Navigating Mexican Roads: The Ultimate Auto Insurance Guide for Expats

Getting your car insured in Mexico is similar to how you would do it back home—you pay the premium and get a certain amount of coverage. However, the insurance laws in Mexico differ from what you are used to, making buying Mexico auto insurance quite confusing for new expats.

This article will simplify auto insurance in Mexico so you can be sure you are fully covered (and stay out of trouble) if you get into an accident in the country.

Do you need auto insurance to drive in Mexico?

You might have heard you don't need insurance to drive around in Mexico, but that's false. Mexican law requires some kind of insurance when you own or drive a car in Mexico. The minimum coverage you need is third-party liability insurance. It provides coverage if you accidentally injure someone else or damage their property in a car accident. But it does not cover your own medical expenses or damage to your car, so it's rather basic.

Your insurance also has to be issued by a Mexican company. Your domestic insurance policy won't count here. That's because when there is an accident in Mexico, the insurance company must show up at the scene, and nobody can leave until all the paperwork is signed and accounted for.

So what happens if you drive in Mexico without insurance?

If you get into a car accident in Mexico and don't have auto insurance, you will have to pay for the damages out of pocket. If you can't do that, you end up in a Mexican jail. The amount you pay will vary from state to state, but usually can be very expensive. So, being insured is worth it!

Now that you know you must have insurance to drive in Mexico, let's look at what this insurance usually covers.

Additional coverage

As we mentioned earlier, if you only get the basic third-party liability insurance, it will not help with your injuries or damage to your car in an accident. But the good news is that you can add extra coverage to your policy for more protection. Other coverages you can add to your policy include coverage for physical damage, collision and upset, partial theft, vandalism, defense costs and attorney fees, bail bonds, towing, and occupants inside the vehicle.

What most expats in Mexico do is buy full coverage. Honestly, that's what you should do, too. Get a comprehensive policy, and then you don't have to worry about if things go wrong on the road.

Get your Mexico auto insurance quote today!

If you live in Mexico and own a car there, you must get third-party liability insurance. It's the law. But if you can, we recommend adding extra coverage or choosing a comprehensive policy. That way, should anything go wrong, you know that expense will be covered.

If you are looking for a reliable Mexico auto insurance policy, you are at the right place. West Coast Global Insurance Services connects you with top-rated Mexican insurance companies. You can easily compare different Mexico insurance policies to find one that fits your needs and budget. Click here for a free quote, or visit www.westcoastri.com for more information!

West Coast Global Insurance Services is dedicated to continuously researching our industry for the most comprehensive, best-priced insurance policies available in Mexico.