In case you drive a car, you need to get insurance that is valid in Mexico. Being properly insured means that if you are involved in an accident, the most serious financial and legal consequences will be covered by the insurance company.
In case of an accident, the first thing you should do is call the claims number provided to you by the Insurance company.
Minor Accidents
In Mexico, all accidents are reported as incidents and are covered by insurance adjusters at the moment of the event. The adjusters will assess the damage on-site and file reports on your behalf.
In case of a minor incident such as physical damage to vehicles and/or roads that need to be assessed, filed reports, and paperwork signed before drivers go on their way is appropriate and compensation can be arranged thereafter.
Serious Accidents and Injuries
When you or someone else is injured and medical attention is needed, call the insurance helpline to request
Driving in Mexico is pretty easy. There are a large number of toll roads in Mexico which often run alongside the free roads and you have to pay.
Speed Limits
The maximum speed limit on a Mexican highway is 110 Km/h.
You can find speed limits for cars in Mexico as follows:
- Main roads: up to 70 Km/h
- Local roads: up to 40 Km/h
- School, hospital, and pedestrian zones: up to 20 Km/h
Road speed humps
Speed humps can be a major hazard for drivers. Usually, these are not sign-posted.
Parking
Cars are not allowed to park where signs prohibit it. Double-parking, or parking on sidewalks and in front of access areas designed for people with disabilities is not permitted and you can be fined if you do it.
Highways
Highway quality is generally good in Mexico. The country has built a great road infrastructure in an effort to connect the country’s main towns and cities.
Renting a vehicle in Mexico
The minimum age for driving in Mexico is 18.
Renting a vehicle in Mexico could be a good option if you want to drive freely from region to region or city to city without worrying about public transportation schedules.
Car Rental Documentation and other requirements
-Drivers are required to be at least 25 years of age. Some requirements may apply for drivers up to 21 years of age who have had a driver’s license for over 2 years.
-Driver’s licenses from other countries are widely accepted in Mexico. Otherwise, you will need to get an International Driver’s License before coming to Mexico.
-The driver will need to make a security deposit.
Insurance for Rental Cars
When renting a car online, be sure that the prices include insurance or at least ask how much it will be once you arrive at the rental car company.
In Mexico, it is mandatory to have car insurance. In case of an accident, a driver without car insurance may be arrested and held until the situation is settled in Court.
There are different types of insurance:
- Supplemental Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Loss Damage Waiver or Collision Damage Waiver
Bringing Your Own Car to Mexico
Driving in the Free Zone
If you drive a non-Mexican plated car across the border in the “Free Zone” which is an area of approximately 22 miles/35 km from the land border, you do not need to apply for or obtain a temporary import permit for your vehicle.
Driving within Mexico
Foreigners are allowed to bring their vehicles into the country after applying for a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP, Spanish).
All cross-border roads have guarded checkpoints, where people driving without Mexican license plates must purchase a temporary import permit for the vehicle.
Foreign residents and those in Mexico with work permits holding temporary resident visas may bring one car (owned by them) into the country for the duration of their visas and subsequent visa extensions. If you are traveling with your spouse or adult children, they may register one car under their name.
Duration of the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit
The Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit is valid for the visa period. If you are living in Mexico on a temporary resident visa status, your temporary vehicle import permit will be valid for as long as your visa is valid including any visa extensions. If you hold a permanent resident visa you cannot import your own vehicle using a temporary import permit as other immigration rules will apply.
How to Obtain Your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit
You must apply for your temporary import permit for your foreign vehicle ahead of time or at the border crossing. You are not allowed to obtain it inside Mexico.
Applying Online
You can verify the steps to apply for the permit online at the Banjercito website, which is a national bank in Mexico. We highly recommend planning in order to apply for the permit at least 15 days before the date of your departure.
Applying Via Mexican Consulates
Permits may also be processed at Mexican consulates in person.
Applying In-Person at the Border Crossing
If you do not apply online or at a consulate, you can apply in-person with your vehicle at the Banjercito booths located at Mexican customs on the border or at seaports.
Importation of cars to Mexico
Temporary Importation Permit of Foreign Vehicles:
Whether you enter to Mexico on a tourist visa (less than 180 days) or on a Temporary/Permanent Resident visa (more than 180 days), you need to apply for a Temporary Importation Permit for your vehicle.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/vehiculos/importacion_temporal/Paginas/aspectos_generales_ingles.aspx or https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/
E-mail: permisovehiculos@banjercito.com.mx
Definitive Importation of Foreign Vehicles:
The definitive importation of foreign vehicles can only be done by the Mexican Customs.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/vehiculos/Paginas/default.aspx
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