Mexico Auto Insurance: Don’t cross the border without it!
Mandatory Mexico Insurance Law
A new law effective September 23, 2014, requires Mexico Liability Auto Insurance for all vehicles driving on Federal roads and bridges. In the past, proof of financial responsibility was required only in the event of an accident. Now, the law requires proof of Mexican Liability Insurance at all times when driving on federal roads and bridges. You can be asked for proof of insurance at checkpoints, border crossings, or traffic stops.
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Federal Police will enforce this law and drivers caught without coverage will face fines starting at $200 US dollars. If a driver is involved in an accident without coverage, they will face fines starting at $1,000 US dollars.
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Several states have implemented similar measures requiring insurance for all vehicles. Some of those states include Baja California, Morelos, DF, Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Puebla, Queretaro, Aguascalientes and Yucatan.
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U.S. or Canadian auto insurance policies are not recognized in Mexico, even if it includes the Mexico Insurance Endorsement. All Sanborn’s policies comply with the requirements of this law.
Traffic Violations
If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail. Traffic fines must be paid at the police station. Tickets issued in Tijuana can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to:
H. Ayuntamiento de Tijuana
416 West San Ysidro Blvd. Suite L No. 725
San Ysidro, CA 92143
Tickets issued In Rosarito can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to:
H. Ayuntamiento de Rosarito
P.O. Box 439060
San Diego, CA 92143-9060
Tickets issued in Ensenada can be paid by sending a check or money order made out to:
Municipio de Ensenada
PMB 147 P.O. Box 189003
Coronado, CA, 92178-9003
Traffic Fines vary by city: (fines are in Mexican Pesos)
- Running a red light: From $ 226.00 up to $ 678.60 (approximately $20 to 65 US Dollars)
- Failure to use seat belts. From $ 452.40 up to $ 678.60 (approximatelyd $40 to 65 US Dollars)
- Using cell phone while driving. From $ 452.40 up to $ 1,000.00 (approximately $40 to 90 US Dollars)
- Driving without a valid driver’s license or car registration. $ 452.40 (approximately $42 US Dollars)
- Drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets, sidewalks or public property. From $ 452.40 up to 904.88 (approximately $41 to 86 US Dollars)
- Exceeding the speed limit. From $ 316.00 up to 1,357.00 (approximately $29 to 124 US Dollars)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) In addition to the fine, you may also be detained. From $ 904.88 up to $1,923.00 (approximately $83 to 176 US Dollars)
Accident Procedures
- Dial the state wide Emergency Response Hotline 066 (equivalent to 911 in the USA) from any private or public telephone, to notify the authorities.
- Do not move the vehicles that are involved in the accident and wait for the police accident investigator to arrive at the scene.
- Call your vehicle insurance company right away.
- Once the police accident investigator has determined who’s at fault, you will be asked to go to the nearest police station, to discuss with other party involved possible mutual settlement agreement concerning payment for repairs, thus avoiding the State DA’s office
- At the police station, if necessary, you have the right to ask for an attorney. If you have purchased Mexico Insurance through Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance, Legal Aid and Bailbond is likely provided with your policy. Check your insurance paperwork for this important coverage.
- If someone is injured in the accident, no matter how slightly, the person alleged to have been at fault must go before the State DA’s Office.
- You should find out if your medical insurance policy applies when traveling abroad or overseas. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations. Travel Medical Insurance can be purchased through our website. Short term and long term policies are available.
When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the fine by filling an appeal (Recurso de Inconformidad), either in person or in writing, for a Municipal Judge to review. To do this, immediately go to the nearest Municipal Judge within the police station; if you need information on how to do this, call our Tourist Assistance Hot Line 078.
