Road trip – Mexican Routes https://mexicanroutes.com Best Travel Destinations & Tourist Guide in Mexico Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:28:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://mexicanroutes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-MexicanRoutes_fav-150x150.png Road trip – Mexican Routes https://mexicanroutes.com 32 32 Tourist car insurance in Mexico https://mexicanroutes.com/tourist-car-insurance-in-mexico/ Tue, 20 Oct 2020 18:24:20 +0000 https://mexicanroutes.com/?p=8967 Do tourists also need Mexican auto insurance while driving their own car?

A road trip vacation in Mexico can be an unforgettable journey, but it’s important to be sure you’re prepared for this adventure. Whether you drive your own car or a rental one, you need to make sure you’re covered for every contingency.

You can make your way to Mexico on your own and rent a car after you have crossed the border. By renting a car from a Mexican company, you can be better assured that your auto insurance is valid in the country.

But what if you want to drive to Mexico in your own car?

Driving from Canada or the United States to Mexico

If you’re renting a car in the USA or Canada and driving to Mexico, your rental car company will provide you with the option of buying additional collision insurance. This may be a prudent choice if there’s a long drive between your home and the Mexican border.

However, once you reach Mexico, you will still need Mexican liability insurance at the very least. Mexican car insurance can either be purchased right at the border, or you may wish to buy it online before you leave home.

This will ensure you’re covered as soon as you get into the country.

Most Americans and Canadian tourists who cross the Mexican border with their vehicles are sure they don’t need additional Mexican car insurance. But actually, even driving their own car, trailer, or just motorcycle tourists do need mandatory Mexican auto insurance to cover a traffic incident in Mexico.

Mexican auto insurance for foreign tourists and travelers

Since 2014 liability auto insurance became obligatory in Mexico. Foreign auto insurance policies are not admitted by the local law and legally, even being a tourist, you must have auto insurance provided by a Mexican insurer, to drive your vehicle on Mexican roadways.

Does the Canadian or US auto insurance policy have coverage in Mexico?

Mexican auto insurance provides vehicle insurance for foreign tourists driving in Mexico since foreign insurance policies are not accepted by Mexican authorities in case of a traffic accident or theft.

According to Mexico’s driving law, the person considered to be liable in a car accident is guilty until proven innocent.

Also, in case of injuries, the at-fault party is also charged for medical expenses and has to provide financial support for the injured parties and their families until their complete recovery.

In case of a traffic accident in Mexico

In case you’re involved in a road incident driving in Mexico, the traffic police conclude on the spot who’s at fault side, and if you are found to be the guilty one and don’t have Mexican coverage auto insurance, you are in trouble.

You’ll be required to pay the cost of the assessed damage and if you don’t have the proper insurance or cannot pay for the damages caused, you will be detained until full compensation has been made.

According to Mexican law, the police will have the right to detain you until they can verify that you have the resources to cover damages.

Unless you speak good fluent Spanish and have strong proofs that demonstrate the other person caused the accident, you will more likely be found at fault.

Disagreeing with the police’s assessment will ensure a judge reviews your case within 24 hours. But it is highly unlikely that the final ruling will count in your favor.

If you have insurance, call your insurer, provide them with your geolocation and the insurer will send their adjuster.

Once there, the insurance adjuster will investigate the scene just as a police officer would do. He will take photos and gather statements. He will also verify that both parties have proof of coverage for the police.

The insurance policy doesn’t mean an accident won’t leave you with expenses and problems you wouldn’t face otherwise. But having auto insurance gives you protection from being sued or left financially stranded by a totaled car, or ruined in an accident caused by another driver.

Proper auto insurance means 95% of the problem is resolved. The insurance company will negotiate with the injured party on your behalf and guarantee payment for any damages caused.

The auto insurance policy will also pay bail and legal fees as a part of the coverage.

Careful planning and obtaining the needed insurance can help you plan a vacation that will go well and keep you protected. Just a few simple arrangements can ensure that your time in Mexico will be fun, rewarding, and free from hassle.

Mexican car insurance tips

Auto insurance requirements in Mexico you need to follow:

  • Purchase proper auto insurance to cover any road incident before entering Mexico in your vehicle.
  • Buy a quality policy from a reliable insurer to fully cover your expenses and avoid problems in case of a traffic accident.
  • Always have a copy of your auto insurance policy and driver’s license with you.

Buying Mexican car insurance

In buying your Mexican auto insurance, make sure your policy is specific to vehicles with foreign plates. Also called tourist car insurance, these special policies cover cars that are registered in foreign countries.

In this case, tourist car insurance would primarily cover vehicles registered in the United States or Canada.

In selecting a Mexican insurance company, shop by looking at the ratings provided by either A.M. Best U.S., or Standard and Poor’s Insurance Rating. This will give you a snapshot or profile of each company, detailing their strengths and weaknesses.

It is important to make sure the insurance provider you select is reputable.

Even though your time in Mexico may be short, you don’t want to end up saddled with an auto insurance company that lacks good customer service or hassles clients about paying on claims.

There’s no standardized auto insurance policy in Mexico and it makes it difficult to understand what kind of insurance coverage is needed for your vehicle. Mexico’s insurance policies don’t all offer the same coverage.

The insurance policy’s limits and the ability of insurance companies to pay are not strictly regulated in Mexico. Well-known, trusted reputed insurers like CHUBB, Mapfre, and HDI are remarkable and on par with top-rated insurers in the USA, Canada, and the EU.

Cheap insurance companies can leave the policyholder with a lot of exclusions in the cover. In the case of an accident, many of these low-grade insurers will cover the damages with incredibly low rates.

They offer you wholesale, and not a retail price for your wrecked or stolen vehicle. High-quality policies allow you to get your vehicle repaired in the USA. They also cover towing to the US border from almost anywhere in Mexico.

Also, high-quality Mexico insurance policies pay claims the quickest and the most efficient way. Otherwise, claims are often settled in long weeks rather than months or even years.

Where to buy Mexican car insurance?

Auto insurance policies are available both by walk-in offices and kiosks near the border and also online.

Policies are available for a period from one day up to one year. You better purchase Mexican auto insurance before you cross the Mexican border, otherwise, you will put yourself at risk.

Mexican car insurance can either be purchased right at the border, or you may wish to buy it online before you leave home. This will ensure you’re covered as soon as you get into the country.

The most important thing is to indicate you do carry collision and theft coverage on your US or Canadian insurance policy and will keep this “full coverage” throughout the Mexican policy period.

Otherwise, your rate will be a little bit more expensive.

Another important point is the “actual cash value” of your car. Mexican insurance companies use “actual cash value” as a basis for valuing vehicles in the event of a total loss due to collision, crash, or theft.

Match the same coverage policy you have at home

Get the right insurance policy. If your policy is $100,000 USD in the USA or Canada, then get at least the same value in Mexico. If you own a good car or costly RV then buy at least $300,000 coverage.

Matching your home policy avoids guessing what kind of insurance you need to buy in Mexico.

Full coverage policy: The “full coverage” policy covers you and your car in most circumstances. The full coverage policy covers not only your liability but physical damage and theft to your vehicle as well.

The full coverage auto insurance for tourists traveling in Mexico is only available to vehicles under 20 years old.

Liability-only policy: The “liability-only” insurance policy provides coverage for medical expenses and property damage to third parties, but you’re left with all the responsibility of towing, damage repair, medical, and a rental replacement car.

In this case, if the other party driver does not have auto insurance or leaves the accident scene, you’re left with nothing. If you’re on the fault side, you’re also left with nothing.

Don’t buy Mexican car insurance at the border

With overpriced and inferior quality policies, the border kiosks are not the right place to acquire insurance. Most of them offer liability-only policies and will leave you vulnerable in the case of an accident.

Most of the time, the cover specified is ridiculously low, like $2000, and often less. And the liability limit in most Mexican states is $300,000 due to recently increased fatality requirements.

Besides the high commissions added to the total cost, these “cheap” insurance policies often cost you much more in the end.

The Border zone or Free zone

The Border Zone, or Free Zone, is a 20 to 30-kilometer stretch of land that extends from the border into Mexican territory. If you remain within this zone, you won’t need to do anything special.

However, if you plan to travel deeper into Mexico, you’ll want to obtain a Vehicle Import Permit from the Mexico Federal Agency. If you fail to do this, customs officials will likely confiscate and impound your vehicle.

There are two exceptions to this requirement:

  • Vehicles traveling within the Baja Peninsula aren’t required to obtain a special permit.
  • Additionally, vehicles entering the country from the Nogales port of entry and remaining in the state of Sonora don’t require a permit.

The fee for the permit is $44 for any vehicle, plus Mexican taxes. The permit can be obtained online, through a consulate, or at the border.

Additionally, a guarantee deposit is required for the return of vehicles to the United States. The guarantee will be refunded upon cancellation of the permit at the Banjercito offices, but it must be canceled before the permit is due to expire.

The deposit varies, based on the year of the vehicle:

  • 2000 to older models: $200
  • 2001 to 2006: $300
  • 2007 to newer models: $400

The deposit fees are in U.S. dollars and are refundable in the same form that they were submitted.

]]> Getting into Mexico in a car https://mexicanroutes.com/getting-into-mexico-in-a-car/ Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:08:03 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=6461 To drive your own car into Mexico, you’ll need a tourist card and a temporary vehicle importation permit, which you can get on arrival at the border. In some tourist border areas, you don’t need this permit or a tourist card. Just ask at the border if you have any doubts.

Documents you need to get Mexico vehicle permit & tourist card:

  • Proof of car ownership
  • Proof of American registration
  • An affidavit from any lien holders authorizing temporary importation
  • A valid American driver’s license
  • Proof of citizenship (like a passport). Consider bringing your marriage certificate if the name on your passport is different than the name on your driver’s license.

Vehicle Permit

As of 2018, the vehicle permit costs $44USD and you must pay with a credit card; if you don’t have a credit card, you’ll have to pay a bond and a processing fee. Keep the permit on your windshield while you’re in Mexico.

Tourist Card

Get a tourist card (an arrival/departure card) at the border with a U.S. driver’s license and proof of citizenship. Fill out a simple form at the border immigration office declaring information (your purpose in Mexico, for instance), pay approximately $20, and then hang onto the card! It’s good for up to 180 days and you should carry it with you at all times while you’re in the country.

Crossing the Mexico Border From the U.S.

At the U.S.-Mexico border, you’ll drive through one of several lanes (the number of lanes depends on how much traffic the border crossing handles). Traffic lights hang above the lanes; stop your car — if the traffic light in your lane turns green, welcome to Mexico!

If the border crossing traffic light is red, you’ll be directed to an area where you’ll park, and a Mexican customs official may ask you some questions or search you and/or your car. As long as your papers, like your Mexico vehicle permit and tourist card, are in order and you are carrying nothing illegal like switchblades or illicit drugs, you’ll be fine.

U.S. Customs

Avoid any problems with U.S. customs at the Mexico border by declaring exactly what you have brought back from Mexico with you and, obviously, don’t bring back anything illegal.

What you can and can’t bring back from Mexico, plus US tax info:

  • There is a $400 exemption for gifts and personal articles you’ve purchased in Mexico; anything over that amount will be taxed
  • One liter of alcoholic beverage per person over 21 is okay — more will be taxed; note that the state of Texas taxes all alcohol brought back from Mexico
  • No steroids, period; make sure you have a prescription for any other medication
  • No illegal drugs; if you have the slightest amount, you can be fined and sent to jail — your car may even be confiscated
  • No switchblade knives
  • So many fruits from Mexico are prohibited in the U.S. that you may as well not bring any back
  • No guns of any kind; even ammo is a no-no. You can get documentation showing that you legally purchased a firearm you’re carrying in the U.S.
  • Fish you caught in Mexico are okay
  • No clothing, purses, wallets, or shoes/boots made of endangered species, like sea turtles
  • If in doubt, leave it behind

Crossing the Border

If you’ll be driving your own car across the border, you can drive within the border zone (roughly 20 km from the border) without doing any special paperwork, but if you intend to travel farther, you will need to do some paperwork before you cross.

You will need to purchase Mexican car insurance (the insurance you have in the U.S. or Canada will not cover you), and you need a temporary import permit.

You will have to post a bond either in cash or by leaving your credit card information, which will be returned to you when you leave the country with your car. Be aware that you must drive your car out of Mexico within the given time frame to get your money back, so plan accordingly.

If you are caught driving in Mexico without your paperwork in order, you could face hefty fines and possibly having your vehicle confiscated, so in this case, do things by the book.

Drivers Licenses and Documents

A driver’s license from the United States or Canada is valid for driving in Mexico, and you can rent a car in Mexico with your driver’s license. You might consider getting an international driving permit, especially if you’ll be driving in other countries besides Mexico.

You should always have your driver’s license on you when driving and it’s a good idea to have your passport and tourist visa handy as well, just in case you get stopped by the authorities.

As for your vehicle, you should have proof of your car insurance and registration and either your temporary import permit or rental agreement if it’s a rental car.

]]> Should you drive in Mexico https://mexicanroutes.com/should-you-drive-in-mexico/ Sun, 21 Apr 2019 15:55:02 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=6679 Mexico is a huge country and driving can give you a lot more freedom than other forms of transportation in Mexico, but it has some downsides as well. You have to find your way on roads that may be in dubious condition and have poor signage.

You have to deal with other drivers who may make left turns from the right lane and vice versa and don’t seem to know what a turn signal is, as well as a host of other hazards.

If you’re considering driving in the Yucatan Peninsula or Baja California Peninsula, you’ll find it fairly easy to get around, whereas driving in other areas can be a lot more challenging.

Planning your travel route

It’s essential to plan out your route before you start out. Use a handy driving distance calculator to find out how far it is between destinations.

With that in mind, time and geography will be your biggest concerns when traveling to Mexico. If you’re limited in time, it’s best to stick to one region and do it properly. You’ll have to decide what your priorities are when choosing where to go.

Cancun

Are you looking for a touristic, cultural, historical city with awesome beaches, theme parks, and Mayan ruins?

That is Cancun. Here, we will let you know all you need about touristic attractions, historical places, parking lots, and types of transportation that you can find in the city and its surroundings.

Main attractions for tourists

Xcaret: this is an eco-archeological wonder and is one of the most visited. It is an ancient Mayan civilization that was a main commercial port.

Currently, it is a cultural and archeological attraction thanks to its buildings in ruins. This ancient city is located 42,2 miles south of Cancun, and if you want to access it, you have to take highway Tulum – Cancun, Mexico 307 with the route to Xcaret.

Xel-Ha: it is a particular ecological park, characterized by its two underground rivers, also known as “caletas” which flow into the Caribbean Sea. This park is located 76 miles south of Cancun, and you can access it through Tulum – Cancun, Mexico 307 highway and the exit to Xel-Ha.

Underwater Museum of Art: This museum located 7 miles south of Cancun exhibits many pieces of art. It is located in the Quintana Roo Bay and was founded in 2009. This place has more than 500 figurative sculptures on a natural scale.

So if you would like to live an artistic underwater experience, you have to take the access road for avenue Rodrigo Gomez and then the Tulum – Cancun, Mexico 307 highway.

Los Cabos

Definitely, Los Cabos is the perfect fusion of natural wonders, historical places, and archeological places, those are reasons why you should visit this magical City.

But, it is important that you get to know the main touristic attractions, transport, parking lots, and other facts for your itinerary.

Main attractions for tourists

The Arch: this is an emblematic place in Baja California Sur State since it is a romantic destination for couples, especially for newlyweds.

It is a rock formation with the form of an arch that appears as a link between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, located specifically at Cabo San Lucas. If you want to access it by land, you need to travel to Tijuana, through the Trans-peninsular highway via Los Cabos.

Cabo Pulpo National Park: its great attractions are marine ecosystems and live reefs, unique in North America. Also, if you love diving and snorkeling, this place is ideal for you, because there are so many virgin islands and archipelagos.

Playa Amor: it is very close to Cabo San Lucas. This beach is part of the union between the Pacific Ocean and the Cortes Sea.

From this place, you can see The Arch. And as a curious fact, the locals tell a romantic story about a Japanese sailor that was rescued by a local woman, who saved his life.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second biggest city in Jalisco State and the country, after Mexico City. As a metropolis, it has many attractions for tourists to visit, some of them are:

Guachimontones ruins an important pre-Hispanic settlement, which represents today a touristic attraction for many visitors from around the world. It is located to the west of Guadalajara, about an hour’s drive.

Among the ruins are several buildings that let you know a bit more about Teuchitlan culture.

Tlaquepaque: If you are a fan of handicrafts, this place you should visit. It is a sort of colorful market of crafts, so you’ll find every kind of native craft from indigenous cultures, in many presentations and materials.

That is another way to know the pre-Hispanic roots of Mexico and part of Latin America.

Puerto Vallarta

Very close to Guadalajara you find Puerto Vallarta, the next destination you should include on your schedule.

It is a city full of beautiful attractions, all related to the sea, Mexican gastronomy, and touristic services. On your visit, you will get to know paradisiac beaches, swim with dolphins and see the most beautiful sunsets.

Main attractions for tourists

Yelapa: the queen of beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta, is located to the south and you can arrive by boat to spend the day enjoying the sand, while you look at the fascinating landscape of the Riviera Nayarit.

Nuevo Vallarta: because of the great arrival of tourists annually, Nuevo Vallarta has become a new favorite and most comfortable city for visitors, with 6 kilometers of coast, luxury hotels, and buildings, and a wonderful views of the sea.

The perfect place to spend your holidays.

Mexico City

Of course, we couldn’t leave behind the most important city of this country, the center of culture and urban movement of the whole republic. Today we want to recommend you to visit…

Main attractions for tourists

Xochimilco: if you are visiting Mexico for the first time, please don’t miss this place. It will leave you with a unique experience. Xochimilco offers a great tour through its beautiful canals and floating gardens full of flowers with many colors that express a wonderful part of their culture.

Just like you saw in the movie Coco.

Zocalo: It is one of the most important meeting places in the city, built on what was once the center of Tenochtitlan culture, which today houses a variety of architectural jewels, museums, and palaces worthy of admiration.

]]> How to rent a car in Mexico https://mexicanroutes.com/how-to-rent-a-car-in-mexico/ Wed, 16 Jan 2019 01:13:36 +0000 http://mexicanroutes.com/?p=6399 Everyone knows that renting a car in Mexico is the perfect way for those who travel, thanks to its economy, comfort, and safety. Renting a car in Mexico can be easier than driving your own car across the border.

But why should you rent a car traveling in Mexico?

The answer is very simple because you do not need to depend on third parties and limited schedules.

Furthermore, you should know that it is important to make a good choice considering all options of transport, car rental booking, key tourist attractions, parking lots, access roads, and highways.

Here, we have a list of information that you will need to move around with freedom and comfort.

These are all requirements to rent a car in Mexico

For renting a car in Mexico it is important to consider the following:

  • Driver license
  • Identification document or Passport
  • Credit card
  • You must be at least 18 years old

Things you should know before renting a car in Mexico:

  • If you are between 18 and 25 years old, it is necessary to deposit an additional charge of $10-$15 USD for each day of rent.
  • In Mexico, children under the age of 4 are required to travel in child seats.

Remember, the official language in Mexico is Spanish, so the traffic signs are not in English.

What is the booking process to rent a car?

In Mex Rent a Car, booking a car is very simple: there are three ways to book every day, 24 hours.

  1. Before you travel, you can book at mexrentacar.com, by reading and filling out the form with the necessary requirements.
  2. You can also book by phone at +52 (33) 4170 8243 and you can choose locations and car models. The operator will attend and give you all indications to book.
  3. You can also book and clarify your doubts about car rental, from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 by emailing reservaciones@mexrentacar.com.

Booking with Mex Rent a Car is very easy!

Driving in Mexico City

Parking lots in Mexico City

  • Deprisa Garibaldi: Delegacion D.F., Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico City.
  • Metropolitanos S.A. de C.V: Republica de Cuba st. 39, Historic center, Downtown, 06100 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico.
  • Deprisa Plaza Juarez: Independencia St. 31, Downtown, 06000 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico.

Basic information about transport in Mexico City

Being one of the biggest cities in the world, it offers many ways of transport, divided into public and private options. The public transport covers the subway, light train, suburban railway, buses, and cable cars which all work 24 hours a day.

On the other hand, private transport covers caps, Uber, touristic transport, and car rental. So it depends on your plans during the trip, but you will not find more comfort and safety than a rental car in Mexico City.

Driving in Guadalajara

Parking lots in Guadalajara

  • Alcalde Catedral: Fray Antonio Alcalde st. 130, Downtown, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco State, México.
  • Tres Poderes public parking: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla St. 225, Downtown, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco State, México.
  • Plaza Tapatía: Paseo Degollado, Downtown, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco State, México.

Basic information about transport in Guadalajara

This particular city of Mexico has different transport services, which results in it being more interesting and comfortable for tourists.

Once you arrive, you can choose between an electric urban train, microbus, Sitren, urban bus, and rented bicycles. Although, if you want to make longer trips, you should rent a car in Guadalajara.

It is very simple for drivers, you won’t get lost because the city has a great road network connecting with other states of Mexico, and the main routes are well-planned and signposted for those who don’t know the zone.

Driving in Cancun

Parking lots in Cancun

These are three parking lots that you probably need in Cancun:

  • iPark Cancun: Luis Donaldo Colosio St. Mz 93 Lt 93-01 SM 301, 77560 Cancun, Quintana Roo State, México.
  • Lopez Portillo 1, 85, Benito Juarez, 77520 Cancun, Quintana Roo State, México.
  • Boulevard Kukulcan 162, Punta Cancun, hotel zone, 77500 Cancun Quintana Roo State, México.

Basic information about transportation in Cancun

As well as in any major tourist city in the world, Cancun has several types of transportation such as buses, Uber, taxis, and car rentals. Renting a car in Cancun makes a good choice to avoid issues and having to depend on someone else.

Driving in Puerto Vallarta

Parking lots in Puerto Vallarta

  • Plaza Juarez: Puerto Vallarta – Manzanillo 210, Down town, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México.
  • Parque Hidalgo: México St. 1040, 5th December, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México.

Basic information about transport in Puerto Vallarta

This city has common ways of transport, you can take taxis, Uber, bus or rent a car.

If you are staying Downtown you can visit some attractions while walking, thanks to the urban plan. However, if you want to visit other cities, the best option is to rent a car in Puerto Vallarta, so you won’t get limited in any sense.

It’s important to say that you may find some risky drivers, so you should drive carefully, especially on the most crowded roads.

Driving in Los Cabos

Parking lots in Los Cabos

If you rent a car in Los Cabos, you probably need to know where to find parking lots:

  • Plaza Alamar: Francisco I Madero S/N, Downtown, San Lucas, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur State, Mexico.
  • Puerto Paraiso Parking: 23479, Aquarium 12, El Medano Ejidal, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur State, Mexico.
  • Parking Real of Miramar: 23456 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur State, Mexico.

Basic information about transport in Los Cabos

There are several mediums of transportation in Baja California Sur, a city crossed by the Transpeninsular Way #1, so you can take taxis, buses, or rent a car to move around the area.

You should know that the rate of taxis is a little high since it is one of the biggest destinations for tourists in Mexico and, if you decide to use public transportation, you will have to adjust your schedule according to the times of arrival and departure.

In case you want to rent a car in Los Cabos, we remind you that:

  • When you are driving on the main road (Transpeninsular #1) be careful, you don’t know the area as well as other drivers who usually are not so aware.
  • The official language of Mexico is Spanish, so the traffic signs are not in English.
  • You cannot drive faster than 90 km per hour or 55 miles.
  • Confirm the directions of every street before you take it, most of them have only one way.
Thanks to Jordi Rivero, chief product officer from Mex Rent a Car for this informative and useful article.
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