When driving in Mexico you
are required by Mexican law to have liability insurance issued by a
Mexican company, but you are not required to protect yourself from loss
by fire, theft, storm damage, collision or roll-over. All the
Mexican companies offer this more complete coverage, and only a few
American companies cover you for any loss in Mexico. Coverage can
be purchased by the number of days you plan to stay, or annually.
Mexican law is derived
from old Spanish law, and is much different than our laws. Having
an accident in Mexico is akin to committing a crime and you are held
until the proper amount of financial responsibility is proven. In
most cases, where no other charges have been filed, release is automatic
upon presentation of the insurance policy to the court. The courts
care nothing about policies from American and Canadian companies.
American agents and
brokers selling "Mexico Insurance" in the United States
are licensed and bonded by their respective states. They carry
"errors and omissions" insurance to cover mistakes and errors
on their part. Most agencies offer additional insurance policies,
or coverages, for a variety of other risks. Mexico is a fun place,
and the Mexican people like most Americans and Canadians. But,
don't even consider crossing the border with your vehicle without a
policy in the glove box. Need more information? Call
one of these agencies -- they know Mexico!
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