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 the Riviera Nayarit: Sayulita & Beach Towns

Colorful bohemian surf-town beach with palm trees and gentle waves in Sayulita, Nayarit

Just north of Puerto Vallarta, across the Nayarit state line, the Riviera Nayarit strings together some of Mexico’s most beloved beach towns – bohemian Sayulita, laid-back San Pancho, family-friendly Bucerias, and upscale Punta de Mita. Having your own car turns this stretch of coast into one easy road trip.

Quick answer: The Riviera Nayarit towns sit 20 to 60 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport along Highway 200. Sayulita is the famous surf-and-yoga town; San Pancho is its quieter neighbor; Bucerias and Punta de Mita round out the bay. You are in mainland Nayarit, so the full vehicle import permit (TIP), an FMM, and Mexican auto insurance all apply.

The beach towns, town by town

Bucerias: a large, walkable town with a long beach, about 20 minutes north of the airport – an easy first stop.
Punta de Mita: the upscale tip of the bay, with calm swimming beaches and luxury resorts.
Sayulita: the colorful, cobblestoned surf town that put the Riviera Nayarit on the map – lively, artsy, and busy.
San Pancho (San Francisco): Sayulita’s mellow neighbor a few minutes north, quieter and uncrowded.

Driving and parking tips

The drive between towns on Highway 200 is short and scenic. The catch is parking: Sayulita’s narrow cobblestone streets get packed, so use the paid lots on the edge of town and walk in rather than circling the center. Watch for topes (speed bumps), pedestrians, and golf carts in all these towns, and keep small pesos for parking.

Getting there

Most road-trippers reach the Riviera Nayarit by continuing past Puerto Vallarta – the airport sits right at the Jalisco-Nayarit line, so the beach towns are a quick hop north on Highway 200. If you are flying in and renting a car, the same permit and insurance rules apply to your rental.

Permits and insurance

Because this is mainland Mexico, carry your full TIP, your FMM, and Mexican auto insurance for the whole trip. A short-term or annual policy from an authorized insurer is inexpensive and required by law – buy it online before you go. See everything to bring for a smooth drive down the coast.

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Frequently asked questions

How far is Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta?

About 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta (and roughly 30 to 40 minutes from the PV airport) on Highway 200, across the state line in Nayarit.

Where do you park in Sayulita?

Use the paid parking lots on the edge of town and walk in. Sayulita’s narrow cobblestone streets are crowded and hard to park in, especially on weekends and in high season.

Do I need a vehicle permit for the Riviera Nayarit?

Yes. The Riviera Nayarit is mainland Mexico, so you need the full Banjercito temporary vehicle import permit, an FMM, and Mexican auto insurance – even for a rental car.

Do I need Mexican insurance to drive in Nayarit?

Yes. Your US auto policy does not cover you in Mexico. Mexican auto insurance from an authorized insurer is required by law and can be purchased online in minutes.

Driving the Riviera Nayarit: Sayulita, Bucerias and the Beach Towns