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.

Laredo Border Crossing Guide | Bridges, Permits & Insurance

Wide multi-lane international bridge spanning a river between two border cities at Laredo

Laredo, Texas is the busiest land gateway between the US and Mexico – and the classic launch point for driving into the country’s interior. Cross here into Nuevo Laredo and you are at the head of the central corridor that runs down to Monterrey, the Bajio, and Mexico City. Knowing the bridges and the paperwork makes it a smooth start.

Quick answer: Laredo has four international bridges. For passenger cars heading into Mexico, most road-trippers use the Colombia Solidarity Bridge (Bridge 3, west of the city) – it bypasses downtown Nuevo Laredo and has the Banjercito module for permits. Get your FMM and vehicle import permit (TIP) at the crossing, and have Mexican auto insurance in hand before you cross.

The four Laredo bridges

Gateway to the Americas (Bridge 1): downtown, mostly pedestrians and local traffic.
Juarez-Lincoln (Bridge 2): downtown passenger vehicles.
World Trade Bridge (Bridge 4): commercial trucks only – not for passenger cars.
Colombia Solidarity Bridge (Bridge 3): west of the city, the road-tripper’s choice – it skips downtown Nuevo Laredo, tends to move faster, and has a Banjercito for your permits.

Getting your permits

Driving into mainland Mexico means you need an FMM tourist permit and a temporary vehicle import permit (TIP). You can get both at the Banjercito at the bridge, or arrange the TIP online in advance to save time. Stop at the customs/immigration checkpoint (around the 21-26 km mark south of the border) to validate everything – do not skip it.

Where the road goes

From Nuevo Laredo, Highway 85D (a toll road) runs south to Monterrey in about 2.5 hours, then on toward Saltillo and Highway 57 into the Bajio and central Mexico. Our driving into Mexico from Texas guide maps the full route and the safety basics.

Insurance first

Your US auto policy is not valid the moment you cross. Mexican auto insurance from an authorized insurer is required by law and inexpensive – buy it online before you reach the bridge so you are covered from the first mile. Review the documents checklist before you go.

Cross the border with confidence

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Frequently asked questions

Which Laredo bridge should I use to drive into Mexico?

Most road-trippers use the Colombia Solidarity Bridge (Bridge 3) west of the city. It bypasses downtown Nuevo Laredo, usually moves faster, and has a Banjercito module for your FMM and vehicle permit. The Juarez-Lincoln Bridge (Bridge 2) is the main downtown passenger option.

Where do I get my vehicle permit when crossing at Laredo?

At the Banjercito module at the bridge, or arrange the TIP online in advance. Either way, stop at the customs and immigration checkpoint about 21 to 26 km south of the border to validate your FMM and permit.

Is the Laredo crossing open 24 hours?

The main passenger bridges operate long daily hours, and some run 24 hours. Hours vary by bridge, so check current times – and aim to cross early and drive in daylight.

Do I need Mexican insurance to cross at Laredo?

Yes. Your US policy does not cover you in Mexico. You need a Mexican auto insurance policy from an authorized insurer, which you can buy online in minutes before you reach the bridge.

Laredo Border Crossing: Texas’s Main Gateway Into Mexico