Whenever you hit the road, you need auto insurance. This is especially true when you venture to an unfamiliar location. When you travel, you face risks that you may not ordinarily encounter. That’s why this coverage is so important. But, when you travel outside of the U.S., you may find that your standard auto insurance does not cover you.

Americans may travel into Mexico on vacation or even everyday business. However, what you may not realize is that Mexican law does not recognize most forms of U.S. auto insurance. However, going without auto insurance in Mexico is just as risky as going without auto insurance in the U.S.

Driving Qualifications for Mexico

If you plan to drive in Mexico, you have to the first take steps to ensure that you have the correct qualifications to operate in the foreign jurisdiction.

The good news is that Mexico recognizes the U.S. driver’s licenses. Still, U.S. drivers usually also need passports, visas or other documents to legally enter Mexico. Also, depending on where you drive, you may have to get an import permit to bring your vehicle into Mexico.

But, along with these requirements, you must get insurance as well.

Getting Mexican Auto Insurance

Mexico, like the U.S., requires most drivers to carry auto insurance. If Americans fail to carry the appropriate foreign insurance, they may face severe penalties from Mexican authorities. Penalties may include impoundment of vehicles or even jail time.

American drivers in Mexico can usually get Mexican insurance before they leave home. Many American brokers work closely with reputable Mexican insurance companies to issue policies. These policies will meet all Mexican insurance requirements. They should contain:

• Liability coverage, similar to the third-party liability coverage of American policies
• Medical payments coverage for those in your vehicle
• Travel assistance similar to roadside assistance
• Legal assistance coverage, in case a legal problem arises relating to the accident

Drivers may also be able to add extra protection like theft or collision coverage.

Many Mexican insurance policies can cover drivers in both short- and long-term increments. American drivers should talk to an experienced insurance agent before buying a policy. The agent can help the driver determine the appropriate coverage limits for Mexican driving.

Do you need Mexico auto insurance? Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644 now.

Driving in Mexico means that Americans have a responsibility to follow Mexican law. If they don’t, they could experience an accident. This could cause problems between drivers and Mexican authorities. Not only will accidents likely result in hassles, they may lead to out-of-pocket costs that need specialized insurance.

American drivers should take steps to reduce vehicle accident risks if they drive in Mexico.

1. Familiarize Yourself With Mexican Driving Laws

In many ways, driving in Mexico is much the same as driving in the U.S. However, driving laws vary from place to place. Different signage, road structures and toll capacities may all confuse American drivers. Americans should also familiarize themselves with common Mexican driving practices before they drive. Print and online resources can help drivers prepare for their adventure south of the border.

Furthermore, Americans shouldn’t assume that all driving rules will have English translations. Mexico’s primary language is Spanish. The further you venture from the border, the more likely you are to encounter signage and other rules exclusively in Spanish.

2. Get the Right Driving Paperwork

Mexico recognizes U.S. drivers licenses as valid. However, Americans often have to get other paperwork to operate in the country.

Americans may need passports, visas, import permits and proof of Mexican insurance to enter the country. This paperwork can help clear up accident-related questions and support your right to drive.

3. Get Mexican Auto Insurance

If you have an accident in Mexico, it may lead to costs and liabilities like those you face in the states. You may want to use auto insurance to help you mitigate these damages.

Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance policies. Therefore, American drivers need a specialized policy when driving in this country. Failing to carry Mexican insurance when driving may result in significant problems. American drivers may be unable to afford repairs to their vehicles. Furthermore, they may face arrest or charges because they don’t have auto insurance.

Many American insurers work with reputable Mexican insurance companies to issue policies to international drivers. Your local insurer may be able to issue you a policy in conjunction with that Mexican company. You can often adjust your policy to make sure it contains all the coverage you need to drive in Mexico. Furthermore, drivers can often only make these policies active during the duration of their trip to Mexico. This can help them only pay for the coverage when they need it.

If you need Mexican auto insurance, look no further. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at (877) 999-2644 and we can help you get a policy specific to international driving.

We are quickly moving towards the close of the year, and towards the official start of winter. Even so, winter raises new safety risks that may impact your ability to drive safely. Therefore, you are likely have to take extra precautions when driving during the winter.

One way to improve your driving risks during the winter is to keep your car in good working order. By having a safe vehicle, you can lower your safety risks when you drive. You might be able to avoid breakdowns, wrecks or the potential that you will harm others. Not only is this good for you as the driver, it is also good for your insurance company and others on the road.

As winter approaches, realize that different forces may impact your car’s reliability. Take the time to make adjustments to your driving habits and your vehicle.

Know How Changing Seasons Affects You

No two locations are alike in how they experience seasonal changes. Some parts of the country may see frequent blizzards. Others have temperatures below zero but little precipitation. Still other areas might see mild temperatures, but frequent precipitation.

You should know how a typical winter impacts your area. This can help you take better precautions to prepare your vehicle for winter driving. Environmental changes during the winter may impact your ability to drive. They may also have different effects on your vehicle and its working systems.

Review Your Auto Insurance

Your auto insurance is an important part of the protection your vehicle needs. Should you experience vehicle damage or personal injuries from various incidents, your coverage can usually help pay to control the problems. It’s imperative for drivers to periodically review their coverage.

Most people review their policies as they come up for renewal. However, there is no wrong time to check your existing coverage. As winter approaches, make sure your policy is adequate for the seasonal risks you may face.

• Ensure your collision and liability coverage are high enough. During winter, a potential for increased bad weather might raise your accident risks.
• Check your comprehensive coverage. This protection kicks in for risks not associated with wrecks. It may cover damage sustained for instances of fire, theft or weather. See if you have (or can obtain) coverage for winter weather typical of your area.
• Your insurance may offer more coverage that could benefit you in case you have car trouble. For example, you may be able to use roadside assistance coverage in case you get stranded in bad weather.

Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

As winter sets in, the changes in weather could have lasting effects on your vehicle. Remember, your car experiences a lot of exposure to the elements. Rain, snow or freezing temperatures may all damage internal and external vehicle systems.

Consider taking your car to your mechanic before the winter arrives in full. They can run maintenance on the vehicle to help prepare it for harsh or changing weather. They may even be able to diagnose small malfunctions that it may be a good idea to repair before the cold sets in.

• Have your oil changed every few thousand miles. Your vehicle manufacturer can usually recommend a specific limit on miles. Changing the oil before winter can help ensure that internal systems have appropriate protection.
• Have your mechanic run a test to ensure the strength of your engine. If your engine doesn’t function well, it may come under undue stress during times of severe weather.
• Your car’s battery may experience sensitivity issues during the winter. For example, during times of cold weather, your battery may use more energy to start your vehicle. This could strain the battery, and hasten its eventual failure. Battery strain can also impact other vehicular system. The typical vehicle needs a battery change every two to five years. If your battery is due for a change, consider getting it fixed before winter sets in.
• If you find your tire treads depleted, consider buying new tires. Routinely check your tire pressure throughout the winter. Also have your shock absorbers, brake system and other control mechanisms inspected. Some drivers have snow tires installed on their vehicles during the winter. These practices can help drivers better control their vehicles on roads affected by weather.
• Check your vehicle seals and HVAC system. If either malfunction, this could cause undue strain on other internal systems.

As you approach winter, do what you can to keep your vehicle safe. Then, once you hit the road, drive in manners that take existing hazards into account. While your auto insurance can help you in the event of an accident, the better approach is to prevent such risks. Therefore, careful preventative maintenance may help you stay safe on winter-affected roadways. Never forget to talk to your auto insurance agent about how you could improve your coverage for winter driving.

Do you need auto coverage? Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc at 877-999-2644 for a Chicago car insurance quote.

Many Americans assume that driving in Mexico is dangerous. Usually, this is not the case. Yes, America’s neighbor to the south has unique driving risks, some of which can be quite dangerous. However, Mexican driving in itself is often a perfectly safe, enjoyable experience.

Despite our close connections with Mexico, driving there might seem daunting. Still, if you don’t drive safely in Mexico, you might find yourself in trouble. No one wants to experience driving problems, especially in a foreign country. Therefore, observe safe driving practices that will make your adventure a success.

Before You Go: Obtain Mexican Auto Insurance

American drivers might think they can simply drive into Mexico with no barriers. Wrong answer. Americans have to get proper international travel documents, like passports, vehicle import permits and visas to travel into the country.

Furthermore, Mexican law does not recognize American auto insurance policies. That means if you drive past the U.S. border, your existing auto insurance will likely void.

Mexico and its states requires all drivers to carry their own liability insurance. Therefore, American travelers will need to invest in a Mexican auto insurance policy. Even if you travel in the Mexican free zones, areas with looser visa and import requirements, you still have to carry Mexican Auto insurance. Many American insurers work with their counterparts in Mexico to issue Mexican policies. However, your policy comes directly from the Mexican insurer. Once you get this coverage, you will file any claims with the Mexican auto insurance company. Usually, Americans can obtain policies only for the length of their travels in Mexico.

Once on the Road, Follow Safe Driving Practices

Simply getting Mexican auto insurance won’t give drivers immunity from accidents. Just like domestic driving, foreign driving poses its own risks to Americans. Keep certain safe driving practices in mind as you prepare to travel in Mexico.

• Prepare your vehicle before you go. You want to have a well-functioning car with any road trip. Where you travel shouldn’t impact whether you have the vehicle serviced before you go. Do it regardless. Change the oil and inspect the engine, tires, battery and other vital systems. Remember, most auto insurance policies won’t cover maintenance breakdowns anyway.
• If you find yourself in need of repairs in Mexico, seek out a trusted mechanic who understands U.S. vehicles. U.S. cars and Mexican vehicles often have certain differences in design. Mexican auto mechanics may not be familiar with some of the finer points of U.S. auto repairs. You do not want to entrust your vehicle to someone who might not know how to repair it.
• Plan a route which you intend to travel, and research it beforehand. You should always know what amenities you have available to you along that route. Don’t deviate from your planned route unless you have assurances that it is safe to do so.
• Contrary to tales of highway robbers, cartels and other threats, driving in Mexico is usually perfectly safe. Nonetheless, there are places that do pose threats to tourists. The U.S. Department of State and the Mexican authorities sometimes issue travel advisories. They might warn visitors to avoid certain areas. Both before and during travel, know which areas that it is best to avoid. Don’t venture into these areas if you can help it.
• No one wants to have their purse or wallet stolen from their car when they stop for gas or the night. This can happen anywhere you go in Mexico, or even the U.S. for that matter. However, you don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of theft during international travel. Therefore, see to the safety of your possessions at all times. Keep valuable and private possessions with you or locked in your vehicle when you are not inside it. Hide items like purses, electronics or luggage under seats or in trunks. Arm all your security systems when leaving the vehicle.
• Learn the rules of Mexican roads. In many ways, they will be similar to American laws. However, even small differences might impact foreign drivers. For example, you might encounter signage in Spanish. If you don’t understand it you might make mistakes. You might also encounter road construction or markings with which you aren’t familiar. You can often obtain safety guides to help you better understand the rules of the road.
• Take special care when driving at night or in unfamiliar environments. Certain hazards could pop up that you might not expect. For example, livestock might roam on rural Mexican roads at night, posing risks to drivers. Additionally, it is well known that anywhere you go at night, unsavory characters might lurk and emergency services might be scarce. Therefore, always redouble your safety efforts.

The bottom line is to remember that you should drive with extreme care when traveling in Mexico. The safer you attempt to drive, the lesser your chances of encountering problems. Nevertheless, you should never go without protection. Speak to your American insurance agent about getting a Mexican auto insurance policy. Your agent can help you determine how best to protect yourself.