Tag Archives: Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance

Vehicle Permits for Mexico

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ICI Mexico permit map

Do I need a vehicle permit for Mexico?

If you’re driving to a Mexican Border town, such as Tijuana, Mexicali, Cuidad Juarez, Piedras Negras, Nuevo Laredo, or Matamoros then you do not need a vehicle permit. This is considered a Free Zone or Frontera. Generally, the Free Zone extends approximately 20-26 kilometers (roughly 12-16 miles) until you reach an Aduana/Banjercito location (port or booth)

What about Permits for Sonora or Puerto Penasco, or Baja.

You also don’t need a Vehicle Permit if you are specifically traveling anywhere in Baja, or certain areas of Sonora, such as Puerto Penasco. Please view the map above, and check banjercito (link below) to make certain that all information is up to date.

Can I get my vehicle Permit before I leave home?

Yes. You may apply for it online through this link, Banjercito. You will, however, still need to stop at one of their locations as provided below.   What your doing is limiting the amount of time your waiting in line, since you will have already presented most of your information prior to entering Mexico via Banjercito. You must allow them 10 business days to process this application prior to their issuing you the permit.

How many days may I request for this Permit?

This is technically referred to as a Temporary Importation Permit, emphasis on Temporary. Provides the time you are allowed to be in the country with your U.S. or Canadian registered vehicle, prior to returning the vehicle back to its place of Registration (U.S. or Canada) Generally, can request from 180-386 days dependent upon the type of Visa. You may also request a lower number of days, if you wish. Some request 180 days with the intent of exiting and then returning again prior to their permits expiration date, thus avoiding this process again. (See important cancelation procedures below)

Ports of Entry to Mexico from Texas

Tamaulipas

  • Nuevo Laredo (Patio Fiscal) 8am-4pm Monday-Saturday Closed Sunday
  • Nuevo Laredo (Puente Internacional I & II) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Reynosa 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Nuevo Amanecer 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • Ciudad Camargo 8am-6pm – 7 days a week
  • San Jeronimo 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Matamoros Pta. Dos 6am-10pm Monday-Sunday
  • Puente Nuevo 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Puente Ignacio Zaragoza 8am-9pm – Monday-Friday 9am-7pm – Saturday and Sunday
  • Puente TLC 9am-6pm Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Saturday Closed Sunday  

Chihuahua

  • Cd. Juarez (Km. 30) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Palomas 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • Pte. Int. Ojinaga 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Piedras Negras (Km. 54.3) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Acuña 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • San Jeronimo 6am-10pm – 7 days a week  

Ports of Entry to Mexico from Arizona

Sonora

  • San Luis Rio Colorado 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • San Emeterio (Sonoyta) 8am-12am – 7 days a week
  • Nogales (Km 21) 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Naco – Anexo 4pm-10pm Thursday and 10am-10pm Friday-Sunday
  • Agua Prieta 24 hrs – 7 days a week
  • Cananea 8am-6pm Monday-Friday and 8am-4pm Saturday & Sunday

Ports of Entry to Mexico from California

Baja California Sur

  • La Paz (Pichilingue) 7am- 3pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday
    7am-6pm Tuesday and Thursday
    7am-3pm; 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday
    8:30-4:30 Sunday

Baja California Norte (California Border Points)

    • Tijuana 7am-11pm – 7 days a week
    • Otay Mesa 8am-9pm – 7 days a week
    • Tecate 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 8am-4pm Saturday and Sunday

  • Mexicali 6am-10pm – 7 days a week
  • Mexicali – Annex 8am-4pm Monday -Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday, Closed on Sunday.

Cost of your Vehicle Permit

Roughly $56 USD$ for a vehicle. Click here for the cost and the current exchange rate (Pesos to USD$) via Banjercito (give it a few moments to load) When you land on this page, you may choose your language of preference, Español or Inglés (English) in the upper right hand corner of this page.

If you are a Mexican citizen legally living in the U.S. or Canada then you must provide one of the following documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (Resident Alien).

  • Certificate of Naturalization.

  • Passport (not Mexican).

  • Passport Card.

If you are a foreigner to Mexico, then you will need to provide a valid passport or Passport Card and the official document issued by the Instituto Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Institute).

Guaranteed Deposit for your Vehicle Permit

The following amounts are applied as a “Guarantee” or deposit to the Mexican Gov’t for the temporary importation of your vehicle into Mexico, and is based upon the year of your vehicle.  You may use a Debit or Credit Card, issued in your name. This deposit will be returned to your account after the Vehicle Permit is cancelled, and must occur prior to your vehicle permits expiration date. Something to remember if using a Debit Card.

Vehicle Year Model  
2007 and later 400 USD $
2001 until 2006 300 USD $
2000 and earlier 200 USD $

Cancelation of your Permit

THIS IS IMPORTANT. You must, YOU MUST, turn in your vehicle permit PRIOR to it’s expiration…period. Failure to do so will entail a long drawn out process to cancel the permit AFTER it has expired. Take our word for it and just don’t do it. You will lose your deposit (Guarantee, above), and suffer the possibility of not being allowed to return to Mexico until straightened out (removed from their system)

Why does Mexico make us do this?

The reason why Mexico requires this is simple, The cost of a new or used car in Mexico is expensive. Actually more expensive than the U.S. or Canada. Mexican citizens have to pay IVA (tax) on a vehicles purchase, and most cannot afford it. Consequently, many Mexicans just don’t pay the tax on an imported vehicle. Mexico then loses on the Importation Tax which amounts to millions! If you fail to return or cancel your vehciles permit prior to it’s expiration date, you will automatically forfeit the deposit that you paid based upon your vehicle value listed above.

Remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to immediately issue your own policy. We appreciate your business, Like us on Facebook, and tell your friends!

Will my New Mexico Auto insurance policy cover me in Mexico?

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Rather than bore you with a narrative of what I know after 32 years in the insurance business, I will just let this actual text from the New Mexico Department of Insurance answer this question:

” Will my New Mexico personal auto policy provide coverage if I drive my vehicle into Mexico?

Mexican law requires that you purchase separate liability coverage from a Mexican insurer before operating your vehicle in Mexico. Your New Mexico personal auto policy may provide some limited coverage on a limited basis (within 25-50 miles of the Mexican border); however, this coverage does not meet the insurance requirements of the Republic of Mexico. Failure to purchase proper Mexican liability insurance may result in many hours in a Mexican jail or a heavy fine if you are involved in an accident while operating your vehicle in Mexico. Check with your company or agent to determine the coverage available under your specific policy.”

After having personally assisted someone who relied upon their own personal auto policy, I know. Having to find this out, after the fact, is not very wise, but rather stupid. When for a few bucks a day, you can purchase 3rd party liability insurance which can certainly help, and won’t hurt.

Anyone who has family, friends, or even work in Mexico, can benefit from our knowledge, and certainly our insurance products for both sides of the border. We insure U.S. residents or citizens traveling to Mexico, and we can insure Mexico Residents or citizens traveling into the U.S.

So call us, write us, even fax us, for the finest service from the best insurance companies with the most competitive prices!

For all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business

Will my Texas Auto insurance policy cover me in Mexico?

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Not long ago, I decided to write the TDI (Texas Dept. of Insurance) to see if they could, if they would, answer a question that I had regarding insurance regulations or agreements between the two countries.

I asked, “What would happen if a Mexican citizen had an accident in the State of Texas and depended upon their own Mexican auto insurance company?” An actual copy of the response is below.

LetterOfTexasDeptInsurance

In addition to answering the question about a Mexican citizens auto insurance being applied in Texas, they also addressed the issue of a Texas citizens auto policy extending into the Republic of Mexico.

This is an area that we, and especially our border States, have been trying to educate our citizenry forever, and that is;

“Texas does not have a reciprocal agreement with Mexico. We do not recognize Mexican Auto insurance policies, nor does Mexico recognize Texas auto insurance policies.”

In addition to this statement, the Texas Department of Insurance also publishes a pamphlet for this specific scenario. It too, can be viewed directly after the recent TDI correspondence.

We thoroughly enjoy our job, in helping our many friends, and families with their international insurance needs, no matter where. Thank you!

For all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business

Is Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance cheap?

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Mexico Tourist auto insurance, like most stateside auto insurers, is regulated by a Federal Insurance Commission. Consequently, rates for Mexico Tourist Auto insurance is submitted, and approved by this Commission. The same regulatory procedures that occur in most, if not all, U.S. states.

Whether the insurance is cheap is determined by what type and kind of insurance you want or need to have. There are currently 19 insurance companies that operate in Mexico that offer this type of insurance. Out of those, there are only six Mexican insurance companies that write at least 5% of the market share or above. The meaning there is that this market represents a small % of the over all insurance market in Mexico. Through my many conversations with numerous administrators and managers, most became involved in this market in order to generate U.S.D. (currency). They all, however, play a major role in the tourism industry, as they provide a product that allows their closest Northern neighbor access to beaches and time shares in the comfort of their own cars.

Rates or costs are determined by the type of insurance you want or need to purchase. For instance, if you want, or if your Lien Holder (who you make auto loan payments) wants you to have physical damage on your car, like theft and collision, then the rate is determined by the value of your car. Most if not all Mexican Tourist auto policies are written on what is called a ACV, or Actual Cash Value basis, and not a Stated Amount policy, where you can just name what ever value you think your car is worth, and then think that the insurance company is just going to fork over that amount…good luck.

Since a very large percentage of vehicle loans in the U.S. are what is called underwater (loan amount over the value of the vehicle), it is important to understand that the Mexican Tourist Auto policy will pay the ACV (up to the insured amount) only, as generally determined by Kelly Blue Book, or N.A.D.A. (National Automobile Dealers Association) appraisal book. Unfortunately, and this is the fault of the financial institutions that make these loans, they want the insured amount of the financed car to show at least the balance of the loan amount. Doesn’t make sense, due to the fact the insurance company will only pay up to the ACV. Another ridiculous requirement involves Ex Pats (U.S. Citizens living in Mexico) who still make U.S. car loan payments, but their financial institution requires they carry U.S. full coverage auto insurance when the insurance doesn’t even provide coverage in Mexico.

The cheapest insurance rate is for the 3rd party liability coverage, which is the only required coverage needed in Mexico. That coverage is for the “other guy”. It pays for any bodily injury or physical damage to their car, that you have caused. It is similar to that which most, if not all, U.S. states require when operating a motor vehicle in the U.S. Those rates generally start at around $ 4.00 a day for the lowest liability limits. NOTE: recently, each Mexican State determined it’s own minimum liability limits, which range from close to $5,000 U.S.D.$ to $540,000 U.S.D.$…that’s right, in U.S. Dollars! You can see the exact requirements for each Mexican State by clicking on this link, and go to the State you are traveling to. Please also note that you might be crossing from one State to another, and thus encounter differing liability limits.

The great thing about the design and cost of Mexican Tourist Automobile policies is that you can choose the limits and coverages you want, and you can purchase them by the day, six months or annual plans. Whether a policy is cheap is strictly determined by your wants and needs. Just like Flo on TV, you can name your price or adjust your costs by what coverages you choose. Never, EVER, mistake an insurance product as significant as this to be based solely on if it is “cheep”, but rather the value you can receive from it. Like, if it offers Guaranteed Bail Bond and Legal Assistance, which is a stand alone feature of some policies, and not on others. In Mexico, Mexico Tourist Auto insurance does not provide for legal representation, unless it is specified as a coverage on the declarations page. Very important, because Mexico follows Napoleonic law, your guilty UNTIL proved innocent.

For all of your Mexico Tourist Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

Ya se siente la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014

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Brasil-2014Al recorrer las calles de la ciudad veo cada vez a más niños y jóvenes jugando en la calle o en el parque con un balón de futbol soccer. Se empieza a llenar el ambiente de una vibra futbolera que nos aparta de lo cotidiano y nos sumerge en un mundo de pasión en el deporte.

Y aunque estamos a casi un año de que se lleve a cabo la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014 que será la XX edición de la Copa Mundial de Fútbol, ya se sienten las ganas de disfrutar en familia o con los amigos de esos partidos emocionantes entre cada país calificado.

Undated handout image of the official 2014 World Cup mascot, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo (the Tolypeutes tricinctus)

Esta será la segunda vez que se realiza este evento en Brasil después de la  Copa Mundial de Fútbol de 1950, entre el 24 de junio y el 16 de julio y fue la primera edición del torneo después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, resultando la selección Uruguaya campeona en aquel mundial.

El balón oficial de la Copa Mundial de 2014, ha sido bautizado con el nombre de Adidas Brazuca. Con el término “brazuca”, los brasileños definen el orgullo nacional de su forma de ser, que se refleja en la manera cómo viven el fútbol; simboliza la emoción, el orgullo y la buena voluntad de todos.

A los que somos aficionados al futbol la espera para que inicie el próximo mundial tal vez es larga pero cuando menos lo imaginamos ya estaremos a la vuelta de la esquina vislumbrando la inauguración y los partidos se nos hacen tan cortos que se nos pasa muy rápido el mundial para cuando ya estamos pensando en del 2018.

El próximo año cuando de inicio la Copa Mundial de Fútbol, alejémonos de lo cotidiano y tratemos de disfrutar de cada partido aunque no juegue nuestro equipo favorito, mientras comemos, en el taller u oficina (si es posible 🙂 ), con los amigos, ya que el deporte nos ayuda a pasar un momento agradable y sano, alejándonos por un momento de los problemas cotidianos.

argentina-vs-brazil-2010-world-cup-qualifier

Si usted es uno de los afortunados que tendrán la oportunidad de viajar y estar en persona disfrutando de cada partido en vivo, nosotros le ofrecemos una gran gama de servicios de seguros para que disfrute al máximo y viaje con tranquilidad.

Siempre que salgo con mi familia de viaje ya sea por negocio o vacaciones, en lo primero que pienso es en un seguro para el auto y máxime si es un país extranjero el cual no conozco, en donde las leyes y los sistemas de salud son distintos al mío. Procuro comprar también un seguro de salud que proteja a mi familia en caso de que alguno se enferme y no andar preocupado por los gastos médicos que nos pueden hacer pasar un mal rato y que nuestras vacaciones no sean lo que esperábamos.

Ofrecemos planes de salud y gastos médicos internacionales muy económicos así como seguros vehiculares para todo México, Centro y Sudamérica.

Estamos a sus órdenes y les deseamos que si a usted le gusta el futbol soccer tanto como a nosotros, disfrute de los partidos que puedan ver, y que gane el mejor. Y ojalá nos de la sorpresa un país que nunca haya ganado la copa.

Insurance Consultants International
mxici.com

New 3rd Party Liability Limits for Mexico

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Recently, we received word that Mexico has instituted new 3rd Party Liability Limits for vehicles. This includes foreign plated vehicles, most of which are vehicles registered in Canada and the U.S.

In Mexico, they have one Department of Insurance that covers all insurance matters for all 33 Mexican States. It is administered by the Federal Government. In the U.S., each State has it’s own Department of Insurance, who then has agreements with the other states when insurance law is generally applied in 3rd party liability cases. Every State has their own minimum 3rd party liability limits, as does Mexico. However, Mexico allows each State to set it’s own minimum liability limits, which is very strange since it is a Federal program.

So now we have 33 states with varying liability requirements. The new minimum limit is over $500,000 USD$ (yes that is right, and it is not pesos) in some states, and a few States with very low limits around $ 4,000 USD$. Click on this link for the latest requirements. PLEASE, do not forget, the distinct possibility of crossing into or through one Mexican State that has a higher liability requirement, as opposed to your destination, which may have a lower liability requirement. Unlike the U.S., your liability limits do not automatically adjust to the higher limits that some States require.

The problem is this, and it is the same for the U.S. You can purchase an automobile policy with the minimum limits, but that does not exclude you from having to personally pay for additional judgements against you. In Mexico, the reason for raising the limits were for crashes or collisions resulting in someones death. Though not common, it does indeed happen. Having been in this particular industry since 1989, we have unfortunately experienced a few. It is the primary reason for purchasing insurance, and that is to protect you from personal financial liability, the insurance company, if purchased correctly assumes the risk. Actually, personal risk was mentioned in the bible, where it was part of the Jewish law. Paraphrased, if you dug an unmarked well and someones livestock fell into it, you were fiscally responsible for settling the cost of the livestock with its owner.

Since each Mexican State has it’s own required limits, it is much safer to purchase a policy with $ 500,000 C.S.L. (stands for *Combined Single Limits) than to purchase one for $50,000. That is why we offer limits of $300,000 C.S.L. and $500,000 on our best insurance packages.Our standard plans do have a lower available limit, but we HIGHLY suggest the plans with the higher limits. You are talking only a few dollars more, and worth every penny…

If you have any questions regarding this or any other insurance matter as it involves Mexico, please feel free to call or write. As always, Mexico can change their laws at any time, and unfortunately, we generally do not find out about them until they are implemented. So call before you go, to find out the latest in available information.

* Combined Single Limit means that both property damage you cause others, AND bodily injury costs are taken out of the same bucket so to speak. Split limits are separated, one amount for Property Damage you cause others, and the other for Bodily Injury you cause someone.

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

SPRING BREAK Travel Destinations

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Yes, it’s that time again. SPRING BREAK!!! Put down the books, gas up your car and head out to to visit family, or spend time with your new found school buddies. Let’s not forget our teachers and profs, as they to look forward to probably spending some quiet time without having to deal with you needy students…

Here are some travel destinations to consider. For many in the Midwest and Southwest the closest salt water and beautiful beaches are located in Puerto Penasco, or as many refer to it, Rocky Point. A beautiful village located on the Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, in the Northern part of Mexico in the State of Sonora. Getting there is easy. Head to Tuscon and take a left or right dependent upon what part of the country you are coming from on I-10.

It is a Free Zone, so border crossing is easy, and inexpensive. You do not require a vehicle permit, however you will be required to provide the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security or Customs a “Valid Passport” on your return Stateside. Have a valid Drivers License, if driving, and make certain that you do NOT wander outside of the Free Zone. Failure to observe street signs and ending up out side of the Free Zone could cost you mucho dinero or pesos if you will. It’s against Mexico’s Federal Law to operate a foreign plated vehicle without a vehicle permit outside of the Free Zone. The Hotels are awesome, food and drink plentiful. If you are going dancing or clubbing, crowds are packed into most venues.

Another popular gathering spot is in Texas, South Padre islands. Obviously you do not need to posses vehicle permits here, but if you are curious about Mexico, head over to Matamoros. You can walk or drive across. If you drive, just make sure you have Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, which we can help you with that. Mexico to satisfy your curiosity about Mexico, make sure you bring along your Passport again. If driving you do not need a vehicle permit here, as it is located on what is called the “frontera”, however if you intend on going deeper into Mexico, then you would have to purchase a vehicle permit. In ALL circumstances, you MUST cancel or turn in your Mexico Vehicle Permit upon exiting Mexico. Failure to do so could cost you time, $$$, and a lot of frustration.

Another awesome Spring Break destination is Cancun, Mexico. One of my favorite places. Clear water, awesome food, and fantastic weather. A bit pricier, especially for college students, but well worth it if your parents or you can afford it. For older, say more mature travelers, this time of year is generally not great in Cancun. Unless of course you don’t mind the noise, and watching people throwing up. I’d pick any other time to go to Cancun. I’d pick any other time to go to any of these destinations, if you are a seasoned traveler.

You will still need a U.S. passport, though driving to Cancun can be an adventure, most people will want to fly. You will also require a Visa that is provided by your airline.

We can provide you with Mexico Tourist Auto insurance and Int’l Health & Accident if your destination is Mexico or anywhere else outside of the continental U.S. Laws in Mexico differ substantially than the U.S. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to call or contact us via E Mail or this blog.

Stay safe, have fun, and watch out for each other. You want fond memories, not bad ones!

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

What happens if we cannot turn in our Mexican Temporary Import Permit or TIP?

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Unfortunately, that is one of the pitfalls of operating a foreign vehicle in Mexico. There are obviously circumstances that occur where this might affect your ability to turn in the TIP.

One such scenario includes the possibility of your vehicle being stolen while in Mexico. If that occurs, then you obviously no longer posses the TIP, as it is with the car. That is why it is important, I would suggest critical, that you do a few logical things to help you in as many differing scenarios as possible.

For example, use your Smart phone, I Phone or whatever phone you posses that has photographic capabilities to photograph:

  1. All of the necessary documents needed to personally travel in Mexico. Your Visas and U.S. Passport for example.
  2. The same for all of your Vehicle documents, including a copy of your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit or TIP as it is called.
  3. A copy of your Mexico Tourist Auto insurance

I would send this file (copies of documents) to your E Mail account as well. If you lose the phone, or the vehicle containing all of the paperwork, you still would have access to the documents.

If your vehicle is stolen, then you will need to contact the local police and request a physical hard copy of the Theft Report. If the vehicle is suffers a total loss, you will still need a Police Report, and hopefully you can have them or your Mexico insurance adjustor to scrap off the vehicle permit. Do not lose the TIP. You MUST still visit the Aduana / Banjercito office that issues these TIP, hopefully the same one you acquired your TIP at.

You must then provide them with a copy of the Police Report, copies of the aforementioned documents, and an Adjustors Report. When you go through the process of turning in your TIP, make absolutely certain that you get an original receipt from the Aduana / Banjercito office that you turned in (cancelled) your TIP.

If you don’t turn it in, you will forfeit your “Bond” you most likely paid with your credit card, the amount which is determined by your vehicles manufactured date:

Vehicle Year Model
2007 and later 400 USD $
2001 until 2006 300 USD $
2000 and earlier 200 USD $

You are also subject to possible fines, and permanent duties that Aduana might levy. There is also the probability that you will not be allowed to apply for a TIP on a future vehicle you may want to take again into Mexico, until you get the current one “cancelled”.

You may think, that Aduana will not know from one Port to another if you have an outstanding non cancelled TIP. Wrong! They, like every other nation, are networked nationwide. They go by your Passport, which is unique only to you.

If, for whatever reason you have not achieved any resolution to this requirement, or if you have forgotten to “cancel” the TIP and are in the U.S. you should be able to get the needed help by calling:

Within Mexico  01 – 800 – 463 – 6728 Don’t forget the 0 before the 1. Must use a Mexican phone to call this #

From the U.S.    1 – 877 – 448 – 8728 Be sure to follow the prompts, for TIP, 7, 2, 2, 1, 1

We hope this helps you! Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have regarding this process.

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

If I have Mexico Insurance, does it keep me out of jail

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Yes, and No! Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance is NOT a “get out of jail free” card, in light of most peoples impressions. Many insurance agents neglect or flat leave out that possibility, even after purchasing their Mexico insurance.

In Mexico, a car accident is or can be considered a criminal offense, and not a civil offense as is common in the U.S. and Canada. If you injure someone, and they end up in the hospital, (even yourself, as ridiculous as that sounds) then that is generally when the authorities get involved. Granted, their involvement is also determined by the seriousness of the injuries to everyone involved.

Consequently, if injuries are serious, or even fatal, then there is the likelihood you will end up before a Magistrate (a Judge) who determines the Mexican courts course of action. Many Mexico Tourist Auto policies provide for Legal Representation (as ours does) and the payment of Bail Bonds just for this reason.

It is very, very, rare for someone to be held in jail if they posses a valid Mexico Tourist Auto policy, OR enough US currency to address the payment for all fines, medical care etc. After all, the Mexican Gov’t, especially now, wants to encourage as much travel in Mexico as possible, especially to the well known tourist destinations. Putting tourists in jail for minor traffic accidents will not help their cause.

Lack of authorized Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, fatalities, severe injuries, and drinking and driving are but a very few of the ways you can make your way to a Mexican jail. In many respects, much like the U.S.

Check out our site at www.mxici.com . If you have any questions feel free to E Mail us at ici@mxici.com . Or simply call us at 1-800-434-3966. We appreciate your business.