Mexico Insurance for your Motorcycle

How to safely ride a motorcycle into Mexico.

Have you considered hopping on your bike and taking a once-in-a-lifetime ride into Mexico? You already know this gem to the south offers breathtaking landscapes, exciting cuisine, beaches and new experiences just waiting for you! If you are picturing rutted dirt roads filled with chickens, goats and bandits while you try to balance on your bike, banish the thought! Mexico offers well-maintained routes you can travel safely on your trusty iron steed as you explore the thrill of a new country. 

Many bikers travel to Mexico for its famous motorcycle rallies. Plus, thousands of citizens are also enthusiasts. You won’t be alone if you choose to cross the border on your bike.

Motorcycling in Mexico does come with a few commonsense precautions, as well as some road rules that you may not be familiar with after driving in the U.S. Let’s dive in since we don’t want you to actually look like a tourist! With our tips, you can enjoy your trip like an experienced pro.

First and foremost, you’ll need Mexican motorcycle insurance. That’s right, just like with all vehicles, you cannot legally drive on the roads belonging to our southern neighbor without first purchasing their insurance. Your friends at Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance can hook you up with cheap Mexican motorcycle insurance so you’ll be prepared before you even get to the border crossing! Once you set up an account, you can log in to purchase your policy conveniently online.

Don’t forget to insure your gear while you’re purchasing coverage for your bike. After all, you wouldn’t want to take on one of Mexico’s famous mountain routes without the proper motorcycle safety items such as your helmet, chaps and other protective clothing.

For the most part, the rules are very similar to the ones you are accustomed to in the states. You may want to bone up on a few words in Spanish so the first time you see a stop sign in Mexico, you’ll know what “Alto” means (it means stop!). Here are a few others:

·       Curva Peligrosa: In Spanish this means if you don’t slow down on this curve, you may come out the other side with some new gray hair. Slow down for “dangerous curves”.

·       Despacio: Slow (and please obey the speed limits. The police take them “serio” – seriously).

·       No Rebase: No passing

·       Salida: Exit

Unlike in the states, lane splitting (or driving in between cars) is allowed. But it’s dangerous which is why it’s against the law here, so be careful.

You’ll also need to wear a helmet at all times. It’s required! Here are a few more tips to help you stay safe while motorcycling in Mexico:

·       Learn how to read a speed limit sign in KM/hour, not MPH. For example, on the highway, the speed limit is usually 110 km/hr, which translates to 68 mph.

·       Get gas when you see a gas station. Use pesos when possible to pay.

·       Don’t drink the water (Montezuma’s Revenge is a real thing).

·       Don’t ride after dark!

You may notice that Mexican motorists are very fond of their turn signals since they tend to use them all the time – even when they aren’t turning. It’s considered good manners to use your turn signals to thank another motorist for a yield or other courtesy.

A special word about “topes” or speed bumps. They are everywhere and come up fast outside of towns. Keep a close eye out to save your tailbone!

Just as in the U.S., Mexican bikers love to get together for a day or two of fun, showing off, making new friends and camping out at a bike rally. U.S. bikers are welcome to join the fiesta! Here’s a short list of some of Mexico’s motorcycle rallies.

·       Rocky Point Rally: At the top of the list is the famous Rocky Point Rally. Happening this year from Nov. 9-12, you still have time to get your “cervezas” in a row if you want to go. Located on the shores of the Sea of Cortez in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, you’ll make lots of new friends on the drive there and during the party. Most people find the shortest route to be through the Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) border crossing (Lukeville/Sonoyta) in Arizona.

·       Sonora Rally: Typically held in April, the Sonora Rally is known for its cross-country, off-road racing adventure in the Sonoran desert. Most attendees spend nights camping in a designated pit area with outhouse bathrooms and showers. Not for the faint of heart, the Sonora Rally tests your motorcycle skills against this beautiful, but challenging, terrain. Avoid the Nogales crossing and head for the Lukeville point of entry for a smoother entry.

·       Mezcal Moto Rally: Not your typical bike rally or race event, the Mezcal Moto Rally takes the intrepid on a 3-day, 1300-mile journey through Central Mexico. You’ll wind your way through small, friendly communities off the beaten path, while exploring a Mexico normal tourists rarely see. Collect points along the way to vie for the position of grand champion! The April 2024 event is already sold out, so if this sounds like it’s up your alley, start watching now for the 2025 registration event or get on the 2024 waitlist. Enter through the international crossing at Laredo, TX.

Whether you prefer to do your exploring solo or in a small group or you’d rather be a part of something larger, there’s an opportunity for you to experience Mexico on your motorcycle.

Even though border crossings can be long and drawn out, the actual process isn’t complicated. Just bring your patience! Some motorcyclists prefer to trailer their bikes through the crossing, since nobody wants to sit on a bike in the hot sun for hours. Not to mention, most motorcycles won’t do well sitting and idling for a long time either. So, here is a list of what you need to cross the border:

·       Proof of Mexican motorcycle insurance

·       Passport

·       Bike registration

·       Temporary Import Permit: (you don’t need this if you are only going to be traveling in the free zone including Baja California and part of Sonora. If you plan to go further into Mexico, you will need this. There is a deposit ($200-$400) required that you will get back when you exit Mexico.) Purchase this permit online for less waiting.

·       Mexican Tourist Card or FMM: It’s free for those staying under 7 days and approximately $35 for those staying longer. This can also be acquired online to avoid waiting in long lines.

Don’t forget to load up on pesos before you begin your trip. Many gas stations and vendors do not accept credit or debit cards and you don’t want to carry a lot of American cash.

Mexico can get a bad rap in the media. Some areas within our southern neighbor have higher rates of crime and kidnapping, which gives the whole country a black eye. You can always check the state department’s list of travel advisories for up-to-date information about which areas to avoid, which areas are safe and which places need more caution.

Many thousands of bikers flock to Mexico from the U.S. every year with no problem. As well, there are many motorcyclists who reside in Mexico. Use common sense when traveling anywhere – especially in a foreign country – and be polite. With the right attitude and thoughtfulness, you can travel safely on your bike to Mexico.

With over 75 years of experience helping travelers, our agents at Sanborn's Mexico Insurance will work with you to customize the coverage you need while riding in Mexico.

At Sanborn’s, we have the fastest and cheapest coverage options for your trip to Mexico, whether exploring in a small group or attending a huge rally.  Visit our website or call 800-222-0158. We also have offices all along the border in California, Arizona and Texas, so regardless of where you are crossing, you can stop in and get everything you need with an agent’s help. Visit with us today!