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Mexican Auto Insurance: Don't Risk Jail With Cheap Imitations!

Mexico consistently ranks amongst the top ten destinations for travelers. Its tropical resorts and mountain retreats offer a range of activities from shopping to adventure sports. It also creates the right circumstances for accidents and injuries.

According to the United States Department of State, the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, many American visitors assume the standards of security and safety are the same In Mexico as they are in the U.S. These presumptions have lead not only to serious injuries, but even deaths.

Variations in Mexican law versus US Law are accompanied by the high costs and "red tape" associated with car accidents and unexpected medical injuries. This has led the Department of State to encourage citizens to take matters in their own hands and make sure they are equipped with the proper auto and medical insurance that ensures their protection.

Driving and Mexico Laws: Mexico's law is based on Napoleonic Code where guilt is assumed over innocence. As a result, all drivers must have a Mexican insurance policy from a company authorized to do business in Mexico to cover damages or injuries.

U.S liability insurance is simply not valid in Mexico. This includes most of the major U.S. collision and comprehensive coverage plans.

Since many Mexican auto policies sold are a la carte, you should secure a plan that covers legal assistance (including any bond fees) within your automobile policy.

In Mexico, it is considered a felony to have a traffic accident. While the police are investigating who caused the accident, your vehicle may be impounded and you will be detained by Mexican authorities.

Additionally, the US Department of State advises travelers in the United States that they could also be forced to stay in the country, even if they require "life-saving medical attention."

Emergency Services and Evacuation

Mexico has a free national health care system; however, foreigners are not entitled to this service. Tourists can only receive medical treatment and medications from private clinics and hospitals. We strongly suggest that you check with your medical insurance company to confirm whether their policy applies in Mexico and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation, because most do not.

Many medical assistance plans only cover portions of the cost depending on location, activity or cause of injury. For those with Medicare, costs for hospital or medical care outside the United States are not covered at all.

It is vital to pay attention to various exclusions within many Mexico auto and US medical insurance policies. Mexican auto insurance should be accompanied by an emergency medical assistance clause, as very few health US plans allow or cover international medical evacuation.

Choosing A Plan: The most convenient and affordable method of locating Mexican auto insurance is on the Internet. When choosing a plan, it is recommended to seek out an option that provides the following:

Third-Party auto liability coverage with adequate Split or CSL Limits. Roadside assistance Bail bond provision and legal assistance Physical damage and total theft of vehicle coverage Medical Repatriation (Air & Land) and travel assistance Medical expenses for occupants and driver Rental Car, Repair in US or Mexico and Vandalism

One final thing to make note of is that you plan should cover you during your entire stay. Most plans have choices between daily, six-month, and annual policy coverage. After three weeks, it may be less expensive to purchase an annual or six month policy period.

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Director Linden Gray is an insurance veteran with 29 years of commercial & personal insurance experience. Mr. Gray has been featured in numerous publications including RV Magazine, PE.com, Google, Yahoo, Digg & Buzzle. Visit his website here: mexican auto insurance. Click here for other unique mexican auto insurance articles.

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