Driving in Mexico, part I
Are you planning a road trip to Mexico?
If you are like me, driving in Mexico may cause your blood pressure to go up. For the next few blogs, I’ll be giving you some tips about getting around in Mexico. In this blog we’ll talk about what to do before you go on your trip - getting Mexican car insurance, and the paperwork you should bring with you.
1. Why is Mexican car insurance necessary?
Once you cross the border into Mexico, your U.S. or Canadian insurance cannot legally help you prove your financial responsibility. Mexican insurance will instantly show authorities that you are able to pay damages to third parties even if you are not at fault. (Read more about why to buy Mexican insurance at the Bajabound website)
2. How to get Mexican car insurance. The insurance company will want to know your vehicle’s type, make, year, model and value. (If you are towing anything, you will need to know the value of your towed items.) They will ask for the duration of your coverage, how long you will be in Mexico. They’ll also want to know where you will be driving in Mexico; visiting the Orphanage, you will be driving to Ensenada. Insurance is typically about $10 per day; it may be more if you are bringing a big passenger van or bus.
- If you are renting a car, many agencies will let you purchase the insurance as you pick up your car.
- You can purchase your Mexican auto insurance online. Just search on “Mexican auto insurance”.
- You can also stop near the border off of freeway I-5 or I-805, at one of many drive-thru insurance companies. (This may sound like a joke, but drive-thru insurance companies have been around many years!)
3. Paperwork you should bring with you. Besides your driver’s license and proof of citizenship (like a passport), you will need proof of ownership for the car and proof of American registration.
You can read more at About.com, an article called “Mexican Car Insurance, Renting a Car in Mexico and Crossing the Mexico Border“. In future posts, I’ll write about crossing the border into Mexico, what to expect with toll booths and tips for driving in Mexico.
Do you need a passport to travel to Mexico?
Planning a trip to Mexico in 2007?
If you are planning on visiting the Orphanage this year, it is imporant to know if you need a passport. The problem is not getting into Mexico; that is pretty easy. The real question is do you need a passport to get back into the United States?
I did some research and found lots of incorrect information. To get to the bottom line, I checked the U.S. State Department, and read about “New Requirements for Travelers.” If you are traveling to Mexico by air, you need a passport.
What if you are crossing the border by car, on foot, et cetera? According to the U.S. State Department’s site:
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Please note that this says passports may be required in 2008. So if you are planning to visit the Orphanage this year, 2007, you are fine without a passport. (Unless you fly into Mexico, but it is so much easier to fly into San Diego!)
Will you need a passport next year? Probably. My passport expires this year. Figures!