Do I really need Mexican auto insurance?

Yes. US and Canadian auto policies are not recognized in Mexico. If you're in an accident without a Mexican policy, you can be detained and your vehicle impounded until you settle damages out of pocket.

What's the difference between liability and comprehensive?

Liability covers injury and damage you cause to other people and property. Comprehensive adds coverage for theft, vandalism, and physical damage to your own vehicle. If your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars, comprehensive is usually worth it.

How long can my policy last?

Policies are available from one day up to one year. Choose the trip length that matches your travel — daily and weekly rates are common for short trips; annual is usually cheaper if you cross more than a few times a year.

Standard and premium plans cover theft of the vehicle and physical damage from break-ins. Liability-only plans do not. If theft coverage matters to you, choose standard or premium.

Can I get coverage for high-value vehicles?

Premium plans typically cover vehicles up to $300,000 or more, with agreed-value settlement. Get a quote to confirm your specific vehicle is eligible.

What if I'm in an accident?

Stay at the scene, call the claims number on your policy, and wait for the adjuster. Don't accept money or move the vehicle until the adjuster arrives. See our File a Claim page for the complete process.

Mexican Auto Insurance

Drive into Mexico with the right coverage in minutes

Short-term Mexican auto insurance from one day to one year, issued online and recognized by Mexican authorities at the border and in the event of a claim.

Read FAQs ↓

Mexican auto insurance is a separate policy required to legally drive your US- or Canadian-registered vehicle in Mexico — your home auto policy is not recognized south of the border. If you cross the border with a vehicle, even for a day trip, you need a Mexican policy in hand. This page covers what's included, what's not, and how to get covered in under five minutes.

What auto insurance covers

Liability for bodily injury and property damage to third parties
Legal aid and bail-bond expenses if you're detained
Roadside assistance throughout Mexico
Theft, vandalism, and physical-damage repair (comprehensive plans)
Medical payments for you and your passengers
Bilingual claims support 24/7

What's not covered

Coverage outside Mexico (US/Canada use your home policy)
Damage from racing, off-road events, or commercial use
Pre-existing damage and unrepaired prior claims

Coverage levels

	Liability only	Standard	Premium
Third-party liability	Up to $300,000	Up to $500,000	Up to $500,000
Theft & physical damage	—	Actual cash value	Agreed value
Medical payments	—	$5,000/person	$10,000/person
Legal aid & bail bond	Included	Included	Included
Roadside assistance	Included	Included	Included
Vehicle value cap	No max (liability only)	Up to $75,000	Up to $300,000+

Third-party liability

Liability only: Up to $300,000
Standard: Up to $500,000
Premium: Up to $500,000

Theft & physical damage

Liability only: —
Standard: Actual cash value
Premium: Agreed value

Medical payments

Liability only: —
Standard: $5,000/person
Premium: $10,000/person

Legal aid & bail bond

Liability only: Included
Standard: Included
Premium: Included

Roadside assistance

Liability only: Included
Standard: Included
Premium: Included

Vehicle value cap

Liability only: No max (liability only)
Standard: Up to $75,000
Premium: Up to $300,000+

How to get covered

1Enter your trip dates and the vehicle you're crossing in.
2Pick a coverage level (liability, standard, or premium).
3Pay online and print your policy — it's valid the moment you cross.

Cross the border covered. Get a quote in minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need Mexican auto insurance?
Yes. US and Canadian auto policies are not recognized in Mexico. If you're in an accident without a Mexican policy, you can be detained and your vehicle impounded until you settle damages out of pocket.
What's the difference between liability and comprehensive?
Liability covers injury and damage you cause to other people and property. Comprehensive adds coverage for theft, vandalism, and physical damage to your own vehicle. If your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars, comprehensive is usually worth it.
How long can my policy last?
Policies are available from one day up to one year. Choose the trip length that matches your travel — daily and weekly rates are common for short trips; annual is usually cheaper if you cross more than a few times a year.
Does it cover theft?
Standard and premium plans cover theft of the vehicle and physical damage from break-ins. Liability-only plans do not. If theft coverage matters to you, choose standard or premium.
Can I get coverage for high-value vehicles?
Premium plans typically cover vehicles up to $300,000 or more, with agreed-value settlement. Get a quote to confirm your specific vehicle is eligible.
What if I'm in an accident?
Stay at the scene, call the claims number on your policy, and wait for the adjuster. Don't accept money or move the vehicle until the adjuster arrives. See our File a Claim page for the complete process.

What customers say

“I have a new car and I wanted to make sure it was protected. I loved how the site lets you customize options to suit what is best for my personal needs.”

— Josh

“My experience purchasing temporary Mexican auto insurance through SmartGringo was great. I liked that I can customize the policy to my needs and there were several options to choose from. It has become my go-to site to purchase car insurance when I am going across the border to play in Rosarito!”

— Jacob

“SmartGringo was fast and easy and within about 5 minutes I was printing out my temporary insurance policy to take with me to Mexico. Thank you!”

— Lori