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Mexican collision coverage is a type of insurance that's designed to protect you from financial losses in case of an accident while driving in Mexico. You'll need to have this coverage if you're planning to drive in Mexico.
In Mexico, it's mandatory to have liability insurance that meets the country's minimum requirements. This insurance must be issued by a Mexican insurance company and have a minimum coverage limit of $300,000.
Types of Coverage
Mexican collision coverage can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. There are two main types of policies: Full Coverage and Liability Only Coverage.
Full Coverage policies include physical damage coverage, which helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's stolen or vandalized. This type of coverage is a must-have if you have a valuable vehicle.
Liability Only policies, on the other hand, do not include physical damage and theft coverage. They only fulfill the legal obligation in Mexico to pay for damages you cause to others.
Here's a quick comparison of the two types of policies:
Liability Only policies are much less expensive than Full Coverage policies, but they're not recommended for vehicles worth more than a few thousand dollars in value.
Mexican law requires all drivers to have liability insurance coverage, which helps provide coverage for third-party bodily injuries and property damage. This type of coverage is mandatory, but it's not enough on its own.
Liability and Insurance
Mexican law requires all drivers to have liability insurance coverage, which pays for damages you cause to third parties.
If you're responsible for a car accident, this policy can help provide coverage for third-party bodily injuries and property damage.
You can select from $50K, $70K, or $100K in combined single limit (CSL) liability amounts.
Combined single limit liability coverage is more flexible than split limits, providing a lump sum that can be applied towards property damage or bodily injury to third parties.
Broaden your view: Auto Insurance Medical Payments vs Bodily Injury
Most Mexican liability companies use split limits, which limit the amount of coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
The ACE Platinum auto coverage offers higher limits of $100K for property damage and $300,000 for bodily injury.
If you have an accident, only a Mexican automobile liability policy is acceptable by the Mexican authorities as evidence of financial responsibility.
Here are some common liability and insurance options to consider:
Insurance Options
If you're planning to drive in Mexico, you'll need to consider your insurance options carefully. Liability Only policies are a cost-effective choice, but they only cover damages you cause to others, not your vehicle itself.
Liability Only policies are much less expensive than Full Coverage policies, but they're not recommended for vehicles worth more than a few thousand dollars. This is because they don't provide physical damage and theft coverage for your vehicle.
There are also policy add-ons called endorsements that can extend your auto policy into Mexico. Some of these endorsements provide free coverage for infrequent trips of up to 10 days and 25 miles into Mexico. However, even with these endorsements, a Mexican automobile liability policy is still required by Mexican authorities as evidence of financial responsibility.
Consider reading: An Umbrella Policy Is Designed to Cover:
You can add various coverages to your Mexican car insurance policy, including physical damage coverage, medical payments coverage, roadside assistance, and medical evacuation. These coverages can help protect you and your vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown.
Here are some common policy add-ons and their benefits:
- Physical damage coverage: helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's stolen or vandalized.
- Medical payments coverage: helps pay accident-related medical expenses for you and your passengers.
- Roadside assistance: helps pay for services if your car breaks down in Mexico.
- Medical evacuation: helps pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you're hurt in an accident.
Buy Car Insurance
To buy car insurance that covers you in Mexico, you'll need to purchase a separate policy. This policy has its own start and end dates, and driving without coverage can result in penalties and fines.
You'll need to provide specific information to get a Mexican auto insurance policy, including your car's year, make, and model, as well as your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number.
To get a Mexican auto insurance policy, you'll also need to provide your valid driver's license and your U.S. car insurance policy number. Additionally, you'll need to specify the dates you'll be driving in Mexico and the areas you plan to drive in.
Not all insurers provide a limited Mexico coverage endorsement to your existing auto insurance policy, so you may need to purchase a standalone policy to meet Mexico's federal liability laws.
Here are the required details to get a Mexican auto insurance policy:
- Year, make and model of the car you will drive
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- License plate number
- Your valid driver’s license
- Your U.S. car insurance policy number
- The dates you will be driving in Mexico
- The areas inside Mexico where you plan to drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover accidents in Mexico?
No, U.S. car insurance policies do not cover accidents in Mexico. Mexican law requires a separate insurance policy for driving in Mexico
Does my US car insurance cover me in Mexico?
No, your US car insurance does not cover you in Mexico. You'll need to purchase additional insurance to drive safely on Mexican roads.
Sources
- https://www.mexpro.com/mexico/coverage/physical-damage.html
- https://www.mexadventure.com/insurance-information/Coverage-Descriptions.cfm
- https://www.discoverbaja.com/mexican-auto-insurance/auto-insurance-frequently-asked-questions/
- https://gdiinsurance.com/blog/driving-in-mexico-does-my-us-auto-insurance-cover-me/
- https://www.happykar.com/coverage/mexican-auto/
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