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Mexico Traveling Tips and Important Vehicle Information:

Claims If you are planning to travel to Mexico by car be aware that your US or Canadian automobile insurance coverage is not valid in Mexico. Therefore, before crossing the US / Mexican border you should purchase an adequate insurance for your needs while in Mexico. The government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico.

Mexican Laws:

American and Canadian insurance companies or policies are not recognized in Mexico. Only authorized Mexican insurance companies are considered legal in Mexico. According to the Mexican law, all traffic accidents are considered both civil and criminal offenses. Mexico has a 16-mile "border zone"; law requires that visitors going beyond 16 miles across the border show the title of property or an authorization letter from the owner of the vehicle to enter the country.

Required Information at the Mexican Border:

Claims



  • Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate).
  • The appropriate immigration form (tourist card).
  • A valid vehicle registration certificate, or document certifying legal ownership of the vehicle. It must be in the driver's name.
  • The leasing contract (if vehicle is leased or rented) which must be in the name of the person driving the car.
  • Valid driver's license, issued outside of Mexico.
  • An international credit card, also issued outside of Mexico in the name of the driver of the vehicle.
  • Click here to learn how to obtain your Permit to bring your vehicle into Mexico.
  • Do not leave Mexico without canceling your vehicle permit at the border Banjercito Office.

NOTE: You may be asked to post a bond for your vehicle. If you have an international credit or debit card you can pay the bond fee with that card. If you do not have an international credit or debit card, or choose not to use it, you will be asked to post a bond (varies per make/model of the vehicle), payable to the Federal Treasury, issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. This fee will be refunded upon leaving the border.

Once all of the above information is provided you will be allowed to obtain an importation permit which is valid for six months. The vehicle may be driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period of the permit. However, you will be responsible for canceling the permit at the border where it was purchased or you will be charged a substantial fee.

Leased or Rented Vehicles:

You should check with the leasing company or lien holder who has the title to your car to get permission to drive the car into Mexico. Leasing and rental companies may have different procedures for granting permission to cross the Mexican border with their vehicle and the type of verification you must obtain prior to travel.

Purchasing Mexican Insurance:

Mexican automobile insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border. We recommend that you purchase your insurance online from a company that you know and trust such as Genworth Seguros México, S.A. de C.V.

Following are some tips that may help you:

The Mexican Government doesn't currently require a vehicle to have auto insurance, however, Liability Only is highly recommended as a minimum for your protection.

Mexican insurance policies generally offer the same types of coverages as policies sold in the United States.

It would be wise to purchase limits equivalent to the amounts you carry in the United States.

When shopping for Mexican insurance, you may want to pay special attention to any exclusions or limitations that may be included. If you have any questions or concerns about how to purchase Mexican Auto Insurance you can contact us at Genworth Seguros México, S.A. de C.V.' Tourist Auto Division.

Driving Dangers in Mexico:

Claims Driving in Mexico can be more dangerous than in the states. If at all possible, you should avoid driving at night, driving at excessive speeds and be prepared to stop at any time. Listed below are some of the dangers you could encounter when driving in Mexico:

  • Loose livestock can appear in the road at any time.
  • Usually there are no warning signals at construction sites.
  • Some cars only have one headlight and no brake lights.
  • Many bicycles have no reflectors or lights.
  • Driving signals may mean different things in Mexico than in the
    United States.

What You Should Expect if you are in an Automobile Accident in
Mexico.

After an accident in Mexico, you and anyone else involved may be put in jail and the vehicles impounded until police finds out if there is sufficient insurance to pay for any damage or injuries.

We recommend that you buy legal aid and bail bond coverage when you purchase your Mexican Insurance so that you don't have to worry about any attorney fees or where to locate one. Simply contact Genworth Seguros México, S.A. de C.V. by dialing 01-800-019-6000 (only works in Mexico) number and they will put you in contact with a lawyer that speaks English or Spanish.

Do not leave Mexico without reporting your accident to Genworth Seguros México, S.A. de C.V. at 01-800-019-6000 (only works in Mexico) and the local police authorities.

Warning: If you are in an accident or have other vehicle-related problems and you do not have insurance, you may be arrested and your vehicle impounded until the authorities can resolve the situation.