Why buy Mexican Insurance?

As the weather warms up, and given our close proximity to the beaches of Mexico, more people travel on extended weeks to Mexico during this time than any other time.  If you are driving your own vehicle, it is extremely important to buy a Mexican Insurance policy to cover you, your vehicle and others. Here's why:

• Your current auto policy is not recognized in the country of Mexico. However, policies from a Mexican Insurance Company are valid and provide protection.
• The limits of liability differ from each state within Mexico. It will depend on where you travel within Mexico as to what maximum coverage will needed. Some liability limits are as high as $300,000 per fatality and some are left up to a Mexican judges discretion.
• A Mexican Insurance policy does comply with the "proof of financial responsibility" according to Mexican law. Any other non-Mexican insurance policy does not.

A common misconception is that a US insurance policy affords some limited coverage in Mexico. Under Mexican law, any non Mexican insurance policy is not recognized and therefore does not meet the requirement of "proof of financial responsibility". You will be 100% responsible regardless of fault. At a minimum, a liability only policy from a Mexican insurer is required.

A liability policy will cover the damages caused to others - not including damages to yourself or your passengers. This includes other's property or vehicles damaged in an accident as well as any bodily injury. 

Optional and additional coverages available include: 

• Legal assistance in Mexico
• Roadside Assistance - towing, etc.
• Collision, theft and vandalism
• Plane ticket home if you become stranded
• Medical 

Not all Mexican insurance policies are the same. When purchasing a Mexican insurance policy, it is important to compare coverage and options by using a comparative rater. It is easier to understand what the price quote actually covers. Most policies are easily purchased and issued online, in real-time. The policy is emailed and accessible from most smart phones. 

Mexican policies can be purchased for a specific range of days, semi-annual, and annual coverage terms and are priced accordingly. So when traveling to Mexico, don't forget two things: a Mexican insurance policy and sunscreen!

Blog author, Ken Stickler is partner and founder of Stickler Webb Insurance, an independent insurance agency with offices in Show Low, Safford and Sierra Vista, Arizona