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Protect Yourself Well with Mexico Auto Insurance

By Linden Gray

Many people ask what's the big deal about purchasing auto insurance for Mexican trips. For starters, the policies of the United States and Canada do not apply in Mexico and in order to stay protected, a Mexican insurance policy is a must. If you should unfortunately become a victim of a car accident (even if you're not at fault), the Mexican police will not view you as insured if you lack a policy written, created, and placed on file with a Mexican insurance company.

If you plan to travel to Mexico by car, you can purchase a policy online that will be considered legal in Mexico. If you buy an ACE insurance policy or ING insurance policy, they afford some additional coverage. These policies include emergency medical assistance, legal assistance and roadside assistance, and ACE includes a car from a rental agency should yours becomes inoperable.

It is not uncommon to see Canadians and other northern dwellers pay a visit to Mexico in an attempt to escape their colder temperatures. Many are unaware that the Canadian insurance policy they possess is not valid in Mexico. They run the risk of facing grave consequences if they are involved in a car accident during their visit.

Mexican full coverage insurance will cover damage to your car. When a vehicle is stolen, total theft coverage is given. Wreckages are covered. Even if you sustain damage during a fire, a bolt of lightning, or any other weather related occurrences (like earthquakes and hurricanes) - you are covered. Yet, if your car becomes damaged after a criminal attempts to steal your radio, or by vandalism, your insurance does not cover these types of damages unless you buy additional features.

If you have an auto accident while in Mexico, you must report it to the proper authorities before leaving Mexico. If you do not do this, your car may not be covered. Your insurance in the U. S. does not cover it either, so you could be out some money. Not to mention the fact that you will be without transportation should the accident total your car.

In the country of Mexico, a car accident is more than an accident-it is a felony. They can take your vehicle and put you in jail if they wish, so protect yourself financially and purchase valid and adequate insurance. Some Mexican insurance companies will provide you with the necessary representation to clear up any accident related business while you are in Mexico.

More and more insurance companies offer policies you can purchase online for your trip to Mexico. Most agree this is the best way to go because purchasing insurance at the border can be confusing. You may not get what you think you are getting. The bad time to find this out is after you have an accident. If you are planning on renting a car for a trip, you can also buy insurance for the rental car as well. Make sure the rental company knows where you are planning to go.

If you have an older car you may wish buy liability insurance, similar to that purchased in the US. Anybody over 21 years of age with a valid license can use the policy. Driver's license policies are an optoion as well because the coverage applies to multiple vehicles.

The laws in Mexico are quite different than the U. S. when it comes to insurance. In Mexico you are considered guilty until proven innocent. You can be detained and your vehicle can be impounded until you pay damages deemed to have been caused by you. If you are in a collision that damages your car, the ability to pay for damages you cause to others is considered above all else. Just being in an accident in Mexico will be considered both parties fault until a judge makes a decision one way or another.

About the Author:

Linden Gray is a 29 year insurance executive who has been featured in numerous publications including RV Magazine, PE.com, Google, Yahoo, Digg & Buzzle. Visit his website: Mexican Auto Insurance.

Article courtesy of www.goarticles.com.