Why is Mexican insurance law so different from that of insurance laws in the U.S. or Canada?

It goes without saying that different countries have different laws on the books. Laws in the United States and Canada, though, are based on English Common Law. For that reason, people are considered innocent until proven guilty. An assumption of innocence colors the flavor of the laws of both countries. Since that's what you are used to, the law in Mexico can be quite surprising.

Unlike in the U.S. and Canada, Mexico law is based on Napoleonic Code. Under this principle, a person is considered guilty until they prove their innocence. U.S.- and Canada-based auto policies are not valid south of the border, but proof of Mexican insurance is essential in order to lift the burden of guilt. This is precisely why it is so important to buy Mexican auto coverage before you travel to Mexico.

Since the authorities automatically assign guilt, they have to make sure that any damages or injuries will be charged to the appropriate parties. If you drive around without valid Mexican car insurance - and are involved in an accident - you could be detained by the authorities until you can come up with the money to handle your financial obligations. Those obligations can extend beyond physical and personal losses and damages, too - you could end up being held responsible for a person's livelihood, too.

Additional Notes: Therefore, if you are involved in an accident in Mexico, you must have cash or a policy to respond to the damages or injuries that authorities deem were caused by you. If you don't have either, your vehicle could be permanently confiscated or you may spend many hours or days detained until your financial obligations are met.

While your current US or Canadian auto policies may offer limited physical damage coverage along the border, it only covers damage to your car and NOT liability for damages to others. Mexico requires proof that you can pay for all costs associated with injuries or death of persons not in your vehicle, property damage caused by your vehicle, and medical expenses for other persons in your vehicle. Unlike in the United States or Canada, there is an additional consideration in that authorities will not RECOGNIZE the policy as legitimate unless it is written by an admitted and recognized Insurer authorized to do business in Mexico. Why is the law South of the border law so different from that of laws in the U.S. or Canada?

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Laura BekenNovember

My boyfriend led a group of motorcycle riders on a 17-day trip through Mexico. I bought a Chubb Platinum policy for my BMW G310R from Mexican Insurance Store. During the trip, I crashed after hitting a pothole in a blind corner. I was uninjured mainly because of my Alpine Stars Tech Air Jacket which inflated like an airbag to keep me safe. The bike on the other hand had significant damage and was inoperable. I called CHUBB to file a claim and an adjuster met me to take photos of the bike and assist me in getting it operational. I indicated I wanted to get my bike repaired in the USA and they noted it. The bike was fully restored at Irv Seaver BMW in Orange County, California. Working with Chubb was professional and easy. I got the maximum payout in a couple of weeks. Whenever I need insurance for a Mexico trip, I'm always going to Mexican Insurance Store. Thanks!!!

Mary Kubischta April

Not only does Mexican Insurance Store have the best prices but they are honest and friendly with patience to explain your policy. I have been with them for three years. The price went down this third year. They could have easily said the cost was the same but were honest enough to say it went down. I have now clocked in over 100 horseback rides galloping on the beach in La Mission with Horses by Jose because I can confidently cross into Mexico with reliable insurance.

Joseph WilcoxsonAugust

I just purchased a policy! I had a couple of questions so I called and a real person answered!! They answered all of my questions and took the time to explain different coverages to me. The Customer Service was beyond my expectations!! Great Company and Excellent Customer Service!! They have definitely gained a loyal customer for life!!

leo gutierrez2 weeks

The BEST company to easily purchase Mexican insurance! They offer you some of the best rates and service. Linden and his staff are a pleasure to do business with.

Dominic BensonOctober

Shoutout MexicanInsuranceStore for the low prices and personal customer experience; Linden is always there to answer my questions!

MrSam BDecember

Thanks Linden for answering all my inquiries.. and giving us affordable quotations..

Bart Madge 8 days ago

I have used them for years.Totally trustworthy.Only takes a couple min to get insurance. Linden is great to deal with

Jim Foreman6 days

I'm delighted to give Mexican Insurance Store my highest rating. They are a brokerage for several top-rated insurers for Mexican Auto Insurance. I use them to insure my motorcycles and car when traveling south of the border with no effort. Recently, I needed to file a claim for a motorcycle tip-over in Mexico (I wasn't on the bike) and it was handled professionally and quickly. Much quicker than my US insurance. When looking for Mexican Car Insurance, this is the best and safest way to go!

Keith TelekiApril

Booking insurance for a trip to Mexico is so easy using their online tool. I wish they had an app so I could just click and buy a policy on the way to Mexico.

David KelleyJuly

Outstanding service! I have been purchasing my Mexican insurance from this company for years. Highly recommended!

Textbroker “Textbroker” MarketingNovember

Buying my policy was fast and easy. I didn't need to use my policy, but having it during a drive where we were stopped for an inspection kept my mind at ease.

Joel NegreteMay

Best online prices. Allows you to customize your insurance

kimberly sayaangJanuary

Great service!

kimberly sayaang1 week

Great service!

David HigginsSeptember

Well found out I didn't actually have to go there just did everything over really a pleasant experience

Rick GarrisOne week

Been using them for years. Great.

Frank Agresti12 days

Easy, reasonable.

Steve PowellFebruary

Easy and fast!

Laila Gipson Estrada

Easy to purchase and affordable

Papa Aaron

Keep safe little cost, ya never know

Two Travelersa year

Great policy for Mexico!

GV RATT2 weeks ago

cheap insurance

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We continue delivering excellent quality service since 1979 because you deserve the best.