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| We've
attempted to address those questions we hear most often. If however, you
do not find the answer you need, please contact us. We will respond as quickly
as possible. Why do I need Mexican insurance? Mexico has traffic laws very similar to the United States. The application of their laws is what accounts for the differences, and the reasons for needing Mexican insurance. The law in Mexico is based on the Napoleonic Code where guilt prevails over the assumption of innocence. In the U.S., the law is based on the English Common Law where innocence prevails over the assumption of guilt. Mexico does not have compulsory automobile insurance. The basic difference between Mexico's and United States financial responsibility law is that anyone involved in an accident in Mexico must have the means to respond to damages or injuries for which they may be responsible....which in Mexico would be in the form of either cash or a Mexican insurance policy. Can my U.S. insurance help me? IMPORTANT NOTE: Whether or not an American insurance policy extends coverage into Mexico, Mexican automobile liability insurance should always be purchased. Only a Mexican automobile liability policy is acceptable as evidence of financial responsibility. The motorist should inquire from his American insurance company if his automobile insurance policy for Collision, Fire, and Theft extends coverage into Mexico. If so, ask if the policy has any restrictions or limitations. Some companies cover into Mexico but restrict or limit the coverage to certain miles from the border or number of days in Mexico. Once the motorist has familiarized himself with his own auto policy he can then proceed to purchase only that which he needs from a Mexican insurance company. What's covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy? Contrary to the more broad coverages of a standard U.S. auto policy, a Mexican tourist auto policy is a named peril policy. More simply stated, exactly what is described as covered is specifically all that is covered - nothing more and nothing less. There are five (5) basic risks to a standard Mexican tourist auto policy. They are 1) Collision, Upset, and Glass Breakage 2) Fire and Total Theft 3) Property Damage Liability 4) Bodily Injury Liability 5) Medical Expenses There are various methods of customizing a Mexican tourist policy, therefore you are encouraged to clearly define your travel plans to your Mexican insurance agent so that adequate insurance is established. Will I go to jail if I have an accident? In no way should a Mexican automobile insurance policy be viewed as a "guarantee prevention" of going to jail in the case of a serious accident. A Mexican insurance policy might help reduce red tape and get the motorist released from custody sooner rather than later. Some visitors to Mexico are unable to understand why motorists are temporarily incarcerated in Mexico following an automobile accident where injuries or deaths occurred. In the first place, serious injuries or deaths have been committed against innocent persons due to someone's negligence. It is up to the police to determine who the negligent person is. While the police investigation is in motion, all drivers involved in the accident must be detained. Any person involved in the commission of a crime, and I have stated that an automobile accident in Mexico is considered in principle to be a penal offense (see "Why do I need Mexican insurance?"), must be detained in a secure place to prevent their escape. The only secure place is a holding cell and, therefore, the motorist finds himself detained awaiting the investigation of his involvement. A visitor, if allowed to remain free, will surely flee for the border and the Mexican authorities will have no way of having him returned to answer for his negligence. This is the law, and foreign citizenship confers no special rights in Mexico. How much does Mexican insurance cost? There are numerous factors which determine the total cost, but the primary factors are value of the insured vehicle and number of days in Mexico. Before explaining any further, it needs to be understood that coverage can be purchased for as short a time as 24 hours up to a maximum of 365 days. Furthermore, a refund is gladly issued for unused days. Therefore, if uncertain about your length of stay it may be best to simply purchase plenty of time for yourself knowing a refund is owed you if you return to U.S. prior to your policy expiring. The only criteria of a refund is to have evidence validating your return date, i.e. border officials stamp, postmarked envelope, Oscar Padilla staff initial, etc. (The following rate information is presented as a general overview and should not be construed as, necessarily, what you will spend.) For a quick visit across the border a typical 24 hour policy might range from as little as $9.00 up to as much as $25.00, again depending on the value of the vehicle. A one week policy could range from approximately $40.00 up to as high as $125.00. Such factors as a luxury value vehicle (in excess of $40,000., for example) or the inclusion of a trailer would drive these costs higher. The final total cost for your Mexican insurance is, in most cases, going to be comprised of a premium + a policy fee + 10% Mexican government tax on the premium and policy fee. What's 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 an insured might incur which are not covered include pilferage, vandalism, lodging expenses, toll calls, and loss of wages. What's NOT covered on a Mexican auto insurance policy..... .....but easily attainable? A Mexican tourist policy also excludes the services of an attorney, payment for bonds, judicial costs and fines, emergency road service and transportation, towing, and shipping. To provide our clients the benefits of these services we offer Mexico Travel Guard for as little as $2.00 per day or $60.00 per year depending on the extent of your benefits. Be sure to inquire about adding Mexico Travel Guard as a supplement to your insurance policy. Are claims paid in dollars? At the conclusion of their investigation of an insurance claim the Mexican insurance company settles all insurance claims in U.S. dollars from their claims offices in Mexico. |
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