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. 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 full
coverage 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. (Buy
Now)
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.
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