What is MAPFRE Insurance and Do You Need it to Drive in Mexico?

Since your U.S. coverage will no longer be valid once you cross the border, you’ll need to purchase Mexico car insurance from a provider like MAPFRE Insurance.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
background
If you’re traveling across the southern border, your U.S. car insurance policy will no longer be valid.
MAPFRE
is a licensed provider that can offer you coverage that meets Mexico’s minimum liability requirements and more!
Whether you’re escaping for a week-long getaway or taking a one-year sabbatical, you’ll need to purchase Mexico car insurance if you plan on driving on the south side of the border. With great financial strength and many coverage benefits, MAPFRE is an excellent choice for your trip—here’s everything you need to know.

Do you need car insurance coverage to drive in Mexico?

Yes! But here’s the catch. The car insurance coverage you rely on daily in the United States
will not be valid once you cross the border
You will need to purchase Mexico car insurance, sometimes referred to as travel insurance. If you were to get into an accident without the right coverage, Mexican authorities could arrest you and impound your vehicle until the matter is addressed. You could also be on the hook for repair costs, medical bills, or legal fees.
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What does MAPFRE Mexico car insurance cover?

Similar to the United States, car insurance laws in Mexico require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance—the recommended liability coverage limit for tourists is $300,000. MAPFRE can offer you this and much more! Here are their offerings:
  • Liability limits up to $300,000 for bodily injury and property damage
  • Medical expenses up to $5,000 per person and $25,000 per incident for you and your passengers
  • Physical damage and total theft are covered with full coverage policies
  • Professional roadside assistance
  • Travel assistance
  • Finalization of claims in the United States to save time and money
  • No deductible on third-party liability
  • Legal assistance and bail bond coverage
  • Emergency medical help
  • Trip continuation
  • Fixed deductibles
MAPFRE’s extensive list of benefits and “A” ratings across the board for financial strength (A.M. Best, Standard and Poors, Moody’s) makes them a great car insurance choice for your trip to Mexico.

How to get a MAPFRE Mexico insurance policy

You can easily secure your Mexico car insurance policy on
MAPFRE’s website
. If you want to shop around a little bit, you can also compare quotes from other Mexican insurance providers using
MexInsuranceStore.com
.
Other well-known American companies like
Geico
,
Progressive
,
Allstate
, and
Liberty Mutual
offer travel insurance services, too. Just remember, this is totally separate from your everyday car insurance coverage.

How much does Mexico car insurance cost?

Typically, a provider that’s officially licensed in Mexico, like MAPFRE, will be able to provide more affordable travel coverage than American companies. But the exact cost of your premium will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
  • Length of stay: The longer you need coverage, the more expensive it will be. Policies are available in daily, weekly, semi-annual, or annual packages. 
  • Location: If you plan to stay in one of Mexico’s more populated areas, you may be exposed to risky traffic patterns and high crime rates. As a result, your car insurance will generally cost more if your likelihood of filing a claim is more significant. 
  • Type of car: Newer, more expensive vehicles will demand higher premiums.
  • Coverage: As previously discussed, you’re only required to purchase minimum liability insurance that meets Mexican law. Otherwise, all other benefits and coverages are available at an added cost.
  • Driver details: The demographics and driving record of the primary driver will be considered by MAPFRE when calculating Mexico car insurance costs.
MORE: How to get an accurate car insurance quote
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FAQs

No! Your U.S. auto insurance policy will not work in Mexico. That’s why you need to purchase travel insurance from a provider like MAPFRE.
Yes, purchasing a travel insurance policy with MAPFRE will allow you to legally drive a vehicle in Mexico.
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