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WHAT
IF YOU BREAK DOWN IN MEXICO???
Visit our Web Site for more information on 24 hour roadside assistance
for American tourists traveling in Mexico
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Here are a few common questions and answers about Mexican Auto Insurance:
Q: Does Mexican Auto Insurance Cover All Problems?
Q: Why do I need Mexican insurance?
Q: Do I need a Mexico Car Permit?
Q: Does my U.S. insurance policy cover me in Mexico?
Q: Does my U.S. insurance policy cover me in Mexico?
Q: How is the value of my vehicle determined?
Q: What if I have a loan on my vehicle?
Q: If I tow a trailer, boat, or another vehicle, do I need
to insure them?
Q: If I am borrowing a vehicle, will I need any special
documents?
Q: What is Liability Only?
Q: What is Legal Aid Coverage?
Q: What's covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
Q: What's NOT covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
Q: Are claims paid in dollars?
Q: How much does Mexican insurance cost?
Q: Does Mexican Auto Insurance cover everything?
A. NO It DOES NOT COVER EVERYTHING!!!!
 What
if you break down? Flat tire? Run out of gas? Need a Battery jump? Locked
out of your car? Need Towing services? Your second line of defense when
traveling to Mexico is: Mexican
Auto Services. They provide 24 hour emergency roadside service with
towing back to the US.
Q: Why do I need Mexican insurance?
A: Mexico has traffic laws very similar to the United States. The application
of their laws is what accounts for the differences, and the reasons
for needing Mexican insurance. The law in Mexico is based on the Napoleonic
Code where guilt prevails over the assumption of innocence. In the U.S.,
the law is based on the English Common Law where innocence prevails
over the assumption of guilt. Mexico does not have compulsory automobile
insurance. The basic difference between Mexico's and United States financial
responsibility law is that anyone involved in an accident in Mexico
must have the means to respond to damages or injuries for which they
may be responsible....which in Mexico would be in the form of either
cash or a Mexican insurance policy.
Q:
Do I need a Mexico Car Permit?
A: If you plan on only driving in the state of Sonora, the answer is
NO, you don't need a permit.. If you plan to drive outside the state
of Sonora in mainland Mexico beyond the border areas, or plan to transport
a vehicle by ferry from Baja California to mainland Mexico, then yes,
you do need a permit.. Permits are also not required for travel on the
Baja California peninsula.
Q:
Does my U.S. insurance policy cover me in Mexico?
A: Some policies may cover your vehicle for physical damage. The problem
is that the Mexican government does not recognize any policies as valid
unless it is by a Mexican Insurance Company. You must have a Mexican Insurance
Policy that covers you for your liability in Mexico. Q:
How is the value of my vehicle determined?
A: Your insurance agent should be able to help you, or you can click
on the above banner, which has a Kelly's Blue Book link and check for
yourself to determine your vehicle's value. Make sure to add those extras
you want insured in case you should have a loss. Don't forget to add
the vehicle being towed, if any, in the amount to be insured. We advise
you not to under-insure.
Q:
What if I have a loan on my vehicle?
A: Most lenders will require that they be furnished a copy of your policy
indicating that the unit is insured while it is in Mexico. Just include
the "lien holder" on your policy. Always make sure you allow
enough time before your trip into Mexico to allow for the handling of
paperwork.
Q:
If I tow a trailer, boat, or another vehicle, do I need to insure them?
A: No, and it must be listed on the policy with the towing vehicle, otherwise
the towing vehicle's insurance could be voided in the event of an accident
or loss. If you are towing another Car or Truck, and plan on driving it
around in Mexico, you will need a policy to cover it for driving and not
just while it is in tow. Q:
If I am borrowing a vehicle, will I need any special documents?
A: Yes, you should obtain a notarized affidavit of permission from the
legal owner?
Q:
What is Liability Only?
A: The Liability Only policy provides the minimum vehicle insurance
required by the Mexican government. Included in this coverage is property
damage caused by your vehicle, legal liability for injuries or death
of persons not in your vehicle, and medical expenses for you or other
persons in your vehicle.
Q:
What is Legal Aid Coverage?
A: In Mexico, a traffic accident is considered a felony, it is possible
that you will be detained by the authorities, with your vehicle impounded,
until they conclude their investigation. Legal Aid helps prevent this,
with one phone call an attorney will come to your assistance, and negotiate
your immediate release, as well as the release of the vehicle.
Q:
What's covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
A: Contrary to the more broad coverage's of a standard U.S. auto policy,
a Mexican tourist auto policy is a named peril policy. Basically that
means, "what you see is what you get". If it is not listed
on the Policy Coverage then it is not a part of the coverage, nothing
more and nothing less.
There are five (5) basic risks to a standard Mexican tourist auto policy.
1) Collision, Upset, and Glass Breakage
2) Fire and Total Theft
3) Property Damage Liability
4) Bodily Injury Liability
5) Medical Expenses
There are various methods of customizing a Mexican tourist policy. You
are encouraged to clearly define your travel plans to your Mexican insurance
agent so that adequate insurance is established.
Q:
What's NOT covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
A: As important as it is to know what is covered, it is worthwhile to
also know what is NOT covered. Some of the losses and/or expenses an insured
might incur which are not covered include pilferage, vandalism, lodging
expenses, toll calls, and loss of wages. Q:
Are claims paid in dollars?
A: The Mexican insurance company settles all insurance claims in U.S.
dollars from their claims offices in Mexico.
Q:
How much does Mexican insurance cost?
A: There are many factors to determine the total cost of insurance.
Basically it is a "sliding scale" It all depends on how much
you insure you vehicle(s) for, and how long you will be insured for.
Most policies are written on a daily rate. It may be less money if you
are going to be traveling many days in Mexico, to go with an annual
policy (covers you for the entire year). . 10% Mexican government tax
on the premium
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