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.

What Do I Need to Drive to Mexico? Border Crossing Checklist

Travel essentials for driving into Mexico: passport, keys, insurance, and pesos

Driving into Mexico is simple when you are prepared. Forget one key item and you could be turned around at the border or left exposed after an incident. Here is the complete checklist for crossing by car from San Diego.

Quick answer: Bring these essentials: a passport or passport card, Mexican auto insurance, your driver’s license, vehicle registration, pesos or a card for tolls and gas, an FMM permit if your stay runs long, and your phone with offline maps.

The must-have checklist

Passport or passport card. Required to get back into the US. A passport card also lets you use the faster Ready Lanes.
Mexican auto insurance. Legally required for every driver – your US policy does not count. Here is why, and you can get a quote in minutes. Carry proof in the car.
Driver’s license. Your valid US license is accepted for tourists.
Vehicle registration. Proof the car is yours (or a permission letter if it is a rental or borrowed vehicle).
Pesos or a card. Toll roads and many gas stations prefer pesos; bring some cash plus a card.
FMM tourist permit if you will stay more than 7 days or travel beyond the border region – see the details.
Phone with offline maps. Download your route in advance in case of spotty coverage.

Smart extras

A printed copy of your insurance policy and key phone numbers.
Your insurer’s emergency/claims number saved in your phone.
A little extra cash for tolls (cuotas) on the coastal highway.

One thing you cannot skip

You can replace almost anything on this list at the last minute – except being legal on the road. Make sure your Mexican auto insurance is sorted before you reach the gate. It takes two minutes online, or stop at our 24/7 drive-through at the last exit before the border.

Cross the border with confidence

Get Mexican auto insurance in minutes – a fast online quote means you are covered before you reach the border.

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Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to drive into Mexico?

A passport or passport card, your US driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of Mexican auto insurance. For longer stays you also need an FMM tourist permit.

Do I need a passport to drive to Tijuana?

To re-enter the United States you need a passport, passport card, or other approved travel document. A passport card also lets you use the faster Ready Lanes.

What do I need that my US trip does not require?

Two things US drivers often forget: Mexican auto insurance (your US policy will not cover you) and, for longer trips, an FMM tourist permit.

What Do I Need to Drive to Mexico? The Border Crossing Checklist