Safe Driving Practices in Mexico

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.

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Avoiding Costly Accidents When Driving in Mexico

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.

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Traveling in Mexico? You Need Auto Insurance

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.

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If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

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