Car Insurance for Mexico (Tourists)

Mexico has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches to ancient ruins and awe-inspiring pyramids if you want to create memorable travel experiences. But for tourists planning to drive while visiting Mexico, or those bringing their vehicles into the country, there’s a lot more to think about than just your vacation itinerary.

From understanding driving laws in Mexico to ensuring you’re protected in an accident or natural disaster, having the right Mexico car insurance coverage before you get behind the wheel is critical for a smooth and stress-free trip. 

Does your auto insurance cover you abroad? Read on to learn more about when international drivers need auto insurance in Mexico, the types of coverage required, where to buy a policy, and more.

Do I need car insurance to drive in Mexico?

If you’re planning to drive a vehicle in Mexico, you’ll need auto insurance to comply with Mexican laws, even if you’re visiting as a tourist. Although some U.S. car insurance policies offer limited coverage in Mexico, purchasing additional liability insurance from a licensed Mexican insurance company is still necessary to satisfy the Mexican Federal Liability Law requirements.

Mexican car insurance policies can cover trips as short as a day and as long as a year. Although it may seem like a hassle to obtain additional insurance coverage while traveling, ensuring your vehicle is properly covered while driving in Mexico is important. 

For example, suppose you drive without the appropriate auto insurance coverage or outside of your Mexican policy’s effective dates. In that case, you could face penalties, fines, and even jail time if Mexican officials ask for proof of insurance and you can’t provide it.

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How to Buy Mexico Car Insurance

Even if your existing car insurance policy offers limited coverage, you’ll need to buy additional liability auto insurance coverage that meets the mandatory minimum coverage standards established by Mexican liability laws. 

You can purchase Mexican auto liability insurance from any licensed Mexican insurance company. In addition, if you’re renting a vehicle, you can usually purchase rental car insurance from the counter.

After you’ve chosen a reputable insurance company and verified their licensing in Mexico, you can contact them directly to buy a policy or purchase one online.

Like purchasing auto insurance in the U.S. or Canada, you’ll need to provide the Mexican insurance company with the following documents and information to obtain a policy:

• Your name and driver’s license (drivers under 21 may be subject to additional fees)
• The dates you want your policy to be effective
• Where you’ll be traveling and driving in Mexico
• Your existing U.S. or Canadian insurance policy number
• Your car’s license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN)
• The make, model, and year of your vehicle

You can typically locate this information in your insurance policy, online account, or vehicle’s user manual.

How much does Mexico car insurance cost?

As an international visitor, you’re probably wondering about the cost of car insurance in Mexico. However, auto insurance rates will vary because Mexican auto insurance is usually offered in packages based on your length of stay, ranging from daily to a year.

To ensure you’re getting the best rate available, compare quotes from different companies before buying a policy. Scroll through the sections below to compare Mexican auto insurance costs from the top companies.

Best Mexico Car Insurance

International travelers looking for car insurance in Mexico are lucky — several major insurers offer Mexico auto insurance through Mexican insurance partners. 

The companies listed below aren’t the only insurers that offer auto coverage in Mexico. For low-cost Mexico, car insurance, shop around and compare quotes before traveling to ensure you get the best rates.

Mexico Insurance from Progressive

If you’re looking for a major auto insurer for Mexico insurance, Progressive offers three different coverage levels (basic, standard, and extended) through partner MexPro. Coverage is also available for RVs and motorcycles. Visit our Progressive auto insurance review for more information.

State Farm Mexico Insurance

State Farm Mexico coverage isn’t currently listed on the company’s website and might not be available.

Does Geico cover Mexico?

Geico offers coverage in Mexico through Mexican insurance companies, including Grupo Nacional Provincial and El Aguila Compañia de Seguros. Offerings include personal vehicle insurance, rental coverage, watercraft, ATVs, and roadside assistance. Learn more in our Geico auto insurance review.

What does auto insurance cover in Mexico?

The types of car insurance coverage available in Mexico are similar to those offered in other countries, including the U.S. and Canada. For example, mandatory liability coverage is available to drivers alongside other familiar add-on options, like collision insurance and comprehensive auto insurance.

Liability Coverage in Mexico

Mexico law requires that all drivers on federal roads, highways, and bridges carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. 

Liability insurance will pay for bodily injuries sustained by others and damage to others’ property if you cause an accident. However, liability insurance won’t cover damage to your vehicle or pay for medical care if you or your passengers are injured in an accident that you caused.

When buying Mexican car insurance, it’s important to remember that the minimum coverage limits required by law might not be enough in case of a serious accident or damage to your vehicle. This fact could put you at risk both legally and financially. 

Therefore, to increase your financial protection while driving in Mexico, it’s a good idea to consider buying the maximum insurance coverage available.

Other Types Of Insurance Coverage In Mexico

In addition to mandatory liability insurance, several other optional forms of insurance coverage are available to international drivers in Mexico, including medical payments, medical evacuation, physical damage to your vehicle, legal assistance, and roadside assistance. 

Contact your insurance company to learn more about its available coverage options in Mexico.

What is limited Mexico coverage?

Some insurance companies offer limited coverage for drivers in Mexico once they’ve purchased the mandatory liability coverage required. 

For example, let’s say your existing insurance policy includes limited Mexico coverage, or you’ve added an optional Limited Mexico Coverage Endorsement. In this case, you might have limited collision or comprehensive coverage while traveling within a specific number of miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Because coverage varies between providers, check your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to determine whether your existing policy offers limited Mexico coverage.

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How to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Mexico

The process for filing an insurance claim in Mexico is similar to filing a claim in other countries: 

• If anyone is injured, call for emergency services before doing anything else.
• After ensuring the scene is safe, document the damage to all vehicles involved, including yours.
• Call the police and file a police report.
• Contact your Mexican insurance provider.

Claims handling speed and processes can vary, so follow your insurer’s instructions at every step. After the claim is filed, the company will send an adjuster to assess the damage.

How to Prepare to Drive in Mexico

When driving in a foreign country, it’s a good idea to be prepared before hitting the road. Here are some tips to make driving simpler while traveling in Mexico:

• Obtain a Mexican tourist card (FMM) before traveling. Tourists must carry this permit while traveling in Mexico for more than 72 hours. The permit should be available at the border, but you can also get it online.

• Get a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP). If you’re driving your vehicle into Mexico, this permit is mandatory to drive beyond Mexico’s designated “Border Zone.”

• Keep your insurance documents on hand. If you’re pulled over while driving in Mexico, it’s important to have your proof of insurance within reach.

• Check travel advisories for risks. The U.S. Department of State website provides updates about advisories and risks for travelers to foreign countries, including Mexico.

The Department of State also offers free, real-time safety alerts for U.S. citizens traveling out of the country as part of their Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP). It also makes it easy to connect with the closest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you’re traveling.

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