Tips From An Insurance Agent: Buy Mexican Car Insurance Before You Travel To Mexico

I am an insurance agent selling insurance in Farmington, New Mexico. I have been in the industry for about fifteen years, and have been selling Mexican car insurance for much of that time. I can’t begin to count the number of tourist policies that I have sold, and it seems to me that everyone assumes that a Mexican policy and a United States policy is the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. For crying out loud, a New Mexico and Arizona policy are different and they are both one of the fifty United States.

Now you’re going to ask me for some specifics, and I’ll get to them, but first let me tell you a story. I remember a gentleman that came to my office some years back. He wanted to buy insurance on an old pickup; because of the value of the vehicle I recommended that he purchase a liability policy, and that he include uninsured motorist coverage. He agreed with me and about ten minutes later he had insurance on his old truck. As soon as I handed him his proof of insurance he said that he wanted to file a claim. Now, this got my attention because I didn’t think that two seconds was enough time for a covered loss to have occurred.

To make a long story short his old truck had burned to the ground the night before and he wanted the insurance to pay for it, even though he didn’t have insurance at the time that the truck was on fire. I know that this story sounds incredible to most of you, but it’s true. What does this have to do with car insurance for Mexico? Well, this man didn’t know anything about insurance. He didn’t even know that you have to have purchased the policy before the loss occurs. Now, I’m going to ask you a question. What don’t you know about Mexican insurance policies? Don’t you think that you should find out before you go?

Yes, you do need to buy Mexican auto insurance. Failure to provided adequate proof of financial responsibility in Mexico is a felony. Only a policy written by a Mexican insurance company can provide adequate proof of financial responsibility in Mexico. You didn’t book a vacation in Mexico so that you could spend time in a Mexican jail, and you don’t want to go there. I don’t think they have nearly as much fun there as they do at the beach. It is worth your time to buy a Mexican insurance policy regardless of whether or not your current carries provides a limited amount of coverage in Mexico.

Not all insurance policies are the same, and not all Mexican insurance policies are the same. Allow me to make a few recommendations. I’ll start with the limit of liability; this is often referred to as third party liability insurance. It is common to have a 50/100/25 limit in the United States; this is called a split limit which divides the bodily injury limit into a per person limit and per accident limit, and also separates the property damage limit. It is designed to reduce the amount payable in a very large claim.

Because of Mexican statue pain and suffering or emotional distress claims are unheard of in Mexico. All bodily injury losses are settled on an actual cash value basis; this greatly reduces the amount needed to settle a bodily injury claim. Because of the legal environment in Mexico I would suggest a combined single limit for third party liability insurance of no less than one hundred thousand dollars, and it really isn’t that much more to purchase three hundred thousand dollars of insurance.

Additionally, make sure that your policy includes coverage for Travel Assistance and Legal Aid. It doesn’t pay to overlook these coverages. They are really inexpensive and well worth the money, because if you don’t purchase these coverages and an accident does occur you will be paying for all of your own legal expenses until liability is determined in the accident. Let your insurance company find you an attorney and keep you out of trouble that’s why you pay them, and you shouldn’t have to worry about that while on vacation. Make sure that the box for Travel Assistance and Legal Aid is checked.

Lastly, educate yourself before you go, and buy from a reputable carrier. I only sell policies from companies that are rated A+ by AM Best, and have shown a superior claims paying ability. Your insurance agent may know all about insurance here in the United States, but does he/she know everything about insurance coverage in Mexico; buy from somebody who does.

Mexican Car Insurance While In Mexico

It doesn't matter where in Mexico that you will be driving you will need to purchase Mexican car insurance. The purchase of insurance can be facilitated by buying online; it can save you time, money, and frustration. Comply with Mexican law and purchase Mexican car insurance before you leave.

There are some beautiful places to visit in Mexico. While you're there don't forget to enjoy that tasty Mexican food, and the great shopping experiences that can be had as well. It doesn't matter where to in Mexico you travel, these things can be had everywhere.

Merida is the state capital of Yucatan, and is the practical hub for visiting the various ruin sites and all of the natural beauty that abounds in the Yucatan. With its thrilling indoor and outdoor activities it is one of the most interesting places in Mexico; you will fall in love with its beauty. One piece of advice would be to look for a hotel with a swimming pool as it can be quite hot during the summertime.

Merida is one of the very safest places that you can drive to. Founded in 1542 it sits over the remains of the Mayan city of T'ho. It provides a fantastic array of cultural influences and the hearts of the Meridan people will impress you; they are warm and friendly. Don't forget to sample the wide variety of restaurants, and enjoy the local flavor. Outstanding dishes and traditional music and dances can be found in the local restaurants, theatres and shops that surround Paseo de Montejo and the main plaza.

This is just a short list of some of the things to do while on vacation in Merida. Remember that it is required by law to provide proof of financial responsibility. The only practical way to do this is with the purchase of Mexican car insurance. Your United States insurance policy is not valid in Mexico, and not recognized by the Mexican government.

Nobody wants to have an accident, that's why they are called accidents. If you do have an accident in Mexico without proper insurance you may be incarcerated until you can provide proof of financial responsibility. Don't spoil your vacation with this oversight.

Merida is one of the beautiful places to visit while on vacation to Mexico. Enjoy your time there, and do the right things so that your vacation goes as it should -- relaxing and fun. Buy Mexican car insurance.

There are a lot of differences between the United States and Mexico, but they are the same in this one respect: you must have proof of insurance in your car. Additionally, a United States insurance card will not be enough because it will not be recognized by the government of Mexico. You must carry Mexican car insurance written by a Mexican insurance company.

There are a lot of people that believe that their insurance policy will be sufficient in Mexico because their insurance agent told that it did provide coverage within the first twenty-five miles of the Mexican border. The insurance agent was probably right, because some major insurance carriers will cover a loss within a short distance of the Mexican border. The real question is not will the accident be covered, but will the Mexican official recognize my policy as proof of financial responsibility. The answer to that question is a resounding no it will not.

Some people may think that it's just not that big of a deal, because all the police officer is going to do anyway is write a ticket for no insurance and they can go back to the United States and never even have to pay the ticket. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you are involved in a accident in Mexico and cannot provide adequate proof of financial responsibility you will be incarcerated until you can. I don't know about you, but I don't want to spend my vacation in a Mexican jail.

Now that everybody knows why it is that Mexican car insurance is so essential I'll bet your wanting to know where you can buy it and how much it will cost. The answer to the second question is that policies can be purchased for as long as you need them, from one day to one
year. The price will obviously vary depending on the time period that you purchase, but the insurance is not expensive, in fact it is usually quite reasonable.

Where can I buy Mexican car insurance? Right here. Right now. Online. Click the link and you can have your policy in a matter of minuets. Fast. Easy. Cheap.