Does my American car insurance policy cover me in Mexico?
Sandy beaches, historic ruins, delicious food and warm hospitality - are all wonderful reasons to take a trip to Mexico. For residents of the US, it's as easy as driving south for a memorable vacation experience. But it's worth a little preparation before taking your car across the southern border. Although your US driver’s license is valid in Mexico, a typical American auto insurance policy will not cover you once you cross the border.
Like the US, Mexico also has auto insurance laws and expectations for drivers that you should be aware of. Some of the most affordable insurance companies sell additional Mexico car insurance endorsements and coverage options that extend coverage into Mexico. See below for more information on popular Mexican car insurance companies and the best ways to stay insured when driving into America's neighbor to the south.
Which insurance companies provide auto coverage in Mexico?
Many American auto insurance companies provide additional coverage you can purchase for a trip to Mexico. Call your insurance company ahead of time to add this coverage to your policy, and be sure to remove it after you return to the states. Some of the policies have a mileage limit, such as staying within 75 miles of the US border. Have a basic itinerary to share with the insurance agent to make sure you're properly covered based on your plans.
Allstate’s “Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance” program partners with Mexican auto insurance companies to provide coverage south of the border. Allstate Mexican Tourist Auto Insurance coverage includes:
- Physical damage and theft
- Liability: bodily injury and property damage up to $500,000
- Medical payments for the insured and passengers
- Legal assistance after an accident
- Loan/lease pay off
- Roadside assistance
- Medical evacuation after an accident
To qualify for Allstate's Mexican auto insurance, you must have a similar US policy and be older than 21. Allstate does not offer coverage for rental cars in Mexico.
Like Allstate, GEICO requires its customers to purchase a Mexico Tourist Auto Policy. This coverage includes standard and extended options:
- Physical damage
- Liability coverage
- Vandalism
- Partial theft
- Medical payments
- Roadside assistance
GEICO's Mexican car insurance policies are written by Grupo Nacional Provincial and El Aguila Compania de Seguros, which also provide coverage for watercraft. You can find coverage in Mexico for your powerboat, yacht, personal watercraft, or sailboat.
Progressive offers coverage in Mexico for cars, RVs, and motorcycles. Progressive breaks its Mexican insurance coverage into three tiers:
- Basic coverage: liability, travel assistance, med pay, roadside assistance, and legal assistance (no physical coverage)
- Standard coverage: includes all the coverage of basic in addition to collision and theft (no comprehensive coverage)
- Extended coverage: all of the above, plus vandalism, partial theft, domestic repair and fixed deductibles
Liberty Mutual partners with MexPro to insure cars, RVs, motorcycles, and other towable vehicles. Below are Mexico coverage options available via Liberty Mutual and MexPro:
- Third-party liability: $300,000 to $500,000
- Optional fixed deductible, rather than percentage deductible (standard for Mexican insurance policies)
- Collision
- Theft
GEICO, Allstate, and Progressive are not the only companies with Mexico car insurance options. See other options below:
- AAA
- Mexpro (Mexican insurance company)
- Esurance
- Costco (via AARP)
Coverage for a rental vehicle in Mexico
You can generally rent a car if you have a major credit card, a valid driver's license and a passport if you are not a resident of Mexico. Although many insurance policies in the US extend to cover rental vehicles, driving in Mexico may complicate matters. If you’re traveling to Mexico and planning on renting a car, your US policy may not cover you.
Frequently asked questions
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Additional resources
If you’re driving to Mexico, make sure your vehicle is properly insured. Contact your insurance company and add Mexican coverage for the duration of your stay. Aside from insurance, you may need to look into other permits specific to your location in Mexico. Consult your insurance company to learn more about the specifics.
If you're looking to upgrade your domestic insurance policy, use The Zebra's car insurance rate comparison tool to find an affordable policy today!
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