Cars with foreign plates in Mexico: insurance and entry permit

What is auto insurance for tourists in Mexico?

It is an auto insurance policy separate from your current domestic policy of your home country, which helps protect U.S. and Canadian drivers in Mexico. Commonly referred to as a Tourist Auto Policy.

In Mexico, people involved in a car accident must prove valid insurance with third party liability coverage.

How does car insurance for tourists work in Mexico?

If your trip lasts a few days or a few months, you can customize your policy to the duration of your stay, up to one year. You will have to pay your premium at the beginning of the contracted coverage. These are policies that cover you only in Mexican territory and are not cancelable.

What coverage does a Tourist Auto policy include?

Your car will be covered by:

• • Material damage,
• • Theft and total loss due to material damage
• • Property damage and bodily injury liability
• • Passengers medical expenses
• • Roadside assistance
• • Coverage for a Rental car, vandalism, and trailers can be added by endorsement

This policy does not cover cars rented at agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Alamo, etc.

Why do I need it?

You need a Tourist Auto Policy cover to comply with the legal requirement by the Mexican authorities to enter the country by car.

What requirements do I need to import my car in Mexico and when do I need to get it?

Your Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) is for the temporary importation of foreign vehicles and is obtained through Banjército (Mexican Army Bank).

How to process an TIP?

• 1. To process a TIP for your vehicle online, go to this link: https://www.gob.mx/banjercito/articulos/sistema-de-importacion-temporal-de-vehiculos.
• 2. The procedure can also be carried out in person at the Consulates of Mexico in the United States of America (USA) and at the offices of the government of Mexico at each of the entrances from the United States to Mexico.
• 3. Remember that if you process the TIP you must notify the authorities when you return to the USA because the permit has a time limit.
• 4. Without processing the TIP you can only drive in the border areas of Mexico.

For more information see:
https://www.gob.mx/banjercito/articulos/sistema-de-importacion-temporal-de-vehiculos.

Contact us and we will gladly review your current insurance policy. If you do not have one, we will design one to suit your specific needs.

For more information about Tourist Auto Coverage, you can visit our page or give us a call at the numbers below.
México Insurance

México - 322-297-6440
México - 800 627 46 37
USA / CANADA - 949-274-4111