering any gaps the policy you purchased has, as it usually only kicks in after you exhaust your primary coverage.[2]
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Other things to consider while driving in Mexico
Here are some tips to keep in mind while driving in Mexico:[1]
Have a valid U.S. driver’s license. Don’t forget to pack your driver’s license. You’ll need a valid U.S. license in order to drive in Mexico.
Research driving routes. Learn which routes are safe to take and which you should avoid. Poorly maintained, unsigned, and hazardous roads can put you in danger and potentially lead to a claim.
Know how to contact roadside assistance. Accidents can happen wherever you are. Make sure you know how to access roadside assistance in Mexico before you get behind the wheel. It’s also a good idea to have a list of local emergency phone numbers written down.
Have the right supplies. Pack a map and spare tire, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the gas tank so you never run out.
Mexico car insurance FAQs
To help you prepare for your trip to Mexico, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Mexico car insurance.
Does your U.S. insurance cover your car in Mexico?
No. Your American insurance policy won’t satisfy insurance requirements in Mexico. You can ask your American insurance company if it works with any third-party Mexican insurance companies, and if you can purchase a special policy that covers you in Mexico, or if you should purchase a short-term policy from a Mexican agency.
What insurance do you need to drive your car in Mexico?
You need a Mexican liability insurance policy from a licensed Mexican car insurance company to drive in Mexico. Your U.S. policy alone won’t cover you in the event of an accident in Mexico. You need to confirm you have the right type and amount of car insurance coverage before driving in Mexico.
Does AAA cover you in Mexico?
If you have AAA car insurance, you won’t be able to use it in Mexico. But AAA sells temporary Mexican car insurance policies through a partnership with Grupo Nacional Provincial. Policies cover bodily injury and property damage liability, theft, physical damage, medical expenses, and more. While the company has partnerships with some foreign motor clubs, motorist services like roadside assistance aren’t available in Mexico.
Can you get American car insurance on a car registered in Mexico?
No. You can’t get American car insurance on a car registered in Mexico, even if you keep the vehicle in Mexico. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a policy from a Mexican insurance company.
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Sources
- U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs. "Mexico."
- III. "Rental car insurance."
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Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out how to manage their finances and credit. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans. Her work has been featured on Credit Karma, Experian, LendingClub, Sound Dollar and USA Today Blueprint. She also writes for national insurers, banks and financial institutions like Aetna, MassMutual, Stripe, and UnitedHealthcare.
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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