It's a bad idea for US and Canadian tourists to wait to buy Mexican Auto Insurance at the border or inside Mexico. Most people plan their vacation, then forget all about insurance until they cross the border... then they proceed to buy insurance at the nearest seller. This is the equivalent of buying your groceries at a convenience store: no matter how well you shop, you're going to pay too much, and your options will be limited, too. You don't even have the option of researching those insurers that vend at the border, and who knows how strong their grasp of the English language is going to be. It's better to buy it before you leave.
How much time is it going to take to purchase a policy at the border? What extra fees will they add? Is it a PAPER policy? Is it printed in -2 font? There might be a reason. What are the options? Why not purchase a policy before you go to Mexico, in the comfort of your home? It costs less. You need a policy with an English or a Spanish translation. You also need ID cards and accident instructions.
What will you do if you can't find an insurance booth as you cross or find that your favorite booth is closed or having equipment failure problems? What about Legal? Do they make you pay for the bond? What about emergency medical assistance? Is that included? Are they hawking Split limits or Combined Single Limits? Does it matter? Yes, depending on the amount of the limit you purchase?
Are you getting an electronic policy or a bare bones paper generated policy?
Does the insurance company you are purchasing from have a good or bad reputation for paying claims?
Does the policy say that's it's OK to repair your car in the United States, & then restrict the Labor Rate to rates commonly found in Mexico such as $10.00 or $15.00 dollars an hour. Who pays if difference if the labor rate in the US is $65.00 per hour?
TIP: Most likely you will.
Mexico is among the top destinations for active travelers. It offers a wide range of activities and a mild climate. Activities range from lounging at your favorite resort, to sightseeing, or participating in various types of adventure sporting activities. Unfortunately, those who participate in these sporting activities are at increased risk for unexpected injury.
According to the United States Department of State, the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, many American visitors assume the standards of security and safety are the same In Mexico as they are in the U.S. These presumptions have lead not only to serious injuries, but even deaths.
Because of differences in Mexican law, situations are made even more dire because needed care after an auto accident or medical emergency can become slowed down by bureaucracy and other entanglements. Therefore, the US State Department urges all citizens to take responsibly for their own safety. American and Canadian tourists should also make sure that they have comprehensive auto and medical insurance that they need.
When You Drive in Mexico: In Mexico, you are presumed guilty until proven innocent.You must have a Mexican insurance policy from a company that is admitted and authorized to do business in Mexico in order for any damages or injuries you cause to others to be mitigated.
U.S liability insurance is simply not valid in Mexico. This includes most of the major U.S. collision and comprehensive coverage plans.
As well as Mexico auto liability insurance, drivers should make sure their auto policy includes legal aid and bond fees.
Traffic accidents are seen as felonies in Mexico. As the authorities look into who is responsible, you may face having your car impounded while you are kept in Mexican detention (jail).
The Department of State further warns U.S. travelers that they can be prevented from leaving the country even if "life-saving medical care" is required.
Emergency Services and Evacuation
Mexico's national health-care system is free to its citizens. However, as a visitor, you are not entitled to this service. As a tourist, you can only receive medical treatment and medications from private clinics and hospitals. Therefore, you should check with your medical insurance company to confirm that your policy will cover air and land evacuation home as well as other medical expenses.
Many medical assistance plans only cover portions of the cost depending on location, activity or cause of injury. For those with Medicare, costs for hospital or medical care outside the United States are not covered at all.
Therefore, it's important to attempt to fill in the gaps that your Mexico auto or US or Canadian medical insurance have. Besides comprehensive Mexican auto insurance, travelers should add an emergency medical assistance option, since almost all health plans exclude medical evacuation if it occurrs in a foreign country, such as Mexico.
Choosing A Plan: The most convenient and affordable method of locating Mexican auto insurance is on the Internet. When choosing a plan, it is recommended to seek out an option that provides the following:
Third Party (Civil) Liability with Adequate Limits (CSL or Split) Driver and Passenger Medical Expenses Coverage Emergency Medical Cover (Land & Air Evacuation) Physical Damage and Theft of Vehicle Legal Assistance and Bail Bond Costs Roadside Support and Rental Car Partial Theft and Vandalism with Repairs OK in MX or US
One final thing to make note of is that you plan should cover you during your entire stay. Most plans have choices between daily, six-month, and annual policy coverage. After three weeks, it may be less expensive to purchase an annual or six month policy period.
Linden Gray has sinced written about articles on various topics from Auto Insurance, Finances and Auto Insurance. Linden Gray owner of Mexican Insurance Store is an international insurance veteran with over 29 years of wholesale, retail, and direct insurance experience. Mr. Gray has been featured in numerous offline & online publications including RV Magazine, The Pr. Linden Gray's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.