Mexico Auto FAQ’s

Common Questions About Your Car in Mexico and Insurance

We have collected a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding bringing your car into Mexico. If you have a question you do not see an answer to, please contact us at our toll free number of 1-888-461-2099, and we will discuss your specific questions with you.

What Documents Will I Need to Bring my Car into Mexico?

It’s best to have a notebook with plastic sleeves or a clear plastic envelope that you can store all of your documents together in. Keep the notebook or envelope in your auto where you can easily access it. We recommend the following documents be included:

1) A copy of your valid Passport Keep the original in your console or purse

2) A copy of your current, valid Drivers License Keep original in your wallet

3) A copy of your current valid car registration Keep original in the glove compartment

4) A copy of your current Mexican Auto insurance Keep original in the glove compartment

5) Your Mexican insurance agents contact information

6) A copy of your title or a letter from your lender allowing you to bring the car into Mexico. Keep original somewhere safe

7) A list written in English and Spanish of the items you are bringing into Mexico that are in your car.

8) The address of your final destination. 

9) $200.00 pesos, or $20.00 U.S. Dollars separate from your wallet.
10) A few key phrases written in Spanish such as, “Where is the gas station?” or “Can you help me find the _____”.

Why the $200.00 Pesos?

The Mexican Policia and”Federales”, patrol the roads and highways of Mexico. Federales more on the open roads, state and federal highways, policias in and around towns and cities. This is a good thing, but good or bad, the culture of bribing or “mordidas” still exists in Mexico.

Mexico is working hard to change this. Be aware that, the Federales may be willing to let you off with a warning if your offense is not extreme. Federales are also not as keen on taking roadside bribes as they may have in the past. Always use the utmost respect when dealing with any police or Federales in Mexico and make sure you respect what they said you did before you make any case for leniency or settlement.

ALSO, do not always assume the police officer is expecting a bribe. The Federales and Police are well aware that it is illegal and rarely will ask directly.

There is a subtle dance of discretion involved and your courtesy and respect are most important. Knowing just a little Spanish is helpful, such as, “I apologize officer, I’m a gringo…is there a way we can take care of this fine right now?” If you have the $200 pesos as “this is what I have” to show, that will usually do it. Hand it with any other paperwork that is requested only after there is some understanding.

If it is something more serious like an accident, make sure you have insurance!  If you don’t, you could end up in jail while they figure out who is at fault and who has to pay for what.

Do I Need a Mexican Visa to Cross the Border?

The border guards will issue you a temporary tourist visa at the border that is valid for 180 days. If you are planning on relocating to Mexico, and need a more permanent visa, you can either start the application process before you cross the border at a local Mexican Consulate, or you may begin the visa process in Mexico at your local Mexican Consulate.  For the latest on Mexico immigration please visit our immigration page.

Once you have been issued your temporary tourist Visa, keep that in a safe place, like your driving notebook. You will probably not be asked to see it again until you leave the country or go to the Consulate, but you will need it for those events.

Who Should I Buy Mexican Insurance From?

It is the law that you have Mexican insurance while driving in Mexico. Your domestic auto insurance will not cover you once you cross the border as U.S. and Canadian auto insurance policies have no legal jurisdiction in Mexico.

The insurance company underwriting your policy is much more important than the broker who sells you the policy as it is the insurance company that will be adjusting and paying the claim.

Mexico on My Mind has researched the many Mexican auto insurance companies available in Mexico and we have chosen the strongest, most financially stable companies to work with and the best claim processing policies.

Although purchasing insurance from a more stable and financially strong insurance company may not be the least expensive, the value to you in a moment of crisis is invaluable.

All of the agents at Mexico on my Mind are licensed and maintain continuing education classes regarding rules and regulations about driving in Mexico.

How are Mexican Insurance companies rated?

AM Best is a U.S. based ratings agency that provides an annual rating for U.S. and Mexican insurance companies. Not all Mexican insurance companies are rated by AM Best. In fact, very few have a “A or better” rating.

Mexico on my Mind only works with companies that have an “A or better” AM Best rating.

Some Mexican insurance companies do have a U.S.rating with a rating of average or below average. These insurers may sell lower priced policies but the success rate of their claims payment may not be strong.

Will My Policy Be in English or Spanish?

Your policy will be written in Spanish and English.

Will My Agent be Available When I Need him/her?

Absolutely! Keep your agent’s contact information with you in your car in case of an emergency.

However, the first call you should make is to the insurance company’s Help Line. In addition to initiating the claim process, they will also dispatch an adjuster to the scene of the accident. Your Mexican insurance company will also make any other necessary arrangements such as lawyers or other services in the event of a more serious accident.

Your insurance card will have the contact information to send out an adjuster to the scene of an accident, but if you need further assistance, please contact your licensed insurance agent.

Will the Claims Adjuster Speak English?

All of the Mexican auto insurance companies we work with have bi-lingual adjusters and every attempt will be made for an English speaking adjuster to work with you in the event of an accident.

How Do I File a Claim When I am in Mexico?

Your policy documents will be absolutely clear about the procedure you need to undertake in the event of an accident and any subsequent claims.

The most important point is that you file your claim while you are still in Mexico.

Do not wait until you get home to file your claim, especially if it is for something relatively minor like a hit-and-run incident in a parking lot. Your Mexican insurance company will not process your claim if you wait until you return home except under the most exceptional of circumstances.

The first call you make should be to the insurance company’s Help Line. In addition to registering your claim, they will be able to dispatch an adjuster to the scene of the accident. In addition to initiating the claim process, they will also dispatch an adjuster to the scene of the accident. Your Mexican insurance company will also make any other necessary arrangements such as lawyers or other services in the event of a more serious accident.

Will All Mexican Mechanics Accept My Insurance?

In the event your car is towed to the nearest available mechanic, and he will not accept your insurance, you may be asked to pay these out-of-pocket and get reimbursed when you return home. Your insurance policy will be specific about what to do in these circumstances. In all cases, remember to file your claim in Mexico, do not wait until you get back home.

How Do I Apply?

You can purchase and print your policy by clicking HERE