How to Avoid Paying Car Insurance in Mexico
When traveling to Mexico, Mexican car insurance can make rentals more expensive than they first appear. People may be looking at how to avoid paying car rental insurance in Mexico. However, due to local laws, this is not advised. It's possible to face jail time if you are uninsured in a collision. Find out why here.
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Melanie Musson
Published Insurance Expert
Melanie Musson is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She grew up with insurance talk as part of her everyday conversation and has studied to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and dynamics as well as a broad understanding of how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. Through her years working in th...
Published Insurance Expert
UPDATED: Apr 27, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Apr 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Liability insurance is required by law in Mexico.
- If you are involved in a collision without insurance, you can go to jail until damages are paid.
- Usually, mandatory insurance is included in the rental package.
If you are planning to travel to Mexico, renting a car is an easy and convenient way to get around. Since it is a foreign country, you will likely not be covered under your current car insurance plan. Finding affordable car insurance can be a challenge.
You might be wondering how to avoid paying car rental insurance in Mexico, but being uninsured is unwise. There are certain laws to be aware of, and if you are caught without insurance, you can face potential jail time until claims are settled.
Renting a car in Mexico can be cheap, but Mexican car insurance rates can be expensive. Looking for affordable insurance closer to home? Type your ZIP code into our helpful and free tool above to find affordable car insurance rates in your area.
What do I need to rent a car in Mexico?
Now might not be the best time to travel to Mexico, according to the CDC. Hopefully, that will change soon. Usually, in order to rent a car in Mexico, the driver will have to be at least 25 years old. A driver’s license from your home country is accepted to drive in Mexico, so long as it is valid.
Another requirement you need is to obtain basic personal liability insurance. This liability insurance is required by law when renting a car in Mexico. If you don’t buy car insurance and are involved in a collision, it’s possible for the police to put you in jail until it can be sorted out.
Sometimes, though, basic personal liability car insurance is included when renting a car. Other insurance types are frequently not, though these types are not mandatory.
If the rates for renting a car appear to be really low, they likely do not include insurance. When looking to buy Mexican car insurance, expect to pay double or even triple the amount listed. Finding affordable Mexican car insurance can be tricky, so it’s worth taking time to look around.
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What are reputable car rental companies in Mexico?
There are many choices when it comes to car rental companies in Mexico. It can be difficult to figure out which the best options are. Some names may be familiar, such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Avis, and others.
Be aware that companies such as Hertz Mexico are franchised though. These Mexican car insurance companies are not directly connected to their American counterparts, so quality may vary. In fact, local agencies may offer better rates, so it is worth looking around.
If you get a rental car at or near the airport, be aware that those rates are usually higher than can be found elsewhere. In essence, you are paying for convenience. It’s worth shopping around online, through sites such as Mex Rent A Car.
As there are different laws in Mexico compared to the United States, knowing what to expect when filing a car insurance claim can be difficult. This is another reason why getting car rental insurance is necessary. Sometimes, your current insurance coverage will cover you in some regards, so make sure you ask what is covered before you go.
Can you not pay car rental insurance in Mexico?
This is IMPORTANT! Mexican Liability Insurance is mandatory in Mexico. If you do not have proof that you have this insurance, and you happen to get into an accident, no matter how minor, you can be taken to a Mexican jail until the police can determine who was at fault (and who knows how long that may take). So it may seem like a good thing to avoid paying for rental car insurance in Mexico at first, you could be held liable for any property damage.
Will my auto insurance cover me in Mexico?
Most US-based regular car insurance plans do not cover rental damage in Mexico, but you would need to check with your provider before renting a car in Mexico. You can buy a separate Mexican auto insurance policy from an insurance company that specializes in it.
Protection coverage for the vehicle rented includes Third Party Liability with a maximum cover for personal injuries and material damages.
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The Bottom Line
Every year, thousands of Americans drive into Mexico. Many may not know, however, that their American car insurance is invalid in Mexico. If you enter Mexico with a rental car or one that you own, you need a special type of car insurance. Whether you want to take a leisurely road trip through our neighbor to the south, or you need to conduct business, this is what you need to know about Mexican auto insurance.
Just beware of topes (speed bumps) when travelling on Mexican roads. They are notorious for causing very serious damage to vehicles. You might want to buy extra car insurance from the Mexican car rental company.
Before you make a decision, know that the differences between car insurance requirements in the U.S. and Mexico are significant. Sometimes it’s just better to pay the extra insurance costs.
Searching for more car insurance quotes? Enter your ZIP code in our free tool below for rates in your local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Avoid Paying Car Insurance in Mexico
It is illegal to drive in Mexico without car insurance. To avoid paying car insurance in Mexico, you would need to avoid driving altogether or risk legal consequences. It’s recommended to purchase a Mexican car insurance policy to ensure you are covered in case of an accident or other covered event. Mexican car insurance policies can be purchased online or at the border, and it’s important to research and compare policies to find the best coverage and value.
Can I use my U.S. car insurance policy in Mexico?
No, you cannot use your U.S. car insurance policy in Mexico. Mexican law requires that all drivers have a valid Mexican car insurance policy in order to operate a vehicle within the country.
What does Mexican car insurance cover?
Mexican car insurance typically covers liability, collision, and theft. Liability coverage is mandatory and covers damages or injuries to others in an accident. Collision coverage is optional and covers damages to your own vehicle. Theft coverage is also optional and covers the theft of your vehicle.
How much does Mexican car insurance cost?
The cost of Mexican car insurance can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle you are driving, the level of coverage you choose, and your driving record. Expect to pay between $10 and $50 per day for basic liability coverage, and between $20 and $100 per day for more comprehensive coverage.
Can I purchase Mexican car insurance online?
Yes, you can purchase Mexican car insurance online from a number of providers. Be sure to research the provider carefully and read reviews from other customers before making a purchase.
What happens if I get into an accident without Mexican car insurance?
If you get into an accident in Mexico without Mexican car insurance, you can be detained until you can pay for damages and injuries out of pocket. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it is highly recommended that you purchase Mexican car insurance before driving in Mexico.
How long does Mexican car insurance last?
Mexican car insurance policies can vary in length, but most policies are sold in daily, weekly, or monthly increments. Be sure to purchase a policy that covers the entire duration of your trip.
What is a “waiver of deductible” in Mexican car insurance?
A waiver of deductible is an optional add-on to Mexican car insurance that eliminates the need to pay a deductible in the event of a collision or theft. This can be a valuable addition to your policy, as deductibles can be quite high in Mexico.
Are there any restrictions on where I can drive in Mexico with a rental car?
Yes, some Mexican car rental companies have restrictions on where you can drive their vehicles. Be sure to read the rental agreement carefully and ask the rental company if you are unsure.
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Melanie Musson
Published Insurance Expert
Melanie Musson is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She grew up with insurance talk as part of her everyday conversation and has studied to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and dynamics as well as a broad understanding of how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. Through her years working in th...
Published Insurance Expert
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.