The land of Mayan temples and sparkling white sand beaches - Mexico has always been a go-to destination for Americans traveling for both business and pleasure. Last year alone, over 35 million US citizens traveled to Mexico. For citizens and residents living in California, Texas, and Arizona, a road trip South of the Border is convenient and fun. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Can you drive to Mexico?’ You can! Driving to Mexico is not difficult, and with careful preparation, you can easily get up to speed on the latest Mexico travel requirements. Whether you need a passport or auto insurance, our guide will outline the basics of driving to Mexico!
Documents required to drive to Mexico
Wondering about your Mexico travel requirements for driving across the border? According to the US Department of State, you will need the following items:
- A passport or passport card - this is required if you are a US Citizen. If you are a US resident, have your Green Card ready.
- Proper insurance - you will need to purchase a separate Mexican auto insurance policy while driving in Mexico.
- Your US driver's license or International Driving Permit - make sure your license is valid and will not expire during your trip.
- Proof of vehicle registration - check that all your vehicle information is correct and up to date.
- A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP) - you will need to obtain this permit if you choose to drive 20 km or more from the border. You can purchase this permit online, at the border, or at certain Mexican consulates in the US.
- A Mexico tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) - this permit can be obtained after crossing the border at a National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración or INM) office.
What is Mexico tourist auto insurance?
If you have ever googled ‘auto insurance for Mexico trip’ you may have been overwhelmed by the results. However, car insurance in Mexico doesn't need to be complicated. No matter the purpose of your trip, you will need to purchase a specific Mexico tourist auto insurance policy. In most cases your US auto policy will not be sufficient, and you should purchase insurance from a Mexican insurance company or a US company that works with Mexican insurers. Furthermore, under Mexican law, your coverage must include both bodily injury, death, and property liability coverage. It is recommended by most insurance companies to secure a limit of at least $300,000.
What does Mexico tourist auto insurance cover?
Generally, Mexico tourist car insurance can potentially include any of the following coverages:
- Liability coverage - including bodily injury or property damage you cause to others
- Physical damage and theft
- Medical payments for you and/or your passengers
- Medical evacuation
- Roadside assistance
- Uninsured motorist coverage
Please note that liability coverage is just the minimum required by Mexican law and Mexican authorities will not recognize U.S. insurance coverage. It is advisable to add additional coverage, such as roadside assistance or varying amounts of medical payment coverage to the minimum policy. In addition, Mexican law states that when a driver causes an accident that kills another motorist, the driver is responsible for compensation equal to 5,000 times the Mexican state minimum wage, plus funeral expenses. Take caution when driving in Mexico, as their legal system is much stricter. Driving without the minimum coverage could land you a substantial fine or even jail time.
You can contact Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) at 1-855-478-3705 and learn how to obtain sufficient coverage for your Mexico travels.
Tips for driving in Mexico
Driving South of the Border can be an exciting way to absorb the local landscape and culture of Mexico. Nevertheless, before you hit the road, familiarize yourself with our top tips for driving in Mexico:
- Learn Mexican driving laws and customs - most drivers don't use turn signals. If someone signals left, it usually means they are letting you pass. Also, it is quite common for Mexican drivers to shift lanes without notice, and it is illegal in Mexico (unless noted) to turn right on a red light.
- Review your driving route ahead of time - stay abreast of possible delays due to construction, holidays (also known as puentes), and weather. Try to plan your gas station stops before you begin your travels.
- Understand the basic units of measure - Mexico uses the km as a distance of measure, 1 km = .62 miles. So, 50 km = 31.06 miles. Also, gas will be sold by the liter, not by the gallon, 1 liter = .26 gallons.
- Keep essentials in the car - it never hurts to be prepared! Equip your vehicle with a roadside essentials kit including a spare tire, car jack, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, blankets, and bottled water.
- Do major highway driving during the daytime – we suggest this not because of criminal activity, but because many highways are not properly illuminated, and in rural areas, you could come face to face with livestock, or a particularly large speed bump, known as a tope in Mexico.
- Understand driving on the shoulder - the shoulder in Mexican highways acts as almost a third lane. You will be expected to drive on the shoulder if you are not passing someone. If someone wants to pass you, please drive on the shoulder until they do.
- Carry sufficient cash or purchase a pass for tolls - toll roads are usually the fastest way to arrive at your destination. Since many times toll scanners may be down, it can be more efficient to carry local currency, called pesos, to pay.
FAQs:
Do you need a passport to go to Mexico?
Yes, you will need a valid, non-expired passport, or passport card to travel to Mexico. If you are not a citizen, you can use your Green Card to travel to Mexico.
Can you drive in Mexico with a US license?
You can drive in Mexico with a US license, but you will need to have your registration and proof of insurance handy. You will also need to obtain a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit, (TVIP). Before your trip, these can be procured online, at the border, or certain Mexican consulates in the U.S. In addition, you will be responsible for obtaining Mexico tourist auto insurance.
Does my US auto insurance work in Mexico?
No, your regular US auto insurance will not work in Mexico. Per Mexican law, you will need to purchase Mexico tourist auto insurance with a minimum liability policy that includes bodily injury, death, and property liability coverage.
Is my rental vehicle covered when I travel to Mexico?
Your rental vehicle is not automatically covered when traveling to Mexico. Please contact your rental car company to purchase insurance directly through them.
How can I purchase Mexican car insurance for my trip?
If you are driving your vehicle to Mexico, you can reach out to your insurance provider and inquire about Mexican car insurance.
The Spanish bilingual team at Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. is well-educated on cross-border coverage and can help address any questions or concerns you may have about your Mexican road trip.
Contact Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc at 1-855-478-3705 to start securing the proper insurance today!