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What Makes Mexico Tourism Auto Insurance Different?

Mexico Tourism Auto Insurance

The most common mistake one can make when driving into Mexico is to assume that your Mexico tourism auto insurance policy has the same coverage as your US policy. In fact, Mexico auto insurance and US auto insurance are very different. They are different because they address the laws and regulations of their issuing country or state. True, there will be similarities between Mexican and US auto insurance policies, but there are important differences to be aware of.

If you buy a Mexico auto insurance policy and drive into Mexico, be aware of these differences. The following are some important differences, exceptions, and quirks found in Mexican tourism auto policies:

Differences in Mexico tourism auto insurance

1 | High liability limit requirement

The Mexican law for minimum liability limits requires you to carry a high death liability limit. The amount needed can vary between states. However, generally speaking, the amount required is higher than the minimum financial responsibility limits in most US states. Customers can purchase up to $500,000 combined single limit on their Mexico auto policy. When buying Mexico auto insurance coverage, it is highly recommended that one purchase the highest level of protection offered.

2 | Jurisdiction for civil disputes

If there is an accident with a Mexican citizen while driving in Mexico, it makes sense that the claim and civil dispute occur in Mexico. However, if two Americans have an accident in Mexico, and elect to file the claim in the US, or bring suit in US courts, your Mexico tourism auto insurance policy will not respond or provide coverage. This underscores the requirement to report claims while in Mexico (before leaving home). Moreover, the Mexican courts are the proper jurisdiction for any civil disputes.

3 | Third-party liability for passengers

In the US, passengers in your car can make claims against your bodily injury coverage. However, a Mexico auto insurance policy does not cover liability for bodily injury sustained by a third-party passenger in the insured’s vehicle. Alternatively, no-fault medical payment coverage for passengers can be purchased to provide this form of coverage.

Pro Tip:

Mexican motorcycle policies do not provide medical payment coverage. Therefore, there would be no coverage for any passengers or drivers under this coverage.

4 | Damage caused by flood

While it’s common for a US homeowners insurance policy to have an exclusion for flooding, the typical auto insurance policy has no such limitations. However, a Mexico auto policy will not cover flooding related to tidal waters, even if other forms of flooding are covered.

5 | Unlicensed drivers or DUI

Damage caused by a person without a valid driver’s license or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not covered.

6 | Undercarriage damage

Loss or damage to under-parts of the insured vehicle as a result of overloading or rough roads is not covered.

7 | Theft and vandalism coverage

Theft of parts and/or accessories are not covered. Theft coverage is provided, however, it’s only if the entire vehicle is stolen. The real difference between US and Mexican auto insurance is that vandalism is also excluded. However, these coverage options can be purchased if you add the optional coverages.

8 | Coverage for trailers and boats

Trailers or boats that are towed must be listed on the policy in order to be covered. If the trailers or boats are not listed, there is no coverage for either the unlisted trailers and/or boats NOR the towing vehicle, even if listed.

9 | Differences in physical damage coverage

Like your US policy, physical damage is not included unless it is purchased and specifically described in the policy declarations or certificate. If you purchase physical damage coverage, it typically covers collision, overturn, fire, natural phenomenon, glass, and total theft. While it is similar to a US policy it is subtle in that all the same perils are not included.

10 | Claims process

When an insured has an accident it has to report while the insured is still in Mexico. Further, if you return to the US without an adjuster’s report, it will void your coverage. This is very different from a US auto insurance policy, where it is fine to have an accident in one state, then wait to report the claim after returning to the insured’s how state. 

11 | How cancellations and refunds work

Another major difference is in the way premiums earn. This affects how refunds and cancellations work. With some Mexico tourism auto insurance companies, 6-month and annual policies fully earn after 15 days. This means they can’t be canceled and no refund will issue after 15 days. Additionally, daily policies are not eligible for refunds or cancellations after the effective date of the policy.

The bottom line

For the US consumer of auto insurance, some of these differences will seem very different. In some cases, they are business decisions by the insurance company. However, in most, they simply reflect  Mexican Law and how Mexican auto insurance works.

Our partner carriers take special care to ensure their policies are compliant and provide consumers with the most current options. And we monitor changes in the market and rules to help you feel safe when driving in Mexico.

If you’re going to drive to Mexico, you can get a quote online, and purchasing your policy takes just minutes. Not sure if you need Mexico auto insurance, you can give us a call at (877) 334-7646.

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