Click on the banner above and buy Mexican auto or boat insurance
from the comfort of your own home. No more unnecessary stops and
paperwork on your way to paradise. Click above, print your policy,
and be on your way! Questions? Read below.
Q: Why do I need Mexican insurance?
A: Mexico has traffic laws very similar to the United States. The
application of their laws is what accounts for the differences,
and the reasons for needing Mexican insurance. The law in
Mexico is based on the Napoleonic Code where guilt prevails over
the assumption of innocence. In the U.S., the law is based on the
English Common Law where innocence prevails over
the assumption of guilt. Mexico does not have compulsory
automobile insurance. The basic difference between Mexico's and
United States financial responsibility law is that anyone involved
in an accident in Mexico must have the means to respond to damages
or injuries for which they may be responsible....which in Mexico
would be in the form of either cash or a Mexican insurance policy.
Q: Do I need a Mexico Car Permit?
A: If you plan on only driving in the state of Sonora, the answer
is NO, you don't need a permit.. If you plan to drive outside the
state of Sonora in mainland Mexico beyond the border areas, or
plan to transport a vehicle by ferry from Baja California to
mainland Mexico, then yes, you do need a permit.. Permits are also
not required for travel on the Baja California peninsula.
Q: Does my U.S. insurance policy cover me in Mexico?
A: Some policies may cover your vehicle for physical damage. The
problem is that the Mexican government does not recognize any
policies as valid unless it is by a Mexican insurance company. You
must have a Mexican insurance policy that covers you for your
liability in Mexico.
Q: How is the value of my vehicle determined?
A: Your insurance agent should be able to help you,
or you can click on Kelly's Blue Book link on the right and
check for yourself to determine your vehicle's value. Make sure to
add those extras you want insured in case you should have a loss.
Don't forget to add the vehicle being towed, if any, in the amount
to be insured. We advise you not to under-insure.
Q: What if I have a loan on my vehicle?
A: Most lenders will require that they be furnished a copy of your
policy indicating that the unit is insured while it is in Mexico.
Just include the "lien holder" on your policy. Always make sure
you allow enough time before your trip into Mexico to allow for
the handling of paperwork.
Q: If I tow a trailer, boat, or another vehicle, do I need to
insure them?
A: No, and it must be listed on the policy with the towing
vehicle, otherwise the towing vehicle's insurance could be voided
in the event of an accident or loss. If you are towing another Car
or Truck, and plan on driving it around in Mexico, you will need a
policy to cover it for driving and not just while it is in tow.
Q: If I am borrowing a vehicle, will I need any special
documents?
A: Yes, you should obtain a notarized affidavit of permission from
the legal owner?
Q: What is Liability Only?
A: The Liability Only policy provides the minimum vehicle
insurance required by the Mexican government. Included in this
coverage is property damage caused by your vehicle, legal
liability for injuries or death of persons not in your vehicle,
and medical expenses for you or other persons in your vehicle.
Q: What is Legal Aid Coverage?
A: In Mexico, a traffic accident is considered a felony. It is
possible that you will be detained by the authorities, with your
vehicle impounded, until they conclude their investigation. Legal
Aid helps to prevent this. With one phone call, an attorney will come
to your assistance, and negotiate your immediate release, as well
as the release of the vehicle.
Q: What's covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
A: Contrary to the more broad coverage's of a standard U.S. auto
policy, a Mexican tourist auto policy is a named peril policy.
Basically that means, "what you see is what you get". If it is not
listed on the Policy Coverage, then it is not a part of the
coverage, , nothing more and nothing less.
There are five (5) basic risks to a standard Mexican tourist auto
policy.
1) Collision, Upset, and Glass Breakage
2) Fire and Total Theft
3) Property Damage Liability
4) Bodily Injury Liability
5) Medical Expenses
There are various methods of customizing a Mexican tourist policy.
You are encouraged to clearly define your travel plans to your
Mexican insurance agent so that adequate insurance is established.
Q: What's NOT covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
A: As important as it is to know what is covered, it is worthwhile
to also know what is NOT covered. Some of the losses and/or
expenses an insured might incur which are not covered include
pilferage, vandalism, lodging expenses, toll calls, and loss of
wages.
Q: Are claims paid in dollars?
A: The Mexican insurance company settles all insurance claims in
U.S. dollars from their claims offices in Mexico.
Q: How much does Mexican insurance cost?
A: There are many factors to determine the total cost of
insurance. Basically it is a "sliding scale" It all depends on how
much you insure you vehicle(s) for, and how long you will be
insured for. Most policies are written on a daily rate. It may be
less money if you are going to be traveling many days in Mexico,
or are planning to return, consider a six month or an annual
policy. 10% Mexican government tax on the premium
Q: Do I have to go to your office to get my insurance policy?
A: No. We make it easy for you. Click on the banner below and start the process. It is
easy. Stopping at the border to get insurance can be timely
and it will be more expensive. Doing it from the comfort of your own home
and
saving and printing the policy from your own computer is another benefit of
booking your reservation with us. Our parent company,
Mexico Travel Services, is a licensed insurance
broker and is affiliated with Ana Seguros - one of the most
reputable, strongest and most innovative insurance companies in
Mexico. It is another benefit for you: Our rental client.
