AAA Mexico Car Insurance
Car insurance is required to operate a motor vehicle in Mexico, but your U.S. AAA policy likely won’t offer much coverage. Here’s what you’ll need to have.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Pat Roache
Table of Contents
- Does AAA offer Mexico car insurance coverage?
- What does AAA Mexico car insurance cover?
- How to get a AAA Mexico insurance policy
- How much does AAA Mexico car insurance cost?
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
If you’re driving in Mexico, you’ll need to carry car insurance that meets the minimum requirements—but your U.S. AAA insurance policy generally won’t cover you unless you purchase extra insurance, sometimes called Mexico tourist auto insurance or
Mexico car insurance
.Sunshine, margaritas, and all-you-can-eat tacos—what more could you possibly want? Whether you’re heading down to Mexico to immerse yourself in the local culture or packing up your belongings for a spontaneous move, getting behind the wheel of a car without planning in Mexico is a big no bueño.
If you’re heading to Mexico and wondering what
car insurance
you need to drive there, we have you covered. We’ll cover the basics of AAA Mexico car insurance—what it covers, how to get a Mexican policy, and how much you can expect to pay.¡Vamos, amigo!
Does AAA offer Mexico car insurance coverage?
Yes! AAA does offer Mexico car insurance, and AAA members can even receive a discount on any Mexico insurance policy purchased—just enter your full membership number at checkout, and you’ll pay a reduced rate. But just like at home, you must meet the insurance requirements in the Mexican state where you’ll be driving.
You’ll need
liability coverage
to legally get behind the wheel in Mexico, but the policy limits depend on where you drive. Different states have different limits, so checking the laws is important before you purchase a policy. For example, the minimum liability limit in Nayarit is $8,000, while the minimum limits in Veracruz are $32,000.Most experts recommend that drivers have a minimum of $300,000 worth of third-party liability coverage in Mexico, which is likely well above your limits at home.
You can purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy through a Mexican insurer or a U.S. company that works with Mexican insurers—like AAA. Although, it’s important to note that you won’t be eligible for a Mexican insurance policy if you don’t carry
collision
or comprehensive coverage
on your current policy.RECOMMENDED
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What does AAA Mexico car insurance cover?
The only car insurance you are legally required to have in Mexico is liability insurance, and you can only purchase that through certain providers. If you buy a policy through providers like AAA,
Progressive
, or MexPro (a Mexican insurance company), you can get coverage that includes:- Collision
- Theft and vandalism
- Travel Assistance
- Legal assistance
- Roadside assistance
If you want coverage for physical damage to your vehicle, you’ll need to purchase a
full-coverage insurance
policy that includes collision and comprehensive insurance.How to get a AAA Mexico insurance policy
If you’re considering a Mexico car insurance policy from AAA, the process is relatively straightforward. All you’ll need is the following:
- Valid driver’s license issued by home country
- Valid registration (or a copy of the registration) for the vehicle(s) you want to insure
- A rental agreement showing that the vehicle is authorized to enter Mexico (only for rental vehicles)
- A notarized letter of authorization from the leasing company or lienholder permitting vehicle usage in Mexico (for leased or financed vehicles)
- A notarized letter of authorization from the registered owner permitting vehicle usage in Mexico (for borrowed vehicles)
Once you have the required documents, get in touch with an AAA insurance agent at 1-866-903-4222 or visit the AAA website. You can then choose your coverage limits for liability and any additional coverages you wish to purchase.
Keep in mind that the cost of your policy will depend on the following factors:
- Your vehicle
- The value of your car
- Coverage options and limits
- How long you’re in Mexico
- Where you are driving in Mexico
- Age (must be over 21)
- If you are towing anything
How much does AAA Mexico car insurance cost?
Temporary Mexico auto insurance policies are typically cheaper than your policy back home. On average, costs range from about $50 to $80 for liability-only coverage and $150 to $200 for full coverage, but the actual cost depends on the insurer, coverage needs and limits, your vehicle, and other factors—much the same as it does in the U.S.
Most insurers will offer policies priced daily, semi-annually or annually. The longer your trip, the lower your insurance rate will be, so some daily rates can cost you the same as a semi-annual package!
Here are examples of costs for a vehicle worth $15,000 with $300,000 in liability coverage. AAA, Progressive, and Geico often refer to these companies.
Company | Daily rate | Semi-annual rate | Annual rate |
|---|---|---|---|
ACE Seguros | $192 | $369 | $453 |
El Aguila | $198 | $333 | $409 |
Grupo Nacional Provincial | $215 | $371 | $426 |
Generally speaking, it’s more cost-effective to purchase a longer-term auto insurance policy. If you’re only there for a short time,
rental car insurance
might be better suited.MORE: 7 ways to save money on car rentals
“Jerryblew my mind, honestly. From start to finish, using the app took me 10 minutes and I ended up with $100 of savings a month. Best of all, customer service answered all my questions about rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.” —Savanna R.
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FAQs
Does U.S. auto insurance cover you in Mexico?
No—once you cross the border to the South, most U.S. car insurance policies will no longer be valid. While you may be able to purchase an insurance policy through the same provider you have at home, you’ll have to buy liability coverage to ensure you’re protected if involved in an at-fault accident.
How far into Mexico does AAA car insurance cover?
If you’re buying a Mexican auto insurance policy with AAA, your policy will cover you through the entire country, but your coverage limits might vary based on where you are driving—but your U.S. AAA insurance policy will not extend beyond the borders.
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