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From Mazatlan to Mexico City, from Mayan ruins to miles of beaches— there are many sights and recreational opportunities that attract Americans on short drives and longer driving trips to Mexico. If you're going to do any driving in Mexico, there are several things that you should know about auto insurance requirements and driving safety before you go to ensure a hassle-free trip.

Mexican Auto Insurance Requirements
Though U.S. drivers licenses are valid in Mexico, your American auto insurance is not. Mexican authorities do not recognize American property damage and bodily injury liability coverages; most collision and comprehensive coverages issued by American auto insurance companies are also considered invalid. Thus, the Mexican government requires Mexican auto insurance for all vehicles driven into Mexico and for all vehicles rented in Mexico.

Buying Mexican Auto Insurance
If you're crossing the U.S.-Mexican border in your own car, you can easily purchase Mexican auto insurance on the U.S. side before traveling into Mexico, although you can also buy this auto insurance coverage in most Mexican border cities and towns.

If you need to buy Mexican auto insurance, Esurance recommends visiting the
International Insurance Group to get an instant quote online. The International Insurance Group is the only insurance company to offer Mexican Tourist auto insurance from 5 of Mexico’s finest insurance companies— so you'll be sure you're getting the best price around.
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You should purchase auto insurance coverage roughly equivalent to the auto insurance coverage you carry in the U.S. At the very least, you should buy Mexican liability insurance with liability limits comparable to what you carry on your auto insurance policy at home.

If you're held responsible for an accident in Mexico and don't have Mexican liability insurance, there's a strong likelihood that you will have to spend some time in jail until the authorities are satisfied that you can pay for damages. You may also be brought up on criminal charges if you are held responsible for an accident resulting in serious damages or injuries.

Regardless of whether you have Mexican auto insurance or not, Mexican authorities often take drivers involved in accidents into police custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and until the ability to pay for damages is ascertained.

As true of driving in any country, never drive while under the influence. In Mexico, auto insurance is considered invalid if a driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Rental Cars & Auto Insurance
If you're crossing the U.S.-Mexican border in your own car, you can easily purchase Mexican auto insurance on the U.S. side before traveling into Mexico, although you can also buy this auto insurance coverage in most Mexican border cities and towns.

If you rent a car in Mexico, the auto insurance included in most Mexican car rental contracts offers extremely low liability coverage. If you are held responsible for an accident, this auto insurance coverage may not be enough to help you pay for damages and injuries.

Since Mexican law allows drivers to be jailed until they have met financial obligations to injured parties and rental car companies, most car renters should purchase additional liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages in order to meet these costs. Be sure to read your rental contract carefully to determine how much additional auto insurance coverage you may need.

Driving Pointers
If you’re planning to drive in areas with few roadside services, prepare your car by having it tuned up before you leave the U.S. and pack an extra fan belt or any other spare parts you feel you need. If you do bring spare parts into Mexico, be sure to declare them when you enter the country. On leaving, show that you are taking the unused parts with you or that you had the parts installed in Mexico by providing Mexican Customs with your repair receipts.

In less frequented areas, it’s also useful to bring a flexible funnel to help fill your gas tank, since some gas pumps have nozzles that are too large to fit into unleaded tanks. Packing a basic first-aid kit and an emergency water supply is also a good idea.

No matter where you are in Mexico, if you have a driving emergency, you can always call the Green Angels. The Green Angels are bilingual crews who drive radio-dispatched trucks and give roadside assistance. They provide basic supplies, first-aid, automotive help, and protection. The Green Angels’ services are generally free, except for the cost of parts, gas, and oil.

Beyond Border Areas
If you’re planning to drive in Mexico beyond the Border Zone and Free Trade Zone (which includes the Baja California Peninsula and the Sonora Free Trade Zone), you may need to obtain a temporary importation permit for your vehicle. Check with your nearest Mexican consulate for specific details concerning the requirements for this permit.

More Information on Driving Safety & Auto Insurance
If you have any questions concerning driving or auto insurance regulations in Mexico, contact the nearest Mexican consulate. Mexican consular offices are located in many large American cities.

The Mexico Government Tourist Organization (MGTO) can also answer driving safety and auto insurance-related questions.