Auto Insurance Fequently Asked Questions
Do I Really Need Mexican Insurance?
Mexican law is very clear about what is required for an out-of-country visitor to operate a motor vehicle in the Republic of Mexico. Such drivers are financially liable for any physical damage or bodily injury they might cause and they must carry proof of this liability from the time they cross the border.
Acceptable proof can be a pre-arranged bond with a Mexican bank, cash on your person at the time of accident ($50,000-60,000 is suggested), or an insurance policy to cover this liability underwritten by a Mexican insurance company.
For all practical purposes, the most sensible way to meet this requirement for proof of liability is through a Mexican vehicle insurance policy.
It should be noted that auto insurance policies underwritten by a non-Mexican company (including all U.S. and Canadian insurance companies) are not recognized in Mexico. If your current insurance policy provides coverage, for example, up to 50 or 75 miles into Mexico, this still DOES NOT fulfill the requirement of Mexican law for proof of liability underwritten by a Mexican company.
Even if your U.S or Canadian policy provides such coverage, it is always a good idea to purchase a full coverage Mexican policy so that if you decide to drive further than the 50 or 75 miles limitation on your US policy, you will be covered. When traveling in Mexico, it's always best to be safe ahead of time, than sorry later. (Buy Now)
If you have an accident or are stopped by the police for some other vehicle-related problem, and you do not have Mexican insurance, you can be arrested, have your vehicle impounded and face a stiff penalty for violating the law, in addition to being liable for the damages you caused.
If you have an accident and carry at least a Mexican liability insurance policy, you will be in compliance with the law. Once you are able to return to the United States, your U.S. insurance company should then pay for physical damages to your vehicle, per policy provisions, if the accident happened within the 50 or 75 miles range. Check with your US insurance company for the mileage limitation for any such physical damage coverage it may provide for accidents in Mexico.
Driving regulations in Mexico are similar to the U.S., however, Mexican law is very different. In the U.S., law is based on the English Common Law where innocence prevails over the assumption of guilt. In Mexico, the law is based on the Napoleonic Code where guilt prevails over the assumption of innocence.
And remember, Mexican law considers all traffic accidents to be both civil and criminal offenses, unlike the US, where they are considered only civil offenses. We cannot overemphasize the need for Mexican insurance, along with legal coverage, which is included without additional charge with every Discover Baja policy.
But Doesn't My US Insurance Policy Cover Me 75 Miles Into Mexico?
Acceptable proof can be a pre-arranged bond with a Mexican bank, cash on your person at the time of accident ($50,000-60,000 is suggested), or an insurance policy to cover this liability underwritten by a Mexican insurance company.
For all practical purposes, the most sensible way to meet this requirement for proof of liability is through a Mexican vehicle insurance policy.
It should be noted that auto insurance policies underwritten by a non-Mexican company (including all U.S. and Canadian insurance companies) are not recognized in Mexico. If your current insurance policy provides coverage, for example, up to 50 or 75 miles into Mexico, this still DOES NOT fulfill the requirement of Mexican law for proof of liability underwritten by a Mexican company.
Even if your U.S or Canadian policy provides such coverage, it is always a good idea to purchase a full coverage Mexican policy so that if you decide to drive further than the 50 or 75 miles limitation on your US policy, you will be covered. When traveling in Mexico, it's always best to be safe ahead of time, than sorry later. (Buy Now)
If you have an accident or are stopped by the police for some other vehicle-related problem, and you do not have Mexican insurance, you can be arrested, have your vehicle impounded and face a stiff penalty for violating the law, in addition to being liable for the damages you caused.
If you have an accident and carry at least a Mexican liability insurance policy, you will be in compliance with the law. Once you are able to return to the United States, your U.S. insurance company should then pay for physical damages to your vehicle, per policy provisions, if the accident happened within the 50 or 75 miles range. Check with your US insurance company for the mileage limitation for any such physical damage coverage it may provide for accidents in Mexico.
Driving regulations in Mexico are similar to the U.S., however, Mexican law is very different. In the U.S., law is based on the English Common Law where innocence prevails over the assumption of guilt. In Mexico, the law is based on the Napoleonic Code where guilt prevails over the assumption of innocence.
And remember, Mexican law considers all traffic accidents to be both civil and criminal offenses, unlike the US, where they are considered only civil offenses. We cannot overemphasize the need for Mexican insurance, along with legal coverage, which is included without additional charge with every Discover Baja policy.
This is perhaps the most confusing and misunderstood bit of information about Mexican insurance ever.
Tens of thousands of drivers to Mexico are under the impression that there is no need to purchase Mexican insurance since the US policy may indicate that it covers them 50 or 75 miles into Mexico.
In fact, on a daily basis, US insurance agents tell their clients that they don’t need to buy Mexican insurance since their existing policy will cover them up to so many miles into Mexico. THIS INFORMATION IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE, as many drivers who have heeded it and had an accident in Mexico will sadly tell you.
Many, if not most, US auto insurance agents simply do not know that Mexican law does not recognize US or Canadian insurance and your policy is a meaningless piece of paper in Mexico. (If your US insurance agent insists that you don’t need Mexican insurance since you’re covered by their policy, please have them call Discover Baja at 800 727-BAJA (2252).
Mexican law requires that a driver be able to show proof of liability for any physical damage or bodily injury caused by an accident at the time of the accident. As a minimum, you should have Mexican liability coverage, underwritten by a Mexican carrier. This is a legal requirement to operate a vehicle in Mexico.
Although your U.S. insurance policy may provide some coverage for your vehicle (for example, up to 50 or 75 miles into Mexico), this DOES NOT fulfill the requirement of Mexican law for proof of liability underwritten by a Mexican carrier. If you have an accident, even a fender-bender, the police will immediately ask to see your driver’s license, car registration and your Mexican insurance policy.
It’s always safer to cover all your bases by purchasing a full coverage Mexican policy for your vehicle. With the extremely low rates for Discover Baja’s exclusive 90-day tourist full-coverage policies, you can travel with the peace of mind of knowing that you are well-covered in the unfortunate event of a an accident.
Ignorance of the laws is never an acceptable excuse in Mexico. You will likely be arrested, fined and have your vehicle impounded if you have an accident and don’t have a valid Mexican vehicle insurance policy with at least liability coverage.
Yes, there is a benefit to having "Mexico coverage" with your US insurance policy. Once you get your car back to the US after an accident in Mexico, your US insurance should pay for the physical damage to your car, according to the provisions of the policy. But while in Mexico, you need, as a minimum, to have a Mexican liability policy.
Note that many US auto insurance companies offer no coverage in Mexico, regardless of distance from the border
Why Should I Buy My Mexican Insurance from Discover Baja?
Tens of thousands of drivers to Mexico are under the impression that there is no need to purchase Mexican insurance since the US policy may indicate that it covers them 50 or 75 miles into Mexico.
In fact, on a daily basis, US insurance agents tell their clients that they don’t need to buy Mexican insurance since their existing policy will cover them up to so many miles into Mexico. THIS INFORMATION IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE, as many drivers who have heeded it and had an accident in Mexico will sadly tell you.
Many, if not most, US auto insurance agents simply do not know that Mexican law does not recognize US or Canadian insurance and your policy is a meaningless piece of paper in Mexico. (If your US insurance agent insists that you don’t need Mexican insurance since you’re covered by their policy, please have them call Discover Baja at 800 727-BAJA (2252).
Mexican law requires that a driver be able to show proof of liability for any physical damage or bodily injury caused by an accident at the time of the accident. As a minimum, you should have Mexican liability coverage, underwritten by a Mexican carrier. This is a legal requirement to operate a vehicle in Mexico.
Although your U.S. insurance policy may provide some coverage for your vehicle (for example, up to 50 or 75 miles into Mexico), this DOES NOT fulfill the requirement of Mexican law for proof of liability underwritten by a Mexican carrier. If you have an accident, even a fender-bender, the police will immediately ask to see your driver’s license, car registration and your Mexican insurance policy.
It’s always safer to cover all your bases by purchasing a full coverage Mexican policy for your vehicle. With the extremely low rates for Discover Baja’s exclusive 90-day tourist full-coverage policies, you can travel with the peace of mind of knowing that you are well-covered in the unfortunate event of a an accident.
Ignorance of the laws is never an acceptable excuse in Mexico. You will likely be arrested, fined and have your vehicle impounded if you have an accident and don’t have a valid Mexican vehicle insurance policy with at least liability coverage.
Yes, there is a benefit to having "Mexico coverage" with your US insurance policy. Once you get your car back to the US after an accident in Mexico, your US insurance should pay for the physical damage to your car, according to the provisions of the policy. But while in Mexico, you need, as a minimum, to have a Mexican liability policy.
Note that many US auto insurance companies offer no coverage in Mexico, regardless of distance from the border
Who you buy your Mexican vehicle insurance from can make a major difference in your "insurance experience". Discover Baja offers two major advantages: CUSTOMER SERVICE and the HIGHEST QUALITY INSURANCE.
WE EXCEL IN CUSTOMER SERVICE
This is a significant difference that separates us from the competition. Discover Baja is not a "virtual" company like some of our competitors---on the Internet, but operating out of a garage or a loft apartment.
We are a California corporation, with a well-stocked and equipped office at 3264 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122, just off of state freeway 52 (easily accessible from Interstate freeways 5, 805 and 15), on your way down to Mexico. We've been around for nearly twenty years with tens of thousands of loyal and happy members and customers.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to assist you six days a week. We invite you to stop by and visit us, shop our large selection of Baja books, maps and gift items, and get updates on the latest road conditions, fuel availability and weather conditions. Yes, we'll even be happy to help you plan your trip. (Just try to visit the offices of other online Mexican insurance sellers.)
We know Baja well, and visit it frequently, so we can keep you up to date. Some of our staff has been discovering Baja for over 40 years---others over 30 years. We want to make your trip to Baja (or other parts of Mexico) as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Discover Baja is considered an authority on Baja California---we've been contacted by CNN for news stories, the Discover Channel for adventure stories and the US Coast Guard for information in their rescue efforts. We've been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune and recently in National Geographic Adventure. Discover Baja has been awarded the coveted "Amigo de Baja" distinction by the governor of Baja California.
We are your Baja experts---not just a Mexican insurance agency like the rest. We're real people, in a real office, selling real insurance. Our staff receives frequent compliments and thanks for the care and level of service they provide with travel information, insurance service and claims assistance. It's not so much what services we offer that sets Discover Baja apart from the competition, it's how we provide those services.
Yes, there is a difference in insurance companies---a huge difference.
WE PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY INSURANCE
After nearly twenty years of service, and seeing Mexican insurance companies come and go, Discover Baja is passionate about providing its customers with the highest quality insurance products and service on the market.
We have been using HDI (formerly named Genworth Seguros) and ACE Seguros for many years now, and can state unequivocally that they provide the best value, best coverage and best claims service available at any price.
Discover Baja is able to offer its members HDI exclusive annual tourist policy. This valuable policy provides coverage for any 90 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) of travel in Baja and Northwestern Mexico during the course of a year at a rate much lower than a full-365-day policy. This policy is not available to the general public - ONLY THROUGH DISCOVER BAJA.
This type of policy is perfect for people who make multiple shorter trips throughout the year, or one long trip of up to 90 days. With virtually three months worth of coverage, you'll have lots of time for discovering Baja during the course of the year.
Legal Assistance ($20,000 for attorney fees, court costs and/or bail bond, with nothing out-of-pocket) is provided at no additional cost. Towing Service in the case of a breakdown (up to $300 reimbursement) is also included at no additional cost. In addition, our Platinum Travel Assistance program can provide medical evacuation, air transportation home, car rental etc., in the event of an accident.
Perhaps the best reason to choose one of Discover Baja's HDI or ACE policies is what happens if you, unfortunately, might have an accident. You are provided a toll-free 800 number to call in Mexico to report the accident and initiate the claim process. The staff is bi-lingual so you can handle matters in English while in Mexico. After you return to the US or Canada, any follow up can be handled using their toll-free 800 number to their US claims office.
Better yet, perhaps, is that after settling your claim here at home, your vehicle can be repaired here in the US. Most people aren't aware that most Mexican insurance companies will only pay to have your vehicle repaired in Tijuana or other parts of Mexico.
If you need to make changes in your policy, we can help you do it quickly. If you need to cancel your policy, we can help you with the procedure. If you need to transfer the policy to another vehicle, we can handle that, too.
If you need Discover Baja membership or insurance, or renewals of either, when our office is closed, you can get quotes, review and purchase, then PRINT OUT your policy quickly and efficiently here on our website. Note that our insurance site is secure and protected by HACKER SAFE. Our Errors & Omissions corporate insurance provides additional assurance that you are secure in your transactions with Discover Baja.
In a spirit of giving as we receive, Discover Baja supports many of the outstanding nonprofit organizations providing vital services to the needy in Baja and mainland Mexico.
Why would you want to buy your Mexican insurance from anyone else?
Isn't All Mexican Insurance the Same?
WE EXCEL IN CUSTOMER SERVICE
This is a significant difference that separates us from the competition. Discover Baja is not a "virtual" company like some of our competitors---on the Internet, but operating out of a garage or a loft apartment.
We are a California corporation, with a well-stocked and equipped office at 3264 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122, just off of state freeway 52 (easily accessible from Interstate freeways 5, 805 and 15), on your way down to Mexico. We've been around for nearly twenty years with tens of thousands of loyal and happy members and customers.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to assist you six days a week. We invite you to stop by and visit us, shop our large selection of Baja books, maps and gift items, and get updates on the latest road conditions, fuel availability and weather conditions. Yes, we'll even be happy to help you plan your trip. (Just try to visit the offices of other online Mexican insurance sellers.)
We know Baja well, and visit it frequently, so we can keep you up to date. Some of our staff has been discovering Baja for over 40 years---others over 30 years. We want to make your trip to Baja (or other parts of Mexico) as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Discover Baja is considered an authority on Baja California---we've been contacted by CNN for news stories, the Discover Channel for adventure stories and the US Coast Guard for information in their rescue efforts. We've been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune and recently in National Geographic Adventure. Discover Baja has been awarded the coveted "Amigo de Baja" distinction by the governor of Baja California.
We are your Baja experts---not just a Mexican insurance agency like the rest. We're real people, in a real office, selling real insurance. Our staff receives frequent compliments and thanks for the care and level of service they provide with travel information, insurance service and claims assistance. It's not so much what services we offer that sets Discover Baja apart from the competition, it's how we provide those services.
Yes, there is a difference in insurance companies---a huge difference.
WE PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY INSURANCE
After nearly twenty years of service, and seeing Mexican insurance companies come and go, Discover Baja is passionate about providing its customers with the highest quality insurance products and service on the market.
We have been using HDI (formerly named Genworth Seguros) and ACE Seguros for many years now, and can state unequivocally that they provide the best value, best coverage and best claims service available at any price.
Discover Baja is able to offer its members HDI exclusive annual tourist policy. This valuable policy provides coverage for any 90 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) of travel in Baja and Northwestern Mexico during the course of a year at a rate much lower than a full-365-day policy. This policy is not available to the general public - ONLY THROUGH DISCOVER BAJA.
This type of policy is perfect for people who make multiple shorter trips throughout the year, or one long trip of up to 90 days. With virtually three months worth of coverage, you'll have lots of time for discovering Baja during the course of the year.
Legal Assistance ($20,000 for attorney fees, court costs and/or bail bond, with nothing out-of-pocket) is provided at no additional cost. Towing Service in the case of a breakdown (up to $300 reimbursement) is also included at no additional cost. In addition, our Platinum Travel Assistance program can provide medical evacuation, air transportation home, car rental etc., in the event of an accident.
Perhaps the best reason to choose one of Discover Baja's HDI or ACE policies is what happens if you, unfortunately, might have an accident. You are provided a toll-free 800 number to call in Mexico to report the accident and initiate the claim process. The staff is bi-lingual so you can handle matters in English while in Mexico. After you return to the US or Canada, any follow up can be handled using their toll-free 800 number to their US claims office.
Better yet, perhaps, is that after settling your claim here at home, your vehicle can be repaired here in the US. Most people aren't aware that most Mexican insurance companies will only pay to have your vehicle repaired in Tijuana or other parts of Mexico.
If you need to make changes in your policy, we can help you do it quickly. If you need to cancel your policy, we can help you with the procedure. If you need to transfer the policy to another vehicle, we can handle that, too.
If you need Discover Baja membership or insurance, or renewals of either, when our office is closed, you can get quotes, review and purchase, then PRINT OUT your policy quickly and efficiently here on our website. Note that our insurance site is secure and protected by HACKER SAFE. Our Errors & Omissions corporate insurance provides additional assurance that you are secure in your transactions with Discover Baja.
In a spirit of giving as we receive, Discover Baja supports many of the outstanding nonprofit organizations providing vital services to the needy in Baja and mainland Mexico.
Why would you want to buy your Mexican insurance from anyone else?
NO. You’ve got lots of choices for buying Mexican insurance. There are hundreds of US agents selling Mexican policies, and a couple dozen Mexican underwriters.
There are big differences. Assets…loss ratios...reputation for honesty…track record for claim payments (or non-payment)... accessibility and ease of communication with claims staff…place where repairs can be made…range of products and services offered…quality of products and services provided. The list goes on.
The phrase caveat emptor applies aptly to the Mexican insurance business---"buyer beware".
With HDI and ACE Seguros, you are assured of the best insurance and the best value for your hard-earned money. With the large range of plans offered, you can choose the coverage that best meets your needs.
Legal protection is always offered with your policy at no additional charge, and your repairs can be made here in the United States, rather than in Mexico, like so many other insurance policies require (due to the cheap labor rates).
With toll-free numbers in both Mexico and the United States, you will have 24/7 access to bi-lingual claims representatives whenever the need might arise. Claims are handled efficiently and quickly.
Of course the Discover Baja staff will be ready to assist you with any claims processing matters.
Go with the names you trust: HDI, ACE and Discover Baja.
What Kinds of Coverage are Offered?
There are big differences. Assets…loss ratios...reputation for honesty…track record for claim payments (or non-payment)... accessibility and ease of communication with claims staff…place where repairs can be made…range of products and services offered…quality of products and services provided. The list goes on.
The phrase caveat emptor applies aptly to the Mexican insurance business---"buyer beware".
With HDI and ACE Seguros, you are assured of the best insurance and the best value for your hard-earned money. With the large range of plans offered, you can choose the coverage that best meets your needs.
Legal protection is always offered with your policy at no additional charge, and your repairs can be made here in the United States, rather than in Mexico, like so many other insurance policies require (due to the cheap labor rates).
With toll-free numbers in both Mexico and the United States, you will have 24/7 access to bi-lingual claims representatives whenever the need might arise. Claims are handled efficiently and quickly.
Of course the Discover Baja staff will be ready to assist you with any claims processing matters.
Go with the names you trust: HDI, ACE and Discover Baja.
In purchasing Mexican vehicle insurance, you will first need to choose whether to get full coverage or a liability-only policy, then the term length and other options.
FULL COVERAGE includes coverage for:
TOWING SERVICE provides coverage, on a reimbursement basis, for towing to the nearest garage where repairs can be made.
Both HDI and ACE provide liability coverage with a Combined Single Limit, rather than with split limits as some companies do. The difference is best illustrated with an example. Let’s say that your car is insured with a company that provides split limits of $35,000 for property damage and $30,000 for bodily injury. The policy will pay up to those limits for these respective areas of coverage.
If your car is insured with HDI or ACE with Combined Single Limit liability coverage of, for example $70,000, then that entire amount can be used for third party property damage or bodily injury or it can be divided up between those two areas, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Drivers License policies are also available, providing liability-only coverage for the driver, who may regularly drive more than one car or pickup. It will not provide coverage while driving a motor home, motorcycle or other high-risk vehicle, or if pulling a towed unit.
Mexican vehicle insurance coverage can be provided for cars, pickups, SUVs, vans, RVs, motorcycles and towed items like trailers, boats ATVs and campers. If you have an accident with an uninsured motorist, your full-coverage policy will provide coverage for the physical damage to your vehicle as well as medical coverage for you and the passengers in your car per policy limits. A liability-only policy will provide the medical benefits, but no coverage for damage to your vehicle.
There are special provisions and coverage for partial theft and vandalism of a vehicle, roadside assistance including key lockout, flat tires, emergency gas and battery service, emergency transportation, accommodation and need for a rental car due to lengthy car repairs etc. Please click on the “free quote” button to review these coverages as well as additional features provided by premium packages for policies.
Remember that only Discover Baja offers the value-priced HDI annual tourist policy providing coverage for any 90 days of travel in Baja and Northwestern Mexico during the course of a year. This exclusive policy is not available to the general public.
Don’t hesitate to call our office 800 727-BAJA (2252) for additional insurance information.
What Should I do if I Have an Accident in Mexico?
FULL COVERAGE includes coverage for:
- Collision, Upset and Glass Breakage
- Fire and Total Theft
- Property Damage Liability
- Bodily Injury Liability
- Medical Expenses
- Property Damage Liability
- Bodily Injury Liability
- Medical Expenses
TOWING SERVICE provides coverage, on a reimbursement basis, for towing to the nearest garage where repairs can be made.
Both HDI and ACE provide liability coverage with a Combined Single Limit, rather than with split limits as some companies do. The difference is best illustrated with an example. Let’s say that your car is insured with a company that provides split limits of $35,000 for property damage and $30,000 for bodily injury. The policy will pay up to those limits for these respective areas of coverage.
If your car is insured with HDI or ACE with Combined Single Limit liability coverage of, for example $70,000, then that entire amount can be used for third party property damage or bodily injury or it can be divided up between those two areas, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Drivers License policies are also available, providing liability-only coverage for the driver, who may regularly drive more than one car or pickup. It will not provide coverage while driving a motor home, motorcycle or other high-risk vehicle, or if pulling a towed unit.
Mexican vehicle insurance coverage can be provided for cars, pickups, SUVs, vans, RVs, motorcycles and towed items like trailers, boats ATVs and campers. If you have an accident with an uninsured motorist, your full-coverage policy will provide coverage for the physical damage to your vehicle as well as medical coverage for you and the passengers in your car per policy limits. A liability-only policy will provide the medical benefits, but no coverage for damage to your vehicle.
There are special provisions and coverage for partial theft and vandalism of a vehicle, roadside assistance including key lockout, flat tires, emergency gas and battery service, emergency transportation, accommodation and need for a rental car due to lengthy car repairs etc. Please click on the “free quote” button to review these coverages as well as additional features provided by premium packages for policies.
Remember that only Discover Baja offers the value-priced HDI annual tourist policy providing coverage for any 90 days of travel in Baja and Northwestern Mexico during the course of a year. This exclusive policy is not available to the general public.
Don’t hesitate to call our office 800 727-BAJA (2252) for additional insurance information.
It is extremely important that you report any accident WHILE YOU ARE IN MEXICO. Waiting until you return to the United States or Canada could result in claim denial or a reduced payment.
If you are involved in an accident in the Republic of Mexico, tend to any personal injuries first, and remain as calm as possible. Contact and cooperate with the police in filing a report of the event. Your insurance policy will be one of the most important documents to show the authorities.
Get in contact with the insurance company ASAP. Call the toll free numbers provided for the insurance company from a Mexican phone or from your cell phone to report the accident (the insurance reps in the claims offices are bi-lingual, so you will be able to handle matters in English). Do not sign anything until the insurance company is involved – especially do not sign any settlement agreements with other parties because this could void your insurance coverage.
If the accident is minor, you should not experience any lengthy delay in your trip. If the accident is serious, both vehicles will likely be impounded until the police determine fault. When you call the insurance company to report the accident, also speak to the Legal Aid department for advice and assistance in dealing with authorities on the matter. Be sure to obtain and save a copy of the police report for insurance purposes.
Do I Need to be A Member of Discover Baja to Buy Your Insurance?
If you are involved in an accident in the Republic of Mexico, tend to any personal injuries first, and remain as calm as possible. Contact and cooperate with the police in filing a report of the event. Your insurance policy will be one of the most important documents to show the authorities.
Get in contact with the insurance company ASAP. Call the toll free numbers provided for the insurance company from a Mexican phone or from your cell phone to report the accident (the insurance reps in the claims offices are bi-lingual, so you will be able to handle matters in English). Do not sign anything until the insurance company is involved – especially do not sign any settlement agreements with other parties because this could void your insurance coverage.
If the accident is minor, you should not experience any lengthy delay in your trip. If the accident is serious, both vehicles will likely be impounded until the police determine fault. When you call the insurance company to report the accident, also speak to the Legal Aid department for advice and assistance in dealing with authorities on the matter. Be sure to obtain and save a copy of the police report for insurance purposes.
Non-members of Discover Baja can purchase insurance policies on our web site based on daily rates. Rate quotes can be reviewed by clicking the “free quote” button.
The exclusive annual policy providing any 90 days of coverage during the course of a year is available as a major benefit to members only. Other annual and six-month policies are likewise available only to current members of Discover Baja.
Since insurance policies bought with any company at the daily rate are more expensive than longer-term policies, non-members would do well to consider becoming members of Discover Baja. The modest membership cost of $39 can usually be re-couped several times over on the insurance saving alone (without consideration of the additional savings members experience with hotel, restaurant, RV park, sportfishing, book and clothing discounts).
Other Than Auto, What Other Insurance Coverage Do You Offer?
The exclusive annual policy providing any 90 days of coverage during the course of a year is available as a major benefit to members only. Other annual and six-month policies are likewise available only to current members of Discover Baja.
Since insurance policies bought with any company at the daily rate are more expensive than longer-term policies, non-members would do well to consider becoming members of Discover Baja. The modest membership cost of $39 can usually be re-couped several times over on the insurance saving alone (without consideration of the additional savings members experience with hotel, restaurant, RV park, sportfishing, book and clothing discounts).
In addition to insurance for cars and pickups, Discover Baja offers the following insurance:
What Else Should I Know About Mexican Insurance?
- RVs
- Moter Homes
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Trailers
Mexican insurance policies offered by Discover Baja are for tourist use only. They are not valid if the vehicle is used for commercial purposes, nor are they available to residents of Mexico.
Neither Mexican-registered, -licensed or -plated vehicles, nor Mexican nationals residing in Mexico qualify for this insurance coverage. Furthermore, if a Mexican national is driving your insured vehicle, your insurance is null and void. If they are driving any vehicle with US plates, but without a US citizen in it, the car can be confiscated by authorities and may not be returned to the owner.
US and Canadian driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico, and any non-Mexican licensed driver authorized by the vehicle owner to operate the vehicle is covered while driving the car. Policy coverage is null and void if the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Pilferage of personal items from a vehicle is not covered by Mexican insurance policies. Most US and Canadian homeowners or renters policies will cover such theft in a foreign country, or can add such coverage to an existing policy.
Partial theft (of vehicle parts) and vandalism are excluded for most policies unless special premium coverage for the vehicle is purchased.
If your car is leased in the US, you need to check with the leasing company and lien holder who holds title to your car to get permission to drive the car into Mexico. Leasing companies may have different procedures for granting permission to cross the Mexican border with their vehicle and for the type of verification you must obtain prior to travel.
If your car is rented in the US, the rental company may insist that Mexican insurance be purchased from them. If they allow the vehicle to be driven into Mexico, but do not offer Mexican insurance, Discover Baja can provide the necessary insurance with written permission from the renting company. Vehicles rented in Mexico cannot be covered with these policies, since they have Mexican license plates.
If you are taking a vehicle into Mexico that is owned by someone else, a notarized letter of permission from the owner stating that you are authorized to drive the car into Mexico is required. The policy will be made out in both the owner’s name as well as yours.
Any towed boat, trailer, vehicle etc. must be declared on the policy. If this is not done, all coverage will be voided in case of an accident. The towing disclosure and coverage can be added to any existing policy by calling the Discover Baja office 800 727-BAJA (2252).
Towed boats on a vehicle policy are only covered while in tow—not on the water. On-water, liability or hull coverage, requires separate insurance.
Do not under-insure your vehicle! You want to insure your vehicle for the Actual Cash Value – which can quickly be determined by using Kelly Blue Book or NADA Guides. We recommend using the higher retail value, because you do not want to risk underinsuring your vehicle.
An insurance policy cancelled before it has gone into effect will receive a full refund of the premium, minus a $10 cancellation fee. If it is cancelled after it has gone into effect, the refund will be calculated based on the premium earned during the days the policy was in effect. Note that, due to the extremely low cost of annual policies, the premium is earned during the first 30 days after the policy goes into effect.
Things to Know About Driving In Mexico
Neither Mexican-registered, -licensed or -plated vehicles, nor Mexican nationals residing in Mexico qualify for this insurance coverage. Furthermore, if a Mexican national is driving your insured vehicle, your insurance is null and void. If they are driving any vehicle with US plates, but without a US citizen in it, the car can be confiscated by authorities and may not be returned to the owner.
US and Canadian driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico, and any non-Mexican licensed driver authorized by the vehicle owner to operate the vehicle is covered while driving the car. Policy coverage is null and void if the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Pilferage of personal items from a vehicle is not covered by Mexican insurance policies. Most US and Canadian homeowners or renters policies will cover such theft in a foreign country, or can add such coverage to an existing policy.
Partial theft (of vehicle parts) and vandalism are excluded for most policies unless special premium coverage for the vehicle is purchased.
If your car is leased in the US, you need to check with the leasing company and lien holder who holds title to your car to get permission to drive the car into Mexico. Leasing companies may have different procedures for granting permission to cross the Mexican border with their vehicle and for the type of verification you must obtain prior to travel.
If your car is rented in the US, the rental company may insist that Mexican insurance be purchased from them. If they allow the vehicle to be driven into Mexico, but do not offer Mexican insurance, Discover Baja can provide the necessary insurance with written permission from the renting company. Vehicles rented in Mexico cannot be covered with these policies, since they have Mexican license plates.
If you are taking a vehicle into Mexico that is owned by someone else, a notarized letter of permission from the owner stating that you are authorized to drive the car into Mexico is required. The policy will be made out in both the owner’s name as well as yours.
Any towed boat, trailer, vehicle etc. must be declared on the policy. If this is not done, all coverage will be voided in case of an accident. The towing disclosure and coverage can be added to any existing policy by calling the Discover Baja office 800 727-BAJA (2252).
Towed boats on a vehicle policy are only covered while in tow—not on the water. On-water, liability or hull coverage, requires separate insurance.
Do not under-insure your vehicle! You want to insure your vehicle for the Actual Cash Value – which can quickly be determined by using Kelly Blue Book or NADA Guides. We recommend using the higher retail value, because you do not want to risk underinsuring your vehicle.
An insurance policy cancelled before it has gone into effect will receive a full refund of the premium, minus a $10 cancellation fee. If it is cancelled after it has gone into effect, the refund will be calculated based on the premium earned during the days the policy was in effect. Note that, due to the extremely low cost of annual policies, the premium is earned during the first 30 days after the policy goes into effect.
Once you cross the border into Mexico, you will immediately know that you are no longer driving in the United States. You will need to be a more cautious driver south of the border. The need to be a very alert defensive driver is greater than north of the border.
With this extra caution and use of common sense and good judgment, you should have a wonderful time driving the magnificent peninsula. Don't do anything in Mexico that you wouldn't do in the US. No guns, ammunition or drugs are allowed in the country, and the punishment for such is severe.
Remember that you are a guest in this warm, hospitable country. Please be respectful of the people and their different lifestyles, customs and traditions.
Be sure to have your Mexican insurance policy with you as well as your tourist visa (FMT), along with your passport. If you did not purchase your tourist visa (also called a tourist card) at Discover Baja prior to your trip, you will also need a certified copy of your birth certificate or your passport to obtain your visa at the Mexican Immigration office as soon as you cross the border.
If you will be in Mexico for seven days or less, Mexican law requires you to have a tourist visa, but no payment is required. These can be obtained at the same Mexican Immigration office at the border crossing. The Discover Baja office can only provide the pre-paid tourist visas for visits of more than seven days.
Always wear your safely belt---it's the law, and you can be pulled over and ticketed for violations. Do not leave keys in your car, don't leave cameras, iPods, or such items in view when you leave the car. And always remember to lock your car as you would here in the US.
It's good to have an extra copy of your insurance policy, tourist visas and registration to keep with you when you are out of the car. (Filing an insurance claim for a stolen vehicle is difficult when the policy is in the glove compartment of the stolen car).
Mexican highways can be full of surprises. Although Mexico 1, the transpeninsular highway from Tijuana to Cabo is in relatively good repair and is undergoing continual improvement, there are still stretches where it is very narrow (as you will notice when sharing its width with a semi-trailer or bus), has no shoulder and might be very windy with no guard rails to keep you from plunging off the road.
Many signs will tell you that the highway was not built for high-speed travel. The more you travel "Mex 1" the more you realize how true that is. Even on stretches where you feel you can press the pedal to the metal, an unexpected pothole or cow suddenly deciding to cross the road can bring your long-anticipated trip to a screeching halt--literally.
Besides cows, who prefer the warm asphalt to the cold desert floor at nighttime, the road could also be shared by burros, goats, horses, bicycles, and slow-moving, broken-down "clunkers" which may have one or no dim headlight and often no taillights.
DO NOT DRIVE AFTER DARK if you value your car and, more importantly, your life. If, due to poor planning, you are forced to drive in the dark, do so slowly and with heightened awareness. The best advice is to have a good map and plan your day so as to arrive at your day's destination while there is still daylight.
And a final word about Mexican semi-trailer trucks and their drivers. If you are behind a semi-trailer or two (or three) that are going slower than you think you can safely travel, it can be very frustrating. Trying to pass on a windy mountainous road can be futile, even fatal. It's best to relax and enjoy the scenery until you get over the mountain pass and down to safer terrain.
On long, flat stretches of road, passing still requires great care and skill. Mexican truck drivers have a tradition of turning on their left turn signal and having it flash to let you know that, in their opinion, it's safe to pass. This is done as a courtesy and can be very helpful since their view of the road ahead is much better that yours.
One must exercise caution in passing when seeing this signal for two extremely important reasons. First, the driver may actually be signaling a left-hand turn into the upcoming Pemex station (look ahead to see if there is any place on the left where the truck might be turning so you don't end up unintentionally attached to the truck at the Pemex). Secondly, other cars could be entering the highway from the right or left that the truck driver didn't see, or anticipate pulling onto the road. It's a courteous gesture on their part, but requires real caution on your part in passing.
Play by the rules, be well-insured, and you should be able to enjoy a marvelous trip to this magical land we call Baja. Buen Viaje
With this extra caution and use of common sense and good judgment, you should have a wonderful time driving the magnificent peninsula. Don't do anything in Mexico that you wouldn't do in the US. No guns, ammunition or drugs are allowed in the country, and the punishment for such is severe.
Remember that you are a guest in this warm, hospitable country. Please be respectful of the people and their different lifestyles, customs and traditions.
Be sure to have your Mexican insurance policy with you as well as your tourist visa (FMT), along with your passport. If you did not purchase your tourist visa (also called a tourist card) at Discover Baja prior to your trip, you will also need a certified copy of your birth certificate or your passport to obtain your visa at the Mexican Immigration office as soon as you cross the border.
If you will be in Mexico for seven days or less, Mexican law requires you to have a tourist visa, but no payment is required. These can be obtained at the same Mexican Immigration office at the border crossing. The Discover Baja office can only provide the pre-paid tourist visas for visits of more than seven days.
Always wear your safely belt---it's the law, and you can be pulled over and ticketed for violations. Do not leave keys in your car, don't leave cameras, iPods, or such items in view when you leave the car. And always remember to lock your car as you would here in the US.
It's good to have an extra copy of your insurance policy, tourist visas and registration to keep with you when you are out of the car. (Filing an insurance claim for a stolen vehicle is difficult when the policy is in the glove compartment of the stolen car).
Mexican highways can be full of surprises. Although Mexico 1, the transpeninsular highway from Tijuana to Cabo is in relatively good repair and is undergoing continual improvement, there are still stretches where it is very narrow (as you will notice when sharing its width with a semi-trailer or bus), has no shoulder and might be very windy with no guard rails to keep you from plunging off the road.
Many signs will tell you that the highway was not built for high-speed travel. The more you travel "Mex 1" the more you realize how true that is. Even on stretches where you feel you can press the pedal to the metal, an unexpected pothole or cow suddenly deciding to cross the road can bring your long-anticipated trip to a screeching halt--literally.
Besides cows, who prefer the warm asphalt to the cold desert floor at nighttime, the road could also be shared by burros, goats, horses, bicycles, and slow-moving, broken-down "clunkers" which may have one or no dim headlight and often no taillights.
DO NOT DRIVE AFTER DARK if you value your car and, more importantly, your life. If, due to poor planning, you are forced to drive in the dark, do so slowly and with heightened awareness. The best advice is to have a good map and plan your day so as to arrive at your day's destination while there is still daylight.
And a final word about Mexican semi-trailer trucks and their drivers. If you are behind a semi-trailer or two (or three) that are going slower than you think you can safely travel, it can be very frustrating. Trying to pass on a windy mountainous road can be futile, even fatal. It's best to relax and enjoy the scenery until you get over the mountain pass and down to safer terrain.
On long, flat stretches of road, passing still requires great care and skill. Mexican truck drivers have a tradition of turning on their left turn signal and having it flash to let you know that, in their opinion, it's safe to pass. This is done as a courtesy and can be very helpful since their view of the road ahead is much better that yours.
One must exercise caution in passing when seeing this signal for two extremely important reasons. First, the driver may actually be signaling a left-hand turn into the upcoming Pemex station (look ahead to see if there is any place on the left where the truck might be turning so you don't end up unintentionally attached to the truck at the Pemex). Secondly, other cars could be entering the highway from the right or left that the truck driver didn't see, or anticipate pulling onto the road. It's a courteous gesture on their part, but requires real caution on your part in passing.
Play by the rules, be well-insured, and you should be able to enjoy a marvelous trip to this magical land we call Baja. Buen Viaje