13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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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 legally drive in Mexico. Though a standard U.S. car insurance policy typically won’t cover driving in another country, some insurance providers make exceptions for Mexico.
When you set out on your trip, it’s important to make sure you have the right coverage. But even if you have coverage back home, Mexico requires car insurance through a Mexican insurance provider.[1]
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.[1]
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Where should you buy Mexican car insurance?
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 Mexican auto insurance companies
While you can buy coverage through a Mexican insurance company, taking care of your coverage closer to home may be easier for you. Some American auto insurance providers offer car insurance that you can use when driving in Mexico through third-party Mexican car insurance companies. Here are the top car insurance companies that offer car insurance for Mexico:
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
830
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
If you’re a AAA member, you can automatically qualify for a discount on one of its Mexico car insurance policies. Members can save up to 15% on their premium and up to 25% on policy fees. You can choose between buying coverage for just the dates of a specific trip to Mexico, or you can buy six-month or annual policies.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.2
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
833
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.
$62/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
Founded by Sears department store executives in 1931, Allstate offers auto, home, motorcycle, ATV, renters, condo, and term life insurance. Operating in all 50 states, the company has superior ratings from A.M. Best for financial strength and credit. However, Allstate has many negative reviews on consumer websites, and a slightly higher-than-average complaint rating in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Consumer Complaint Index. Allstate offers many discounts, including for good students, multiple policies, bundling auto and home insurance, new vehicles, safe driving, and good payment history.
Pros
Well-established with superior ratings from A.M. Best
Pay-per-mile option available
Cons
Low customer satisfaction
Rates are merely average compared to other insurers
I've been with Allstate at the Welsh agency for the past 5 years and the service has been very good. However, since the retirement of my agent, I haven't had the same personal experience with the Carlisle agency and am considering switching to another company.
James - April 23, 2024
Verified
Recommend Allstate
Other than continually raising my rate, I consider them very good.
James - April 22, 2024
Verified
Good
Very good but expensive.
…
Through Allstate, it’s possible to buy an auto insurance policy designed to support tourists older than 21 in Mexico. Allstate offers various coverage options, including:
Physical damage and theft
Bodily injury or property damage you cause to others
You can buy up to $500,000 in coverage for bodily injury or property damage coverage for damage or injuries you cause. This policy can apply to rental cars if you rent the car in the U.S. and drive it into Mexico.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.2
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835
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.
$54/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.
$119/mo
A highly recognizable name in car insurance, GEICO is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The company started out as the Government Employees Insurance Company, serving U.S. government workers and military personnel. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO also sells homeowner, flood insurance, life insurance, business insurance, and identity protection, among other products. A.M. Best gives GEICO its highest rating for financial stability and credit. However, GEICO has nearly twice as many complaints as expected in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.
Pros
Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers
Accident forgiveness available
Cons
High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs
No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available
Everything was very good until I purchased a new car and my insurance premium skyrocketed!
Bradford - April 23, 2024
Verified
Average
The prices kept going up, which is not good for retirees.
George - April 23, 2024
Verified
We Trust Our Provider and Seek Comparison for Costs!
The reason we are checking rates is for comparison. Your survey lacks options that apply to us. If we have had no claims, how can we rate that? If there are no comparisons, how can we rate value or comment on costs? We are not dissatisfied with GEICO. We are just checking rates.
…
GEICO is another American insurance company that partners with third-party insurance providers — like Grupo Nacional Provincial and El Aguila Compania de Seguros — to offer Mexico car insurance. You can buy up to $500,000 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, and medical payments. You also have the option to customize your deductible and can choose a low deductible amount. To help make driving abroad less stressful, GEICO has a dedicated Mexico insurance team who can help you get the right coverage and file claims. Free roadside service is also available 24 hours a day when you buy this policy.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.3
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
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.
$115/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.
$247/mo
Owned by PGC Holdings Corp., an affiliate of American Family Insurance, The General is an provides auto insurance to high-risk drivers and those with poor driving records. The company also sells homeowners, renters, life, pet, and other types of insurance. Available discounts include bundling, good student, multiple drivers, and more. The General has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and a slightly higher than expected number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index. The company also has an A rating from A.M. Best, indicating it’s financially stable.
Pros
Competitively priced options for high-risk drivers or those with violations
The General Insurance partners with ABA Seguros, SA de C.V.; ACE Seguros, S.A. de C.V.; and Grupo Nacional Provincial to offer Mexico car insurance to U.S. drivers. The following coverage is automatically included in your policy:
Liability: Up to $300,000
Medical payments: Up to $25,000
Legal assistance: Up to $25,000
Roadside assistance: Coverage levels vary
You also have the option to add physical damage/total theft and partial theft/vandalism coverage to select policies.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.8
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
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.
$97/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.
$205/mo
In business for more than 100 years, Liberty Mutual offers auto, homeowners, condo, renters, flood, life and other insurance products. Policyholders have access to numerous discounts, including bundling, good student, military, student-away-at-school, claims-free, violation-free, and multi-car discounts. Liberty Mutual has an A rating for financial strength from A.M. Best and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, the company has three times the expected rate of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index, and low ratings on consumer review sites Trustpilot and Sitejabber.
Pros
Wide range of available discounts
Accident forgiveness available
Cons
Many negative reviews and customer complaints
Premiums are relatively high compared to industry average
They are cheaper than anyone else. Comparing with other companies, even through your company, seems like a joke.
Christine - April 20, 2024
Verified
I Want to Trust My Insurance Salesman
I hope that Liberty is truthful about their car insurance. They promised that after three months, I would receive mileage credit as I drive less than 50 miles a month.
Gregory - April 18, 2024
Verified
Changing Carriers!!!
Always get prices in writing. My price increased by 60% for no apparent reason. I've had the same vehicle for 2 years and suddenly the prices increased by 60%. I'm definitely switching carriers!!!
…
Liberty Mutual offers customizable packages for Mexico car insurance, including coverage for RVs, SUVs, motorcycles, and more. Liberty Mutual partners with MexPro to make sure you get the coverage you need to drive legally in Mexico during your upcoming trip.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.9
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
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.
$81/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.
$143/mo
Although its founding in 1937 makes Progressive comparatively young, it is among the largest car insurers in the U.S. The company offers car, home, renters, commercial, and other types of insurance. Progressive customers can enjoy savings by bundling their car insurance with another type of Progressive policy – typically homeowners or renters. Available discounts range from multi-policy and multi-car discounts, to the Snapshot save driver discount. Progressive has an A.M. Best rating of A+ for financial stability. However, the company has a slightly higher-than-expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.
Pros
Rewards for good drivers
Numerous coverage options and discounts available
Cons
Higher-than-expected amount of complaints
Ranked 11 out of 15 companies in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking
This is a very good insurance company; they don't try to rob you.
Angie - April 22, 2024
Verified
Expensive
It's getting more expensive every time.
…
Progressive offers three types of Mexico car insurance policies:
Basic: This level of coverage comes with liability, travel assistance, legal assistance, and medical payments insurance.
Standard: This mid-tier Progressive Mexico car insurance includes collision and theft coverage in addition to the basic coverage.
Extended coverage: On top of the coverage that comes with basic and standard coverage, you gain access to coverage for vandalism, partial theft, United States repair, and fixed deductibles.
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 on the road in Mexico.
How much Mexican car insurance coverage should you get?
When getting ready to drive in Mexico, you’ll want to make sure you buy a Mexican liability policy.[2] How much liability insurance you need when driving in Mexico may be different than how much vehicle insurance coverage you need in the United States. Different states in Mexico have varying liability insurance requirements, but it’s generally advisable to secure $300,000 to $500,000 worth of insurance.
Do some research on liability coverage requirements in the areas you’ll drive in to make sure you have enough coverage. It may be wise to buy higher policy limits if you’re unsure about the exact amount of coverage you need.
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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. Lazzari says that some 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, according to Lazzari.
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.[3]
Here are some tips to keep in mind while driving in Mexico:
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.[1]
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?
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 providers, 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.[1]
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.[1]
How much is car insurance to go to Mexico?
How much car insurance for Mexico depends on the type of coverage you want, how much liability protection you choose, and how long your visit is, among other factors. You can shop around to find the right car insurance policy to meet your needs and your budget when traveling to Mexico.
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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