How much does Mexican car insurance cost?

Mexican car insurance costs vary by vehicle value, coverage level, and trip length. Short-term liability coverage often starts at just a few dollars a day, while full coverage that also protects your own vehicle is based mainly on its value. A free online quote gives you an exact price in about two minutes.

Can I purchase Mexican car insurance at the border?

Yes. You can buy online in about two minutes before you leave, or stop at our 24/7 drive-through office at 223 Via De San Ysidro - the last exit before the border. We recommend having your coverage confirmed before you cross into Mexico.

Does Mexican car insurance cover rental cars?

Yes, you can insure a rental car for Mexico. Your US rental coverage does not meet Mexico's legal liability requirement, so you need a separate Mexican policy. Bring the vehicle details and any rental-company permission, and make sure your rental agreement allows travel into Mexico.

What happens if I get into an accident in Mexico?

Call your insurer's emergency number right away - a proper Mexican policy sends a bilingual adjuster and legal assistance to the scene. Do not admit fault and do not leave until the adjuster arrives. Without Mexican insurance, an at-fault driver can face out-of-pocket liability and detention until responsibility is settled.

Does Mexican car insurance cover theft or vandalism?

Yes. Full-coverage Mexican auto policies typically cover total theft of the vehicle, along with collision and damage. Liability-only policies cover damage you cause to others but not your own vehicle, so choose full coverage if theft protection matters to you.

Can I buy a one-day Mexican insurance policy?

Yes. Temporary Mexican auto insurance can be purchased by the day, week, month, or year, so a quick day trip to Tijuana costs only a few dollars. You pay only for the days you need.

Is it cheaper to buy Mexican insurance online or at the border?

Online and our drive-through offer the same quality coverage. Buying online in advance is the most convenient - you get an instant quote and emailed documents before you leave. If you did not buy ahead, our 24/7 drive-through at the last exit before the border has you covered.

What types of motorcycles are covered by Mexican motorcycle insurance?

Mexican motorcycle insurance covers a wide range of street-legal motorcycles - cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, and more. Coverage includes the liability required by Mexican law, with options for theft and damage to your bike.

Can I purchase Mexican motorcycle insurance if I don't have a driver's license?

You need a valid driver's license to legally ride in Mexico, and you should carry it along with your passport and registration. We can insure your motorcycle once you have the required documents.

Do I need separate insurance for my motorcycle in Mexico?

Yes. Just like a car, your motorcycle needs its own Mexican liability policy from a Mexican-licensed insurer. Your US motorcycle insurance does not satisfy Mexico's legal requirement, even for a short ride across the border.

What coverage options are available for RV owners in Mexico?

Mexican RV insurance includes the liability required by law, plus options for collision, theft, and damage to your motorhome - and often coverage for your belongings inside. Because an RV is worth more than a typical car, the policy reflects its higher value.

Can I add additional drivers to my RV insurance policy in Mexico?

Yes. You can typically add additional drivers to your Mexican RV policy so everyone in your party is covered to drive. Have each driver's information ready when you get your quote.

Are there restrictions on the types of RVs that can be insured in Mexico?

Most motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers can be insured for Mexico. Coverage and value limits depend on the size and value of the rig, so provide your RV's details for an accurate quote.

Does Mexican RV insurance cover my belongings inside?

Many full-coverage Mexican RV policies include coverage for your contents and belongings, in addition to liability and physical damage to the motorhome. Ask about contents coverage when you get your quote.

Are there specific requirements for insuring a trailer in Mexico?

Yes. A trailer needs its own Mexican coverage and proof of ownership. It is not automatically covered by your tow vehicle's policy, so you add the trailer to a Mexican auto policy. Baja requires no vehicle import permit, which keeps towing into the peninsula simple.

Can I add additional coverage to my trailer insurance policy?

Yes. You can add coverage for the trailer and what it carries - including a boat, jet skis, or other watercraft - to your Mexican policy. Provide proof of ownership and the item details when you get your quote.

Is my trailer covered by my vehicle's Mexican insurance?

No. A trailer needs its own Mexican coverage - it is not automatically included in your tow vehicle's policy. You can add the trailer (and any watercraft) to the same Mexican auto policy when you get your quote.

Do You Need a Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) for Baja or Mainland Mexico?

Car driving through the Baja California desert where no vehicle import permit is needed

If you are driving your own car into Mexico, you will hear about the Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP). The great news for Baja travelers: you almost certainly do not need one. Here is exactly when a TIP applies and when it does not.

Quick answer: Baja California is exempt. You do not need a TIP to drive your US-plated vehicle anywhere on the Baja peninsula. You only need a TIP if you take your vehicle to the Mexican mainland (for example, by ferry, or driving into the interior beyond the free zone).

What a TIP is

The Temporary Vehicle Import Permit is a customs document that temporarily ‘imports’ your foreign-plated vehicle into Mexico so it can legally travel in regions that require it. It is issued by Banjercito (the Mexican army bank) and usually involves a deposit that is refunded when you return the permit and exit.

Why Baja does not require one

The entire Baja California peninsula – Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, San Felipe, all the way down to Los Cabos – is a free zone for vehicle importation. You can drive throughout Baja with just your Mexican auto insurance (plus an FMM if your stay runs long enough). No customs permit, no deposit. This is a big part of what makes Baja such an easy road-trip destination.

When you DO need a TIP

Ferry to the mainland. Taking your vehicle on the ferry from Baja (La Paz or Santa Rosalia) to mainland Mexico requires a TIP.
Driving into the interior. Heading to mainland states beyond the border free zone requires a TIP.
The Sonora exception. The ‘Only Sonora’ program has its own free-zone rules – check the specifics if that is your route.

TIP, insurance, and FMM are three different things

Keep them straight: the TIP is for the vehicle (mainland only), the FMM is for you (based on trip length), and auto insurance is for the vehicle and is required everywhere, including Baja. For most San Diego travelers heading to Baja, insurance is the only one you need every time.

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Heading to Baja – where no import permit is needed? You still need insurance. Get your Mexican auto policy in minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a vehicle import permit to drive in Baja?

No. The entire Baja California peninsula is exempt from the Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP). You can drive your US-plated car throughout Baja with just your Mexican auto insurance (and an FMM if your stay is long enough).

When do I need a TIP?

You need a TIP if you drive your foreign-plated vehicle to the Mexican mainland – for example, taking a ferry from Baja to the mainland, or driving beyond the free zone into the interior. It is obtained through Banjercito.

Is a TIP the same as car insurance?

No. A TIP is a customs permit that temporarily imports your vehicle into mainland Mexico. Auto insurance is separate and is required everywhere in Mexico, including Baja, where no TIP is needed.

Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP): Mainland vs. Baja