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.

Mexicali & Calexico Border Crossing | Hours, Lanes & San Felipe Route

Sunny desert city border crossing with palm trees and cars near Mexicali

Calexico, California and Mexicali, Baja California sit right against each other in the Imperial Valley desert. For travelers, this crossing is the eastern gateway to Baja and the launch point for the drive south to San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez.

Quick answer: There are two Calexico ports: Calexico West (downtown, busiest, lots of pedestrians) and Calexico East (a few miles east, more truck traffic, often faster by car). Mexicali is the Baja state capital. From there, Highway 5 runs about 2.5 hours south to San Felipe. Bring Mexican auto insurance and a tourist permit.

Calexico West vs Calexico East

Calexico West sits in the heart of downtown and handles heavy pedestrian and passenger traffic – convenient but frequently congested. Calexico East, a short drive away, carries most commercial trucks but is often the quicker option for passenger vehicles, especially during busy return hours. If one is backed up, the other may be moving.

Mexicali, the desert capital

Mexicali is a large, sprawling city and the capital of Baja California. It is a working border city more than a tourist town, but it is the essential connection point for travelers heading to the Sea of Cortez. Navigate through to pick up Highway 5 southbound.

The road to San Felipe

Highway 5 from Mexicali to San Felipe is a roughly 125-mile, 2.5-hour run through open desert. It is a popular route for anglers, off-roaders, and beach-goers. Carry water, fuel up, and drive in daylight – services are limited along the way.

Heat, hours, and documents

Summer temperatures here are extreme – well over 100F – so plan around the heat and keep your vehicle in good shape. Both ports run long daily hours (Calexico West operates 24 hours). Before you cross, have your passport, Mexico driving documents, an FMM tourist permit, and Mexican auto insurance ready.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Calexico West and Calexico East?

Calexico West is the downtown crossing with heavy pedestrian and passenger traffic. Calexico East is a few miles away, carries more commercial trucks, and is often faster for passenger vehicles. Check both wait times.

How far is San Felipe from the Mexicali border?

About 125 miles, or roughly 2.5 hours, south on Highway 5 through open desert. Fuel up and carry water, as services along the route are limited.

Is the Calexico border crossing open 24 hours?

Calexico West operates 24 hours a day. Hours at Calexico East are also long but can vary, so check current times before late-night travel.

Do I need Mexican insurance to drive through Mexicali?

Yes. As soon as you cross into Mexico your US policy is invalid. You need Mexican auto insurance, which you can buy online before reaching the border.

Mexicali & Calexico Border Crossing: Gateway to San Felipe