Driving into Mexico? Make sure you have Mexican car insurance. It s the law!
General Information
U.S. car insurance won't cover you in Mexico
As of 2014, Mexican Liability Auto Insurance is required for all vehicles traveling on Mexican federal roads and bridges.
In the past, only proof of financial responsibility was required in the event of an accident. However, under the current regulations, you may be asked to provide evidence of your Mexican insurance at checkpoints, border crossings, or during routine traffic stops.
This law, enforced by the Mexican Federal Police, carries penalties starting at $200 U.S. for drivers found without coverage. In the event of an accident without adequate coverage, fines begin at $1,000 U.S., accompanied by potential jail time and legal expenses.
Important Contact Information
All accident claims must be reported before leaving Mexico. Contact details for assistance are as follows:
U.S. cell phones: Try +011-52-55-5322-82-66
Toll-free from the U.S.: 888-335-7072
WhatsApp: +52-55-80-50-3633
Mexican cell phones: 800-911-911-9
In Case of an Accident: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Check for injuries. Do not move any injured parties.
2. Contact ANA Seguros immediately and provide your insurance policy number and location. You'll receive a claim number from the claims agent.
3. Stay at the scene of the accident and do not leave. Remain with the third party involved.
4. Await the arrival of the adjuster. Do not admit liability, discuss fault, make arrangements, or receive payment without consulting the adjuster. Have your policy, driver's license, registration, and vehicle importation permit (if applicable) ready. The adjuster will provide you with a copy of a form called a volante. Ask your adjuster if you need police reports to proceed with your claim.
5. Document the scene by taking photographs whenever safe and feasible.
Does my U.S. insurance policy offer me any coverage while I'm in Mexico?
While some major U.S. insurance companies cover your vehicle's damage in Mexico up to a limited distance from the border, they don't extend coverage for damages to other parties. Therefore, you'll need to purchase additional insurance from a Mexican insurance company to comply with Mexican regulations.
Before driving into Mexico, it's a good idea to check if your U.S. insurance policy covers vehicle damages sustained in Mexico. If so, ask about any limitations or restrictions on this coverage, such as distance from the border or the number of days within Mexico. Familiarizing yourself with your existing policy's coverage will allow you to make informed decisions about what coverage you need.
This covers material damages to the insured vehicle as a result of collision, overturning, fire, lightning, explosion and natural disasters. Physical Damage losses are subject to a mandatory deductible.
Total Theft and Meteorological Phenomena
In the event that the entire vehicle is stolen, this coverage pays for the loss. Total Theft is subject to a mandatory deductible.
Liability for Proporty Damage to Third Parties
Property Party Liability pays for damages that you cause to third parties as a result of a collision.
Liability Bodily
Coverage in the unfortunate case of injuring or killing someone in an accident for which the insured is legally responsable.
Medical Expenses
This coverage pays medical expenses for the driver and passengers of the insured vehicle only.
Legal Aid
24-hour Legal Assistance and Bail Bond, attorney's fees are also covered.
Auto Asistance
When your car breaks down, you run out of gas or you?re locked out, ANA Seguros Roadside Assistance helps make it simple and easy to get back on the road and on your way.
Catastrophic Liability
Mexico federal law dramatically increased the liability compensation amounts for fatalities. We highly recommend purchasing as much liability coverage as possible.
Vandalism and partial Theft
Collision is extended to cover vandalism, meaning willful and malicious damage to or destruction of the insured vehicle. Partial theft covers losses for when only a part of the vehicle is stolen such as, the tires, the door panels, etc. Vandalism and Partial theft losses are subject to a mandatory deductible.
Location
Location 3203 N Elston Ave 1st Floor Chicago ILL, 60618 888 TEPEYAC
FAQ's
Can my U.S. Insurance help me?
Before leaving home, you should inquire if your U.S. insurance policy will cover damage suffered by your vehicle in Mexico. If so, ask if the policy has restrictions or limitations in this regard, such as miles from the border, or number of days in Mexico. Once you've familiarized yourself with your own auto policy and the extent of its coverage in Mexico you can then proceed to make a more qualified decision towards your Mexican insurance needs.
Why do I need a Mexican Insurance?
Mexican insurance is not mandatory for you to travel into the immediate cities and towns along the U.S./Mexico border, but in the event that you are involved in an automobile accident, a Mexican Insurance policy greatly reduces the chances of being detained or put in jail in Mexico, while also limiting the financial burden you might face after an accident. There are basically only two ways to solve this: to pay all damages on the spot in cash ( which we do not suggest) or you can prove your financial liability by presenting a Mexican Insurance policy. Please note, however, that Mexican insurance is not "diplomatic immunity." An accident in Mexico may still be determined to be a felony. U.S. or any other non-Mexican insurance does not cover your liability for potential accidents.
Will my U.S. or Canada Insurance cover me in Mexico?
Policies from U.S. and all other non-Mexican Insurance companies are not considered proof of financial responsibility. While a few major U.S. Insurance Companies cover damages to your own vehicle in Mexico up to a small distance south of the border (usually no more than 25 miles), they do not cover damages to other parties. This is why any U.S. policy must be accompanied by at minimum, a Liability Only policy from a Mexican Insurance Company
What information is needed to complete a policy?
You will want to have your driver's license, current registration, and domestic proof of insurance at hand. If you would like collision, fire and theft coverage, you will need the lienholder's contact information (if applicable). You may purchase your insurance with AMEX, Visa , MasterCard, Discover and by Pay Pal System.
What if I did not buy an adequate number of days of insurance?
"If following your completed policy transaction you realize you have made an error and need additional time of coverage you have two options ...
Is it necessary to name every conceivable driver on the policy?
No. It is, first of all, absolutely necessary to name the registered owner, and if the registered owner will not be accompanying the vehicle to Mexico it is important to name at least the primary driver, or anyone who will likely always be with the vehicle. But it is not necessary to name every conceivable driver on the policy.
Can I buy the insurance in Mexico?
It's risky to purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy in Mexico. First of all, you must drive your vehicle to the insurance office, and until you reach the office you're obviously driving without insurance. Secondly, in the case of a dispute with your claim or your agent's conduct, you have no formal recourse against the agent in Mexico as you would against the agent in the U.S. (customarily through state regulatory agency, such as Department of Insurance)
What if my vehicle has two registered owners or a driver who does not own the vehicle?
Your Mexican Insurance policy does not require that all of the owners or drivers of the vehicle be listed on the policy face. Any driver must have a valid driver's license.
I do not speak Spanish. What happens if I get involved in an accident?
Ana's personnel in the claims department are fluent in both Spanish and English
Will I go to jail if I have an accident?
"If serious injury has not occurred, a Mexican insurance policy might help reduce red tape and allow the motorist to be on his way sooner rather than later, but the policy should not be construed as your "ticket out of jail?.
What are some examples of what is NOT covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy?
As important as it is to know what is covered, it is worthwhile to also know what is NOT covered. Some of the losses and/or expenses, which are not covered, include pilferage, vandalism, lodging expenses, toll calls, and loss of wages.
What happens if we have an accident in Mexico? What shall we do? How do we follow up?
f you have an accident in Mexico, immediately call the 01-800 number included in the claims instructions page, which is part of your policy. The adjusters of ANA Seguros will respond immediately to the scene and provide further instructions based on your specific situation.
What are some other important things to know?
"The policy is null and void if driver responsible for the accident was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Time While Driving In Mexico
"Driving conditions in Mexico are often very different from the U.S. or Canada. For your safety, you must drive slowly and cautiously.
Prevent Your Vehicle From Being Stolen
"We suggest to keep your policy with you when you leave your vehicle, or write down on a separate piece of paper your policy number and the telephone numbers to report a claim. Keep this information in your wallet or in your purse. If your car and your insurance policy are stolen you will still have this important information.
Take Precautions to Avoid Being A Target of Crime
"To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money.
