If your travels take you beyond Arizona’s southern border, you will need special insurance that protects you abroad. Even the most comprehensive U.S. auto insurance is unlikely to offer any benefit to you once you cross into Mexico. For that, you need special coverage that takes care of your liability, covers damages to your vehicle, and pays for United States repair.
Types of Mexican Car Insurance Coverage
When traveling in Mexico, you will need many of the same types of protection that you need for your U.S. auto insurance. These include:
Liability Insurance
This type of coverage helps pay for damages you cause in an accident. This includes damages to another person’s vehicle and any injuries that result from the collision. Without liability insurance, you may be arrested or detained in some areas of the country.
Legal Assistance
If you find yourself detained, legal coverage can provide assistance. In some cases, authorities may arrest you even if you have insurance until they can verify that you have the ability to pay for your liability.
Medical
If you are injured in an accident, this type of coverage ensures you have access to the medical attention you need.
Collision and Theft
Many Mexican roads are dangerous, especially if you stray too far from the better-maintained toll roads. If you get into an accident, roll your vehicle, or find that your car has been stolen, this type of coverage can help reimburse you for the damages.
Why Do I Need Special Coverage in Mexico?
Mexican laws require U.S. drivers to have insurance from carriers who are licensed to provide coverage in Mexico. That means your U.S. auto insurance is not valid south of the border. Going without coverage is not an option, either – even if you only plan to be there for a day. If you cause an accident that results in an injury or damage to another person’s property, you might be forced to pay out of pocket or otherwise face time in a Mexican jail. In addition, there are some areas of Mexico that do not require drivers to be insured. If your vehicle is hit by an uninsured driver, you would need to rely on your own policy to cover the damages.
It is also important to consider the higher risks that come with driving in Mexico. Unlike the U.S., there are fewer road signs and a higher number of poorly maintained roads. Unmarked speed bumps, large potholes, unmarked intersections, and a lack of construction area signs are just a few of the hazards you might encounter. You might also notice vehicles that do not have headlights or brake lights, as well as herds of livestock that congregate in the road. Use extra caution when traveling, and when possible, avoid driving after dark.
Get an Auto Insurance Quote for Mexico
Before you cross the border, talk to your independent agent about Mexican car insurance. Insurers will need a copy of your current registration, as well as information about the type of vehicle you are driving, your VIN number, your license plate number, and the dates you will be traveling in Mexico. You will also need to provide information about where you will be traveling and staying while you are there.
