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Insurance. Mexican auto insurance is sold in most
cities and towns on both sides of the border. U.S. automobile
liability insurance is not valid in Mexico nor is most collision
and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies. Therefore,
when you cross the border, purchase auto insurance adequate for
your needs in Mexico. A good rule of thumb is to buy coverage
equivalent to that which you carry in the United States.
Motor vehicle insurance is invalid in Mexico if the driver is
found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless
of whether you have insurance, if you are involved in an accident,
you will be taken into police custody until it can be determined
who is liable and whether you have the ability to pay any judgment.
If you do not have Mexican liability insurance, you are almost
certain to spend some time in jail until all parties are satisfied
that responsibility has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction
received. There may also be criminal liability assigned if the
injuries or damages are serious.
Rental Cars
Renting in the United States. Many car rental companies
in the United States have clauses in their contracts prohibiting
drivers from traveling out of the country. The Mexican police
are aware of these regulations and will sometimes impound rental
vehicles driven from the United States. When renting a vehicle
in the United States, check with the company to see if your contract
allows you to drive it into Mexico.
Renting a Car in Mexico. The standard insurance included
with many car rental contracts in Mexico provides only nominal
liability coverage, often as little as the equivalent of $200.
Because Mexican law permits the jailing of drivers after an accident
until they have met their obligations to third parties and to
the rental company, renters should read their contracts carefully
and purchase additional liability and comprehensive insurance
if necessary.
Yucantan-Campeche and Quintana Roo Borders
The State of Yucatan has agricultural inspection stations on
its border to eradicate swine fever and inspectors may confiscate
pork products that arrive at these inspection stations. Yucatan
health inspectors may hold travelers for possible arrest by Federal
authorities if travelers appear in violation of any Mexican laws,
such as immigration, fire-arms, narcotics, etc.
Military Checkpoints
Military and law enforcement checkpoints aimed at detecting
narcotics, alien smuggling, and firearms traffic are located at
various places throughout Mexico. Areas known to possess these
checkpoints include the Yucatan peninsula, Chiapas, Oaxaca and
Guerrero. Many checkpoints will have a red flag marker and are
operated by uniformed officials; however, others will not be marked
and are manned by police/military officers not in uniform. These
checkpoints have "spiked devices" and are sometimes used to deflate
tires of vehicles attempting to evade these checkpoints.
Travel through Mexico to Central American Countries
Mexican authorities require that all international transit of
persons (transmigrantes) and merchandise through Mexico, destined
for Central America, from the area from Ciudad Acuna to Matamoros,
be handled by the Lucio Transmigrantes. Persons and merchandise
entering Mexico from areas other than the Ciudad Acuna-Matamoros
zone continue to use their regular ports of entry. Mexican authorities
require that a customs broker handle the temporary entry into
Mexico of all non-personal property of travelers destined for
Central American countries. Fees will be processed through the
customs broker. For more detailed information, travelers can contact
the nearest Mexican consulate or tourism office, or the U.S. Consulate
in Matamoros prior to departing the U.S.
Bringing Your Own Plane or Boat to Mexico
Private aircraft and boats are subject to the same Mexican customs
regulations as are motor vehicles. When you arrive at a Mexican
port in your private boat, you can obtain a temporary import permit
similar to the one given for motor vehicles.
Flying your own plane to Mexico, however, is more complicated.
Well before your trip, inquire about private aircraft regulations
and procedures from a Mexican consulate or Mexican Government
Tourist Office.
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