U.S. Car Insurance for Mexico Travel

Motoring down to Mexico may seem like a great vacation, until an accident occurs. That's when you'll find that your trustworthy insurance company has no jurisdiction south of the border. In addition, your accident may be a criminal offense, especially if you have no Mexican insurance and a permit to drive an American car in that country.

From Mexican Carriers

The insurance that you choose to carry on your trip must be from a company that is recognized by the Mexican government. In addition, the policy must be one that Mexico recognizes as valid. The insurance company must be licensed to work inside the country. The policy must include civil liability coverage that will protect you in event of a small claims or civil lawsuit. Buy this insurance while planning your trip or in border towns on the Mexico side.

Mexican Liability

This is the civil liability insurance. Like liability insurance in the U.S., Mexican liability insurance covers injuries and damage suffered by the other party or parties involved in the accident. Insurance company Esurance suggests buying insurance that is equivalent to or slightly more than your usual liability coverage. If you have an accident without Mexican liability coverage, then you could be held liable for the accident and end up spending your vacation in jail.

Legal Insurance

Travelers found at fault for the accident may face time in a Mexican jail despite having the proper insurance. Adding a legal insurance to your policy is the best way to avoid or minimize this situation. It serves as a retainer for a Mexican attorney that the insurance company hires to represent you. This attorney is familiar enough with local laws to know just how to spring you from the jail, or represent you at the subsequent legal proceedings. This is assuming that you were not intoxicated at the time of the accident. Driving while intoxicated voids any insurance policy.

Travel Assistance

Treat travel assistance endorsements like the legal insurance and add it to your policy in case of an emergency. The coverage is just like the American roadside assistance in that it gives you numbers to call in case you breakdown, run out of gas, or lock your keys in the car.

Collision

Collision, theft, vandalism and other unusual events are optional endorsements as well, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance. Purchase them to ensure that every conceivable hazard is covered.

Permissions

Get permission to drive a rented or leased car in Mexico. You also have to get written permission from the finance company who holds a lien on your car. Because you are not the owner, written permission is required before you take the car into another country. Otherwise, the vehicle may be considered stolen. Permission is required to pass outside of the border town area in Mexico. It is an import permit that all cars are required to have when driving in certain areas. It may be best to get the permit to avoid accidentally breaking this law.