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 in Mexico City | Hoy No Circula Rules & Insurance

Wide tree-lined Mexico City boulevard with a tall monument column and traffic

Mexico City – the southern end of the Highway 57 corridor and one of the world’s great megacities – is a thrilling place to visit and a demanding place to drive. The single most important thing for anyone bringing a car in is a rule called Hoy No Circula. Understand it, and the rest is just big-city traffic.

Quick answer: Mexico City restricts driving with Hoy No Circula – vehicles are banned from the road one weekday (and some Saturdays) based on license-plate digit and an emissions sticker. Foreign-plated cars have no sticker, so they are restricted by default – but you can apply for a free Pase Turistico (tourist pass) to drive legally for a limited period. You also need Mexican auto insurance, an FMM, and a vehicle permit.

Hoy No Circula explained

Hoy No Circula (“today it doesn’t circulate”) is an air-quality program in Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico. Each car is barred from driving on one designated weekday – and possibly one Saturday – based on the last digit of its plate and its emissions holograma sticker. Mexican cars with a clean “00” or “0” sticker are mostly exempt; everyone else has restricted days.

What it means for foreign-plated cars

Because a US- or Canadian-plated car has no Mexican holograma, it is treated as one of the most-restricted vehicles by default – which would limit it most days. The fix is the Pase Turistico, a free tourist pass that lets visitors drive in the city for a defined window (apply online in advance). Rules and durations change, so confirm the current requirements before you arrive – the fines for breaking Hoy No Circula are steep.

Should you even drive in the city?

Many visitors park the car and use the Metro, Uber, or taxis inside Mexico City – traffic is heavy, parking is scarce and pricey, the altitude is over 7,000 feet, and driving is assertive. A common plan: drive in, park at your hotel, sightsee without the car, and use it again for day trips like Teotihuacan.

Permits and insurance

Mexico City is mainland Mexico, so you need a full vehicle import permit, an FMM, and Mexican auto insurance throughout. If you drove down the Highway 57 corridor you already have them – get your insurance sorted before you travel and see the documents checklist.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Hoy No Circula in Mexico City?

It is an air-quality program that bans each vehicle from driving on one designated weekday – and sometimes a Saturday – based on its license-plate digit and emissions sticker. It applies in Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico.

Can I drive a US-plated car in Mexico City?

Yes, but foreign-plated cars have no emissions sticker and are restricted by default under Hoy No Circula. Apply for the free Pase Turistico (tourist pass) to drive legally for a limited period, and confirm current rules before you arrive.

Should I drive inside Mexico City?

Many visitors park and use the Metro or Uber inside the city because of heavy traffic, scarce parking, and the altitude. Driving is most useful for getting in and out and for day trips like Teotihuacan.

Do I need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico City?

Yes. Your US policy is not valid in Mexico. Mexican auto insurance from an authorized insurer is required by law, along with a vehicle import permit and FMM, and can be bought online in minutes.

Driving in Mexico City: Hoy No Circula, Traffic and What to Know