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.

Driving to Manzanillo & the Costalegre

Curved golden-sand Pacific bay with palm trees and low-rise resorts at Manzanillo

South of Puerto Vallarta, Highway 200 traces one of Mexico’s prettiest stretches of coast – the Costalegre, the “happy coast” – before arriving at Manzanillo, the twin-bay port city that calls itself the Sailfish Capital of the World. With your own car it is a relaxed, scenic drive through a string of beach towns most fly-in visitors never see.

Quick answer: From Puerto Vallarta it is about 3.5-4 hours south on Highway 200 along the Costalegre to Manzanillo. You pass Barra de Navidad, Melaque and hidden coves along the way. As mainland Mexico, you need the full vehicle import permit (TIP), an FMM, and Mexican auto insurance.

The Costalegre drive

Highway 200 south of Vallarta is a two-lane road that winds past jungle, ranch land, and turnoffs to quiet beaches – Careyes, Tenacatita, and the laid-back twin towns of Barra de Navidad and Melaque near the Jalisco-Colima line. It is scenic rather than fast, with curves and the occasional slow truck, so allow time and drive it in daylight.

Manzanillo: bays, beaches, and a working port

Manzanillo is two things at once: Mexico’s busiest Pacific cargo port and a sport-fishing and beach destination spread across two golden bays. Las Hadas, the white Moorish-style resort made famous on film, sits on the peninsula between them. The black-and-gold sand beaches and the marlin and sailfish offshore are the draw.

Continuing inland

From Manzanillo, the city of Colima and its dramatic volcano are about an hour north on the toll highway – an easy add-on if you want to see the highlands. The same road connects up toward Guadalajara.

Permits and insurance

This is mainland Mexico, so carry the full TIP, your FMM, and Mexican auto insurance for the whole trip. A policy from an authorized insurer is inexpensive and required by law – buy it online before you leave, and check the documents checklist first.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo?

About 3.5 to 4 hours south on Highway 200 along the Costalegre coast, passing Barra de Navidad and Melaque. It is a scenic two-lane road, so allow time and drive in daylight.

What is the Costalegre?

The Costalegre, or ‘happy coast,’ is the stretch of southern Jalisco coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo – quiet beaches and small towns like Careyes, Tenacatita, Barra de Navidad and Melaque.

Do I need a vehicle permit to drive to Manzanillo?

Yes. Manzanillo is mainland Mexico, so you need the full Banjercito temporary vehicle import permit (TIP), an FMM tourist permit, and Mexican auto insurance.

Do I need Mexican insurance to drive to Manzanillo?

Yes. Your US auto policy does not cover you in Mexico. You must carry Mexican auto insurance from an authorized insurer, which you can buy online in minutes.

Driving to Manzanillo: The Costalegre Coast From Puerto Vallarta