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Does My U.S. Auto Policy Cover Me Into Mexico?

Does My U.S. Auto Policy Cover Me Into Mexico?

Many people are surprised to learn that their U.S. or Canadian auto insurance does not cover them when driving in Mexico. Although true, some U.S. insurance companies may offer a limited extension of vehicle theft and damages coverage up to a specific number of miles. It's important to have at least a Mexican liability policy to prove your financial responsibility. The only other way to prove financial responsibility is with large sums of cash.

Important points to consider before driving into Mexico:
  • U.S./Canadian auto insurance does not cover the legal requirement of liability coverage into Mexico. Mexican authorities do not recognize U.S./Canadian insurance coverage.
  • Read your U.S. or Canadian auto policy carefully to see what it may or may not extend into Mexico. Call your agent to ask about your policy's details and to highlight coverage limitations. Ask for the details in writing.
  • Purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy with at least the legal liability requirement necessary in case of an accident.
FAQs
Why can't my U.S. or Canadian auto insurance policy cover me in Mexico adequately?

Just as U.S. authorities will not accept a Mexican auto insurance policy for an accident, Mexican authorities will not accept a U.S. or Canadian policy either. Mexican law will not recognize U.S. or Canadian auto insurance policies.

When my U.S. auto insurance company says they offer limited coverage into Mexico, what does this mean?

This can vary company to company, but in general limited coverage may mean:

    U.S. insurance companies and agents should always advise getting a Mexican insurance policy due to the lack of coverage the U.S. insurance provides under Mexican law.
  • If you carry full coverage on your vehicle, i.e. collision and comprehensive, they may extend only the collision and/or comprehensive portion of your coverage into Mexico. This coverage does not fulfill the Mexican legal requirement in an accident. This part confuses many into believing their U.S. policy covers them into Mexico. It is better to think of this as covering only your vehicle losses in Mexico, but it cannot cover your financial responsibility to others (liability).
  • Mileage restriction - Generally, U.S. auto policies have a mileage restriction into Mexico (usually between 25-100 miles). If you drive out of the specific mileage zone, your U.S. provider will not be able to provide the Mexico coverage extension.
What other limitations could there be with my U.S. auto policy besides the ones already mentioned?
  • Some U.S. companies will not extend their coverage into Mexico unless you have a Mexican insurance policy.
  • U.S. insurance companies have no background in Mexican law to help you if you were involved in a serious accident in Mexico. Our Mexican insurance policies also help you with legal assistance services and bail bond that a U.S. provider cannot offer.
  • Number of days of travel - Some U.S. providers have a restriction on the number of days you have their limited coverage into Mexico.
Does the liability portion of my U.S. auto insurance policy extend into Mexico?

Generally no. Some U.S. companies say they do offer liability, but this can be misleading since it will not be recognized by Mexican authorities. The U.S. insurance company may also have certain conditions to be met first, for example, that the accident involved another U.S. citizen and/or your Mexican insurance liability limit has been exhausted.

Guidelines from U.S. Insurance Companies
The information below is a guideline only and is subject to change. For the latest information regarding your U.S. auto policy coverage, call your agent or insurance company directly.
21st Century
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes, but coverage is not automatic except for policies issued in Texas (call to confirm). You must call them to have the coverage added if necessary.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No, you must purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 25 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? 10 days
What limited coverage is extended into Mexico?
View the specific details of the coverage on 21st Century's website.

The 21st Century website states:
Your policy contract does not provide any coverage for losses that occur in Mexico. If you would like temporary Mexico coverage, you must purchase the Mexico Coverage Endorsement.

Please note: **MEXICAN AUTHORITIES WILL NOT RECOGNIZE THIS COVERAGE EXTENSION AND MEXICAN LIABILITY INSURANCE MUST ALSO BE PURCHASED FROM A LICENSED MEXICAN INSURANCE COMPANY.**

Exception - Texas: The Texas policy contract automatically provides coverage for losses that occur in Mexico, using the same guidelines as the existing Mexico Coverage Endorsement as outlined below.

  • The Mexico Coverage Endorsement provides limited extension of coverage for accidents occurring in Mexico within 25 miles of the United States border while the insured is on a trip for 10 days or less.
  • You must purchase liability insurance through a licensed Mexico Insurance company in order for the endorsement to apply.
  • The endorsement only covers you while you are occupying "your covered auto"
  • Does not cover a citizen or resident of Mexico for any coverage except physical damages while operating "your covered auto".
  • This coverage is excess over any other collectible insurance.
  • Our duty to defend under liability coverage will only apply if original suit for damages is brought in the US and suit does not involve a Mexican citizen or resident.
  • Damage under your auto coverage will only be paid in the U.S. If the vehicle cannot be driven, we will not pay more than the ACV of such loss at the nearest U.S. port where repairs can be made.
Contact 21st Century at 1-877-401-8181

AAA
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? No.
Important: Advises to purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
Contact AAA at 1-888-883-8417

Allstate
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No, you must purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 75 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? 10 days
Contact Allstate at 1-866-621-6900

American Family
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? No.
Important: Advises to purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
Contact American Family at 1-800-692-6326

Chubb
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? No.
Contact your Chubb agent

Farmers Insurance
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes, but you must call agent to have the limited Mexico endorsement added to your policy. Must have comprehensive and collision coverage.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No, you must purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 25 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? No restriction
Contact your Farmers agent

Geico
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? No.
Important: Advises to purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
Contact Geico at 800.207.7847

Hartford
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No, you must purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 25 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? No restriction
Contact Hartford at 1-877-422-4567

Infinity
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? No.
Important: Advises to purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
Contact Infinity at 1-800-782-1020

Liberty Mutual
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No. They advise to purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? Texas and Washington: Policyholder must not go more than 25 miles from the US border into Mexico or stay longer than 10 consecutive days. All Other States (besides Massachusetts): Policyholder must not go more than 75 miles from the US border into Mexico or stay longer than 10 consecutive days. Massachusetts: Not available.
Contact Liberty Mutual at 800.225.8285

Nationwide
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No, you must a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 25 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? No restriction
Contact your local agent or insurance policy for details. Call Nationwide at 1-800-282-1446

Progressive
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? ONLY TO TEXAS POLICIES. Call your agent for details.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No. You must purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker for Progressive coverage to apply.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 25 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? No restriction
Contact Progressive at 1-800-776-4737

State Farm
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Maybe - call agent regarding your specific policy.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No. They advise to purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
Contact your State Farm agent

Travelers
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? No.
Contact Travelers at 1-800-842-5075

Kemper
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes, ONLY TO CALIFORNIA. Call your agent for details.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No, you must purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 25 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? 10 days
Contact your agent or Kemper at 1-866-860-9348

USAA
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? Yes, call for the specific details of your policy.
Fulfills the Mexican legal requirement in case of an accident? No. You must purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker in order for USAA coverage to apply.
How many miles will it cover into Mexico? 75 miles maximum
For how many days will they allow coverage? No restriction
Contact USAA at 1-800-531-8722

Wawanesa
Extends limited coverage into Mexico? No.
Important: Advises to purchase a Mexican insurance policy from an authorized Mexican insurance broker.
Contact Wawanesa at Call 800.640.2920

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About Our Sources
We work hard to maintain the validity and accuracy of the information we provide in our Before You Go guide to traveling into Mexico, and coming back to the United States. We source our information through government websites and the direct relationships we have with community and government leaders both in the United States and Mexico. Our team is based in San Diego and crosses the US/Mexico border often. Additionally we are involved with advocating for a better border crossing experience through our work with the Smart Border Coalition and regional chambers of commerce. Please contact us with questions or corrections.
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