Driving Your New Car Into Mexico

Generally, driving into Mexico with a new car doesn’t involve much different of a process than driving across the border in any car. You still need to obtain all the appropriate documentation, including Mexican auto insurance, before crossing the border. Additionally, you have an obligation to take as many safety precautions, if not more, when driving your new car and when leaving it unattended.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the things that you need to keep in mind when preparing to cross the Mexican border in your new car.

Embarking on a Mexican Road Adventure with Your New Car

After buying your car, it usually will take your state several weeks to process the new registration into that system and issue permanent license plates and registration documents. Until that time, you will likely have temporary tags attached to your vehicle.

It is legal to travel in Mexico with current temporary U.S. tags.

Legal Necessities for Driving Across the Border

If you do not have either the appropriate tags or the appropriate registration on your car, you might not be able to obtain a temporary vehicle importation permit to drive past the border free zone.

When driving a new car to Mexico, you must have all the legal permits, a driver’s license and, in most cases, a passport.

Ensuring Proper Documentation: Licenses, Permits, and Passports

Your documentation as a U.S. citizen driving to Mexico includes an FMM (a permit that allows a citizen of another country to enter Mexico and remain up to 180 days), the required permit for your vehicle, a driver’s license and a passport for returning to the U.S.

Importing Your Vehicle: The Importance of a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

If you are traveling beyond the border free zone, you are required to obtain a temporary vehicle importation permit. A temporary vehicle importation permit essentially allows a foreign vehicle to enter Mexico for a specified period of time, after which the vehicle has to leave the country.

Temporary Importation Permits are required for all vehicles that travel outside of the Mexican Free Zone. The Free Zone is an area in Mexico where customs and immigration regulations are less stringent, for the reason of facilitating better travel and trade between the two countries. The Free Zone generally extends about 15 miles from the border, though the entire Baja Peninsula and a larger part of the state of Sonora are considered free zones. You will see signs or checkpoints before you exit the free zone, and you cannot leave the free zone without the permit.

Temporary importation permits are issued by Mexico’s Banjercito government agency, and you can either obtain them online at the agency website, or at the time you cross the border. You must display the permit in your vehicle (usually in the dashboard) at the time you cross the border, and you cannot get the permit once you cross the free zone. Permits are usually issued for up to 180 days depending on the length of your immigration permit. You can make multiple crossings on the same permit if it has not expired.

Remember, you can purchase your TIP, FMM and car insurance online before your trip. This ensures you pass smoothly through the border and do not have to wait in line on the other side to purchase these required items.

Insurance Matters: Staying Protected on Mexican Roads with Sanborn’s

You will be required to have Mexican car insurance when driving a new car to Mexico. If you are stopped by the police – or worse, get into an accident – and you do not have the correct insurance, you may go to jail while your car is impounded.

There are many reasons to purchase Mexican car insurance before you drive there. Keep reading to find out more.

Choosing the Right Auto Insurance for Mexico

Your coverage in the states is not legal in Mexico. The country requires insurance from a carrier licensed to sell Mexico car insurance. This insurance covers:

• Liability Coverage that covers you if you’re responsible for any damage to third parties or property. This liability insurance coverage is required to meet the legal requirements for driving in Mexico.

Other types of available insurance include:

• Fire and Theft Coverage will protect you in the case your vehicle is stolen or suffers fire damage while in Mexico.
• Physical Damage and Collision coverage that covers any physical damage to your vehicle should you be involved in a car accident. This includes damage incurred when striking an animal, tree, or any kind of rollover damage.
• Legal Service Coverage. In Mexico, it is not uncommon to be detained if you are found to be at-fault in an accident or if you are found to be driving without insurance. Legal Service Coverage will protect you from thousands of dollars of legal fees that come from legal counsel and/or bail bonds.
• Roadside Assistance to help you should your car break down while on the road in Mexico. Roadside Assistance can provide a battery jump-start, a gas delivery, etc.

Choose to work with a carrier that has been helping people drive into Mexico for many years and has the experience to help you if an incident occurs.

Dealing with Incidents: What to Do in Case of an Accident

If you are involved in an accident while driving in Mexico, remain calm and follow these instructions:

1. Remain on the scene until a law enforcement officer or adjuster informs you that you are free to go.
2. Call your insurance company. Never allow someone to use their phone to call for you. Be on the lookout for staged accidents intended to defraud you of money.
3. Don’t discuss the accident with others on the scene or admit liability.
4. Don’t give money to anyone.
5. Stay calm and be patient. These things may take time, so always have water to drink in your car.

Preparing Your New Car for the Mexican Terrain

If you are planning to drive on the toll roads, you won’t encounter as much rough road as you will on surface streets. Plan your routes in advance, as much as possible. Keep in mind that the larger cities in Mexico are very traffic congested, so be prepared for the possibility of a traffic jam. Some notes of caution for driving in Mexico include:

• If your new car is a luxury model, you may find it is a more attractive target for thieves.
• If your new car is low to the ground, you may have trouble navigating the speed bumps (topes), which are everywhere and usually found with no warning.
• If your car needs electricity, leave it home. Mexico does not have the charging station infrastructure you will need.

Essential Checks and Maintenance Tips Before You Depart

Regardless of where you are traveling, you should ensure your vehicle is road-ready. Even if your vehicle is brand new, you should check your tires and fluids. It’s best to have a mechanic check everything – even a brand new car could conceivably be low on oil. Best not to find that out while on the way to your beach destination and a cold one.

Some thieves target vehicles with temporary tags more than they do those with permanent tags. As a result, it doesn’t hurt to take a few extra precautions when securing the vehicle.

Consider taking a picture of your temporary tags and keep that picture with you throughout the trip. You’ll be able to identify the tag number in case your vehicle does get stolen. Do not drive your car if your temporary tag disappears.

Keep your temporary registration documents in your vehicle at all times. You can also make copies to keep on your mobile device if necessary.

Take down your vehicle identification number (VIN) so that you can use it to identify your vehicle if the temporary plates or the vehicle itself get stolen.

If your temporary tags disappear, then immediately report this to the police, and call your home state’s DMV to determine what they recommend you do next. Your registration and your insurance policy will be linked to your Vehicle’s identification number (VIN), rather than the tags themselves. Therefore, even if your temporary tags disappear, the car is still registered, and you will still be able to prove ownership and registration when crossing back into the U.S.

Packing a Road-Emergency Kit: Items You Shouldn’t Forget

As with any road trip, always be prepared. If you end up on the side of the road for any reason, you’ll want to have plenty of water to drink, sunscreen, bug spray and hats. People flock to Mexico for its sunny climate, but when you are stuck in full sunshine for a period of time, you’ll need help.

Navigation and Roadway Pointers

When driving a new car to Mexico, you can smooth the way by planning in advance. For example, there are more than 50 legal crossing points, but they are all different. Some are clogged heavily with trucks importing and exporting good and produce. Some are open 24 hours, while others are only open designated hours. Always check the most current Mexico Travel Advisory so you can avoid driving in areas with an increased possibility of dangerous activity.

Mastering Mexico’s Highways: Toll Roads and Nocturnal Travel

Toll roads are the best way to travel through Mexico, since the pavement is smoother, there is less traffic and congestion and it is overall just safer. Toll roads are only available with a tag or cash – and that cash is Mexican pesos. Your credit card or American dollars will not work here. You may have heard to avoid driving at night in Mexico – that’s partly because of increased possibility of crime but even more about animals loose on the roads, including cattle and the topes.

Topes, Traffic Lights, and Other Local Quirks to be Aware Of

Ahhh. The ubiquitous tope – Mexico’s quirky and sometimes really annoying way to slow traffic down. These are like American speed bumps on steroids and they are everywhere and have no warning. If you are driving too fast when you hit one, you may be airborne. So slow down. Here are a few other quirks:

• Left turn signals – Not for signaling a left-hand turn when driving on the highway. Mexican drivers actually use this to let drivers behind them know it is safe to pass. Do not use your left-turn signal when turning. Try not to make left-hand turns on highways. If someone hits you from behind, it is your fault.
• Roundabouts – Every person driving in a foreign country should experience the roundabout challenge. Read up if you will be driving in an area that has them and then cross your fingers and be prepared to drive around in a circle until you can safely exit.
• Traffic lights – Yellow means stop, not slow down.

Buying Mexican Auto Insurance

All foreign drivers traveling in Mexico are required to have at least third party liability coverage issued by a Mexican insurance company. American auto insurance plans are not recognized by Mexican law, and you therefore must buy a Mexican auto insurance policy for the duration of your trip when driving a car to Mexico, even if it is only for a few hours.  Additionally, you can buy long term Mexican policy with significant discounts if you plan to make several border crossings. Let one of our Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance agents recommend the term that is best for you.

Additionally, however, you can buy other coverage that will help you cover the value of your new car in case it sustains damage during your trip. Critical benefits might include:

• Physical damage and Theft coverage
• Medical Expenses for occupants
• CSL Liability – up to $500,000 US dollars
• Gap Coverage
• Legal Aid, Roadside and Travel assistance coverage
• U.S. repair options

With the help of your Sanborn’s agent, you’ll have the opportunity to personalize the coverage you need while driving in Mexico. Get a fast and free quote online, or you can give them a call at 800-222-0158 or simply stop by one of their offices on your way to the border (they are located in 3 bordering states).

FAQ: Crossing into Mexico on Four Wheels

You are ready to take your family on a vacation journey by driving in Mexico. Whether your destination is the beach and fun in the sun or exploring history at Mayan ruins, you’ll need to follow some steps to make sure your trip is smooth and stress free.

Can I drive my brand-new car into Mexico?

Yes, you can drive your brand new car into Mexico with the proper licenses, permits and insurance. Plan your trip in advance so you can stay on toll roads to avoid damage.

What documentation do I need for driving my new car into Mexico?

For driving any vehicle into Mexico, you’ll need a temporary importation permit. This can be acquired at the border or online.

Is it safe to drive my new car in Mexico?

Depending on the make and model, it might be a little riskier than driving an older vehicle. If it is a luxury car or a sports car, thievery is a concern, as well as the terrain.

How do I obtain a Temporary Import Permit for my new vehicle?

You can obtain a temporary importation permit for your vehicle online at Banjercito or at the border.

What kind of auto insurance is required for driving in Mexico?

Mexico requires drivers to have Mexican auto insurance, which includes third party liability in case they are found to be at fault for damage and injuries.