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U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by US companies. Most rental car companies will simply add the Mexican insurance into your rental invoice but be absolutely sure that they are aware you are taking the vehicle out of the country. Yes, some credit card companies will cover your vehicle for Collision and Comprehensive if you use their card. BUT YOU STILL need Liability insurance from a Mexican carrier. You can get these for about $8/day (try www.mexinsure.com for the best rates we found).

Question: What's the first thing I should do before taking my vehicle into Mexico?

Answer: You need buy Mexican auto insurance BEFORE YOU CROSS THE BORDER. WIth the technology available on the internet, and at reputable sites like www.mexinsure.com, you can quickly and easily purchase this coverage from your home or office computer.

And then you'll want to keep a copy in a safe place. The online insurance company suggests printing two copies that you purchase instantly, one for your vehicle and one for your luggage/person. This way if something happens to your vehicle, you'll have a copy of the policy with the claims number to call, and a policy number to reference. Alternatively, if you are involved in an accident you should have a copy in your vehicle glove box for proof to show to the police.

Question: Why? I have an extensive policy with my domestic vehicles, what should I buy more?

Answer: Mexican law says that only companies licensed in Mexico can provide "civil liability" coverage that is recognized by the judicial system of Mexico. Although a few US insurance companies will go ahead and extend physical damage coverage (i.e., collision, comprehensive) while you are driving in Mexico, they cannot and do not provide Mexican liability insurance. You have to have a Mexican Company do this.

Question: What happens if I don't buy Mexican insurance?

Answer: If you're involved in an accident, you can be detained by the authorities until the matter can be resolved.

If you do not have Mexican liability insurance and you are involved in an accident, aside from potentially being detained in the local Mexican jail, you may also be restricted from leaving Mexico. Regardless of injuries or medical attention you or your family may require. Drivers may also face criminal charges if injuries or damages are serious.

Speaking of the law and being detained, vehicle insurance is considered VOID in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Answer: It is worth calling and checking, but for the cost of a temporary complete coverage insurance policy, it's often cheaper and easier just to lump the coverage into a single Mexican policy.

Where do I purchase Mexican Insurance?

It's hard to miss all the little stands/gas stations/cash stores down near the border who offer Mexican insurance. Will you read the coverage terms and conditions? Or analyze the combined single limit of liability coverage? How about that broker fee charges (Surplus Lines Fees are expensive, ranging from $7 (online) to $25 (border stand) per policy? . Once you stop at a "last-chance" brokerage, they've got you and you're going to get what you get.

We suggest you do it online or on the phone or in person, with an agent, before you go. This way you can make sure you're as insured in Mexico as you are in the US, and you'll get a fair & competitive price.

We have partnered with Mexican Insurance Services/mexinsure.com to provide online quotes and policies via the web. Their policies include quality and high deductible coverage, and the rates were unbeatable in our research.

See for yourself by clicking here now. You'll be taken to the homepage of mexinsure.com where you can get an instant quote for insurance, and learn even more that what we have here. You can also call their office number listed on the homepage to discuss details further or to assist you in making your decision.