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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Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault
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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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Ashley Cox
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
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Updated October 10, 2024

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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 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

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JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
830
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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

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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
Barbara - October 10, 2024
Verified

Great company with high price!

I have been with Geico for many years and have never been offered a discount on the cost. I am paying too much and can no longer afford it, despite their excellent service. I hope another company can offer similar service without the huge price tag!

Josephine - October 10, 2024
Verified

Expensive

The premium is excessive.

Kurt - October 10, 2024
Verified

Too expensive

Way too expensive.

Progressive: Best for customizable packages

Compare 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
Sylvia J - October 10, 2024
Verified

Average

The monthly premium gradually increased until it was no longer a good deal.

Vickie - October 10, 2024
Verified

Disappointed... Lesson Learned

Getting the necessary insurance was easy, until I needed a windshield replacement. I discovered that I did not have full glass coverage and that it would be covered under my collision insurance, costing $500. In all my past insurance experiences, this was automatic, so it was a lesson learned. Consequently, I am switching insurance companies.

Guillermina U - October 10, 2024
Verified

Very Greedy

Their rates increase every six months without any justification.
  • 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:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/d7333ddf2e/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_046-car-accident.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/e30eeeebc5/personal-injury-protection.svg

    Bodily injury and property damage

    Third-party liability coverage helps pay for bodily injuries and property damage when you’re the at-fault driver.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/4c9753bdbe/medical-payments.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/0f334ec089/insurify-icons-auto-blue-96x96_045-document.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/13c17bd678/car-service-96x96-orange_027-car-lift.svg

    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.

Sources

Sarah Archambault
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. 

Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxSenior Managing Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 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.

Featured in

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