U.S. Car Insurance to Travel to Mexico
Chandramani Kumar
5 of 5
You might have the most comprehensive car insurance policy a U.S. company can provide, but when it comes to driving in Mexico, your U....
You might have the most comprehensive car insurance policy a U.S.
company can provide, but when it comes to driving in Mexico, your U.S.
car insurance will not cover your liability for damages or for injury to
other drivers. You must purchase a Mexican car insurance policy if you
want to avoid the high cost of an accident or even a long stay in a
Mexican jail.
U.S. Insurance Policies
Your
U.S. car insurance policy has several different types of coverage. The
liability coverage of your U.S. car insurance policy will have
absolutely no legal bearing in Mexico. This means if you were involved
in an accident in which you injured another driver or his vehicle, you
would be uncovered and possibly arrested if you didn't have Mexican car
insurance. Your U.S. insurance company might be able to offer you
collision and comprehensive coverage for possible damage to your own
vehicle, but this is unlikely. Your insurance company can provide
specific information.
Why You Need Car Insurance in Mexico
Auto
liability insurance is not required in all parts of Mexico, neither for
Mexican drivers nor for U.S. drivers. So even if you are not at fault
in an accident, you could end up without a way to recover damages unless
you have purchased your own policy. If you are at fault in an accident,
you will likely be detained by the police until they have determined
you can make payment to the other party. You can purchase an insurance
policy that includes legal assistance and bail coverage so you have
assistance if you are detained.
Purchasing Car Insurance
If
you are driving a rental car across the border from the U.S. to Mexico,
you can purchase collision insurance coverage from the rental car
company. However, whether you are driving a rental car or your own car
into Mexico, you must purchase liability insurance from a company that
is licensed in Mexico. You can purchase coverage at the border or online
before leaving for Mexico. You will need to purchase liability
insurance that is specifically for foreign-plated cars, also called
tourist car insurance.
Invoking Your Coverage
If
you are involved in an accident in Mexico, you and the other party may
decide not to call the police. Many minor accidents in Mexico are
settled between the parties. However, you will not be covered for damage
to your car unless you contact your insurance adjuster. If the damage
is severe or if there were injuries, most Mexican insurance companies
will send an adjuster to the scene of the accident to view the damage,
to interview witnesses and, if necessary, to confirm for the police that
you have coverage. You may be required to remain at the scene until the
adjuster arrives, so be sure you understand the details of your policy.
Choosing Your Insurance Provider
Consider
using the A.M. Best U.S. ratings as a way to evaluate Mexican insurance
providers. Look for a company with a rating of A or better, which means
the company has an acceptable level of risk. Make sure the company has a
strong infrastructure in Mexico with offices in the areas you will be
visiting. If you need support, legal counsel or assistance with bail,
you want to know the company has agents nearby.
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