Travel tips for driving in Mexico City

Some take weekend RV trips to Mexico and have a lot of fun, while others go for the Mexican culture, traveling and shopping. After all, it’s a lot of fun to “haggle” at the border with street vendors. Rosarito Beach is known for its delicious lobster at a great price!

Many people cross the border every day to get prescriptions, dental care, and other medical purposes. Some cross the border to do business.

Not only do Southern Californians enjoy crossing the border, many people from the “border towns” of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas also make daily or weekend trips to Mexico.

However, did you know that it is suggested that you ALWAYS get Mexican car insurance before you cross the border?

• Mexican law requires drivers from outside their country to be financially responsible for any physical damage or bodily injury they may cause. Mexican authorities DO NOT recognize auto insurance issued in the United States or Canada as valid, regardless of whether the US policy has “Mexican” coverage.

• If you are involved in a car accident in Mexico, you will likely be detained until local authorities can determine who was at fault. Even if you are not at fault, under Mexican law, motorists must have Mexican car insurance, or officials will want proof of financial responsibility and expect you to post bail to cover estimated costs before you are released. You could end up without a way to recover damages unless you have purchased your own policy. Financial responsibility can be demonstrated by possession of cash, approximately $5,000.00-$10,000.00, or by possession of Mexican auto insurance through an authorized company.

• If you are at fault in an accident, the police will likely hold you until they determine that you can pay the other party.

Tips for driving in Mexico City:

• Be sure to check your car before you go on a trip.

• Drive slowly and carefully in Mexico, as driving conditions are often very different in the US or Canada.

• Know your route for safety passing through the Mexico Tourism Office or Travel Clubs.

• Never drive your vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Having an accident would be bad enough. Don’t let your vacation travel plans be ruined by not having the right coverage. Not worth the risk and consequences of not buying a policy prior to you are going to Mexico. Fortunately, it’s cheap and easy to get an auto insurance policy in Mexico.

Before traveling to Mexico, travelers should make their own inquiries about Mexican law. This article does not include all available information on travel in Mexico.