Insuring Abroad—Key Distinctions Between Mexican and US Car Insurance Policies

Are you planning a road trip from the US to Mexico? If yes, you must know the main differences between Mexican and US car insurance policies before driving across the border. So, in this article, we will help Americans and Canadians learn about these differences to ensure an easy and safe road trip.

But before we get to that, here's why you must have car insurance when driving in Mexico.

Mexican law requires drivers to show they have enough money or assets to pay for the damage they might cause while driving, also called "proof of financial responsibility." But you don't want to rely on this requirement alone. Even if you have enough money or assets to show proof of financial responsibility, you could have to pay a substantial amount if you get in an accident while uninsured.

Even worse, you might be taken into police custody if you are at fault for the accident. The local police could also impound your car until they determine you can pay for the repairs and medical bills for the injured party. And, sometimes, when it is unclear who caused the accident, Mexican authorities may delay both parties until they determine who is at fault.

Car insurance saves you from these problems. It keeps you financially secure and ensures you don't get in trouble with the law or face delays and complications if an accident happens on your road trip. And this is where the differences between Mexican and US car insurance policies enter the question, since only one of those is valid in Mexico.

Only Mexican insurance is valid in Mexico!

The Department of State officially recommends that Americans buy Mexican liability insurance before crossing the Mexican border by car. This is because the insurance you have for your car in the US is not recognized as valid in Mexico. Mexican authorities will only accept insurance from a company licensed in Mexico.

In other words, if you get in an accident on Mexican roads and only have US car insurance, it will not be helpful. You must buy a separate Mexico car insurance to be safe and compliant when driving in Mexico.

Also remember that if you get in a car accident in Mexico, you must file a claim before you return to the US to ensure your coverage is valid. You need to do this immediately after the accident. If you return home without reporting the accident to the insurance adjuster before you leave Mexico, your insurance will be declared void.

How to buy car insurance for your Mexican road trip?

The Mexican car insurance market can confuse many Americans, as they might not recognize the names of the most highly rated Mexican car insurance companies. There are also concerns about navigating Spanish websites or talking to insurance agents in Spanish.

A good solution is to buy Mexican car insurance from a US-based insurance agency like West Coast Global Insurance Services. They are authorized to sell insurance for Mexican insurance companies they work with and can make the Mexico insurance buying process easier for Americans like you. They offer policies written in English, bilingual agents and claims teams, as well as an online insurance application form that allows you to get the most reliable and secure coverage with just a few clicks. Visit www.westcoastri.com or click this link 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.