You've gotten the time off and are finally taking that road trip to Mexico. Just know that once you cross the border, your U.S. auto insurance is no longer valid in Mexico. Many people don't realize this, and buy Mexico auto insurance as they're entering the country. The problem is they don't really know what they're buying, they may not understand the coverage details within the Mexico auto insurance policy, or if they're getting a good price.
Shopping for Mexico Auto Insurance
Millions of people have gone online to shop for auto insurance. You can also take advantage of this convenient, 24/7 method to shop for Mexico auto insurance. This will enable you to review quotes and purchase a policy ahead of time, enabling you to print your auto insurance paperwork and card.
Know the Facts
While you shop for the best price, you also need to know how to compare one quote over another, and how auto insurance in Mexico works in comparison to your current auto insurance policy.
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Deductible. As with your current auto insurance policy, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium cost. The difference is that most Mexico auto insurance policies base deductibles on the car's value, which starts at 2% or a minimum of $500 for physical damage and 5% or $1,000 for theft. If your car is newer or has a high value and you want to keep your deductible low, you should look for a policy that offers a fixed deductible. In either case, make sure you review this part of the online quote carefully before you make your choice.
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Liability. The difference between $50,000 and $100,000 liability coverage is fairly small in a typical Mexico auto insurance policy. So it makes sense to go for the higher level of coverage to provide peace of mind.
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Car repair location. Some policies require you to repair any damage to your vehicle in Mexico. That doesn't work for most people. Look for a policy that enables you have auto body repairs performed at a U.S. based body shop, preferably, one near your home.
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Mexico vs. U.S. body repair estimates. Look at how repair costs are paid. Do they base repair estimates on the cost to perform repairs in Mexico, which are less than what U.S. body shops charge? The variance can be as much as $50 an hour, which could require you to pull money out of your pocket to pay the difference.
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Is legal coverage included? If your accident was more than a fender bender and involved serious injuries or fatalities, you will require legal representation. Look for a policy that includes legal coverage, which will cover the costs involved in hiring an attorney to guide you through the process, avoiding unexpected out-of-pocket legal fees-and-a chance of spending time in jail.
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Enhanced Coverage. Some Mexico auto insurance companies may offer added, or enhanced coverage. This is available for little or no cost. It includes the cost to cover plane tickets home if your car is stolen or is damaged in an accident and inoperable. Others provide coverage for an ambulance or air lift for an incident that doesn't involve a car accident, where you become seriously ill or are injured.
By taking some time to plan ahead and buy your Mexico auto insurance before you pack up the car, you can enjoy your vacation knowing you're covered in the event of an accident.
See how much you could save today on your auto insurance. Get your free auto insurance quotes today!
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