|
 If
you are planning to travel to Mexico by car be
aware that your US or Canadian automobile
insurance coverage
is not
valid in Mexico. Therefore, before crossing
the US / Mexican border you should purchase
adequate insurance for your needs while in
Mexico. The government of Mexico strictly
regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico.
Mexican Laws:
American and Canadian insurance
companies or policies are not recognized in
Mexico. Only authorized Mexican insurance
companies are considered legal in Mexico.
According to the Mexican law, all traffic
accidents are considered both civil and
criminal offenses.
Mexico has a 16-mile "border zone" law that
requires visitors going beyond 16 miles across
the border to show the title of their vehicle
or authorization letter from the owner of the
vehicle to enter the country.
Required Information at the Mexican Border:
-
Proof of citizenship
(passport or birth certificate).
-
The appropriate immigration
form (tourist card).
-
A valid
vehicle registration certificate, or
document certifying legal
ownership of the vehicle. It must be in the driver's
name.
-
The leasing contract (if
vehicle is leased or rented) which must be
in the name of the person driving the car.
-
Valid driver's license,
issued outside of Mexico.
-
An international credit card,
also issued outside of Mexico in the
name of the driver of the vehicle.
-
Do not leave Mexico without
canceling your vehicle permit at the
border Banjercito Office.
NOTE: You may be asked to post
a bond for your vehicle. If you have an
international credit or debit card you can pay
the bond fee with that card. If you do not
have an international credit or debit card, or
choose not to use it, you will be asked to
post a bond (varies per make/model of the
vehicle), payable to the Federal Treasury,
issued by an authorized bonding company in
Mexico. This fee will be refunded upon leaving
the border.
Once all of the above information is provided
you will be allowed to obtain an importation
permit which is valid for six months. The
vehicle may be driven across the border
multiple times during the authorized period of
the permit. However, you will be responsible
for canceling the permit at the border where
it was purchased or you will be charged a
substantial fee.
Leased or Rented Vehicles:
You should check with the leasing company or
lien holder who has the title to your car to
get permission to drive the car into Mexico.
Leasing and rental companies may have
different procedures for granting permission
to cross the Mexican border with their vehicle
and the type of verification you must obtain
prior to travel.
Purchasing Mexican Insurance:
Mexican automobile insurance is
sold in most cities and towns on both sides of
the border. We recommend that you purchase
your insurance online from a company that you
know and trust such as GE Seguros Mexican
Insurance.
Click Here for up to 5 instant quotes!
Following are some tips that
may help you:
The Mexican Government doesn't
currently require a vehicle to have auto
insurance, however,
Liability Only
is highly recommended as a minimum for your
protection.
Mexican insurance policies
generally offer the same types of coverages as
policies sold in the United States.
It would be wise to purchase
limits equivalent to the amounts you carry in
the United States.
Driving
Dangers
in Mexico:
Driving
in Mexico can be more dangerous than in the
states. If at all possible, you should avoid
driving at night. You should avoid driving at
excessive speeds and be prepared to stop at
any time. Listed below are some of the dangers
you could encounter when driving in Mexico:
-
Loose
livestock can appear in the road at any
time;
-
Usually there are no warning
signals at construction sites;
-
Some cars only have one
headlight and no brake lights;
-
Many bicycles have no
reflectors or lights;
-
Driving signals may mean
different things in Mexico than in the
United States
-
What You Should Expect if
You're in an Automobile Accident in Mexico…
After an accident in Mexico,
you and anyone else involved may be put in
jail and the vehicles impounded until police
find out if there is sufficient insurance to
pay for any damage or injuries.
We recommend that you buy legal
aid and bail bond coverage when you purchase
your Mexican Insurance so that you don't have
to worry about any attorney fees or where to
locate one.
Warning:
If you are in an accident or have other
vehicle-related problems and you do not have
insurance you may be arrested and your
vehicle impounded until the authorities can
resolve the situation.
Courtesy:
GE Seguros Mexican Insurance |
