Mexico Car Insurance Preparing for International Travel Trip to Mexico Illinois Auto Seguro Agent
CH International Media
May 07, 2010
www.illins.com
Things to consider when traveling to Mexico:
Many Americans travel to Mexico each year. There are so many travelers, in fact, that it may be easy to think of the Mexican/American border as a state border, with fluid laws and policies. Over 100,000 Americans travel to Mexico during the Spring Break season alone; that isn´t including the thousands that will travel to visit family, conduct business, go on ministry trips, or travel for other reasons. We Americans tend to behave as if our citizenship can protect us or buffer us when we are in other countries. But it´s important to remember: once you cross the border into another country, you are subject to obeying their laws.
The U.S Department of State reminds travelers, "While traveling in Mexico, American citizens are subject to Mexican law. An arrest or accident in Mexico can result in a difficult legal or medical situation, sometimes at a great expense to the traveler. Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States, and U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system."
Your U.S Auto Insurance policy will not cover you in Mexico!
The Bureau of Consular Affairs on International Travel goes on to specify the severity of Mexico´s laws for drivers: "American citizens planning on driving to Mexico should carry a valid driver´s license at all times. U.S. driver´s licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires that vehicles be driven only by their owners, or that the owner be inside the vehicle. If not, the car may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances. We strongly recommend that you purchase a full coverage insurance policy that will cover the cost of bail. Please be aware that if you are involved in an automobile accident, you will be taken into police custody until it is determined who is at fault and whether you have the ability to pay any penalty."
A common way American drivers are caught without insurance is when they are stopped as part of a "speed trap". Officers may also run checks to ticket those not wearing a seatbelt. Very quickly a routine stop can become an international travel nightmare if you are arrested, heavily fined, or lose your vehicle due to a lack of insurance.
How do I get a full coverage policy that will protect me in Mexico?
What you need is Mexico Insurance. These policies are purchased through auto insurance providers. Ask your insurance agent to shop around and get you the best coverage at the best price. You can get a policy that lasts for the duration of your stay; just the amount of time you´re there. It´s not something you need to carry beyond that.
Remember: You have no protection from your US insurance policy once you cross the border. Getting Mexico Car Insurance is a must. Travel planning can be extensive and this is one detail you may not have anticipated. Illinois Insurance Center is one of the Midwest's fastest growing and most progressive insurance agencies. They are a full service agency with bi-lingual representatives available. Because they represent many different carriers, providing all lines of insurance for your personal, business, and travel needs, they can get you a customized policy at the best price. To get more information, visit www.illins.com or call 1-708-524-8757.
Things to consider when traveling to Mexico:
Many Americans travel to Mexico each year. There are so many travelers, in fact, that it may be easy to think of the Mexican/American border as a state border, with fluid laws and policies. Over 100,000 Americans travel to Mexico during the Spring Break season alone; that isn´t including the thousands that will travel to visit family, conduct business, go on ministry trips, or travel for other reasons. We Americans tend to behave as if our citizenship can protect us or buffer us when we are in other countries. But it´s important to remember: once you cross the border into another country, you are subject to obeying their laws.
The U.S Department of State reminds travelers, "While traveling in Mexico, American citizens are subject to Mexican law. An arrest or accident in Mexico can result in a difficult legal or medical situation, sometimes at a great expense to the traveler. Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States, and U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system."
Your U.S Auto Insurance policy will not cover you in Mexico!
The Bureau of Consular Affairs on International Travel goes on to specify the severity of Mexico´s laws for drivers: "American citizens planning on driving to Mexico should carry a valid driver´s license at all times. U.S. driver´s licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires that vehicles be driven only by their owners, or that the owner be inside the vehicle. If not, the car may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances. We strongly recommend that you purchase a full coverage insurance policy that will cover the cost of bail. Please be aware that if you are involved in an automobile accident, you will be taken into police custody until it is determined who is at fault and whether you have the ability to pay any penalty."
A common way American drivers are caught without insurance is when they are stopped as part of a "speed trap". Officers may also run checks to ticket those not wearing a seatbelt. Very quickly a routine stop can become an international travel nightmare if you are arrested, heavily fined, or lose your vehicle due to a lack of insurance.
How do I get a full coverage policy that will protect me in Mexico?
What you need is Mexico Insurance. These policies are purchased through auto insurance providers. Ask your insurance agent to shop around and get you the best coverage at the best price. You can get a policy that lasts for the duration of your stay; just the amount of time you´re there. It´s not something you need to carry beyond that.
Remember: You have no protection from your US insurance policy once you cross the border. Getting Mexico Car Insurance is a must. Travel planning can be extensive and this is one detail you may not have anticipated. Illinois Insurance Center is one of the Midwest's fastest growing and most progressive insurance agencies. They are a full service agency with bi-lingual representatives available. Because they represent many different carriers, providing all lines of insurance for your personal, business, and travel needs, they can get you a customized policy at the best price. To get more information, visit www.illins.com or call 1-708-524-8757.
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