Official Mexican Insurance for USAA Members

Welcome USAA Members!

USAA explicitly reminds members:

“The Mexican government requires that all drivers get auto liability insurance from a company based in Mexico. Your USAA auto policy doesn’t provide the required coverage in Mexico. You’ll need to obtain the required insurance for vehicles you own before driving into Mexico. To help you get the right protection, we’ve teamed up with Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance.”

We provide fully compliant auto liability, collision, legal protection and more for travel anywhere in Mexico.

How Would You Like to Get Covered Today?

Option 1: Fast Online Purchase (Completed in Under 5 Minutes)

Ideal for travelers who know their trip dates and vehicle details. Generate an instant quote, customize your coverage limits, purchase and print your official policy documents immediately from your device.

Get a USAA Member Quote Online

Option 2: Speak Directly with a Licensed Agent

Prefer personal guidance from a specialist who understands your concerns and Mexican insurance requirements? Call our dedicated USAA team of agents. Most USAA members prefer completing their policy over the phone with one of our agents.

Call Dedicated USAA Line: 1-800-442-7286

Understanding USAA Policy Guidelines & Mandatory Legal Liability in Mexico

Even though your USAA stateside auto policy extends limited coverage up to 75 miles into Mexico from the U.S. border, Mexican authorities do not recognize U.S. auto insurance policies as legal proof of financial responsibility. Mexico based liability insurance is still required by Mexican law.

Sanborn’s policies fulfill the mandated liability across all 32 Mexican states, ensuring you are legally protected anywhere in Mexico, whether you drive near the border or deep into the interior of Mexico.

Understanding Permit Requirements: Free Zone vs. Interior Travel

• Driving in the Free Zone: If your travel is limited to the Free Zone, which includes the entire state of Baja California, northwestern Sonora, and approximately 20 kilometers anywhere along the border, a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) from Banjercito is not required. However, a valid Mexican auto liability insurance remains mandatory by law.

Learn more in our detailed guide about the Hassle-Free Zone

• Traveling Beyond the Free Zone: If you plan to drive beyond the Free Zone into mainland or interior Mexico, you must obtain a TIP issued by Banjercito. Carrying a valid Mexican auto insurance is required to obtain this permit.

Read more about how to obtain a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

Available Coverage Options & Policy Benefits

Note: These benefits and limits can be included in your policy when selected from our available coverage options during the quoting process.

Core Policy Coverage Available:

• Liability insurance:(up to $1,000,000 USD) If you are involved in an accident, this covers bodily injury and property damage to parties other than the insured and occupants of the insured vehicle.
• Physical damage and Total theft: This coverage protects your vehicle in case of an accident or total theft. The insured amount is stated on the policy, based on the ACV of your vehicle.
• GAP coverage: If the amount owed to the bank is higher than the ACV of your vehicle, you will need GAP coverage.
• Medical coverage: Pays medical expenses for the driver and occupants of the vehicle for injuries sustained in the event of an accident. Insurance coverage is available for up to $100,000 per accident.
• Premier Package: Vandalism, Partial Theft, waiver deductible, increased medical expenses when not at‑fault in an accident.

Policy Protections & Benefits Available for USAA Members

• Comprehensive Coverage for All Vehicles Types: We offer specialized coverage for automobiles, motorhomes, motorcycles, ATV’s/side x sides, and trailers traveling into Mexico.
• U.S. Vehicle Repair Option: If your vehicle suffers physical damage during your trip, our policies allow you to have your car repaired at your preferred body shop back home in the United States. Parts and labor rates are paid in U.S. pricing without a cap.
• Legal Defense and Bail Bond: Traffic accidents in Mexico fall under civil and criminal codes. Every policy automatically includes guaranteed legal representation and bail bond to protect you and your family.
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance & Up to $1,000 Towing: Enjoy peace of mind on Mexican highways with emergency roadside support, including up to $1,000 in towing coverage if your vehicle is not drivable, even for mechanical issues.
• Transportation Back Home: If your vehicle is not drivable following an accident or breakdown in Mexico, your policy provides transportation to return you and your passengers safely home.
• Hotel Reimbursement for Vehicle Breakdown: Enjoy added protection with hotel reimbursement options if mechanical breakdown or vehicle damage leaves you temporarily stranded away from your destination.
• Up to 20 Days of Rental Car Coverage: Keep moving on your trip with up to 20 days of rental car coverage if your insured vehicle becomes non-drivable due to a covered loss. You can also take advantage of the rental car during the repair of your vehicle.
• International Medical Evacuation: Emergency medical evacuation is available 24/7/365 if deemed medically necessary following an accident.

Specialized Support for Military and Diplomatic Personnel

If you are a U.S. Diplomat, you can insure your vehicle with Sanborn’s and meet all the Embassy requirements. Coverage starts once your vehicle crosses the border while in transit to the Embassy.  Maintain coverage while you apply for as well as after receiving your diplomatic plates. This ensures seamless legal coverage the moment you cross the border, allowing you to transition your policy once local diplomatic registration is finalized.

If you have additional questions regarding coverage for diplomatic vehicles, please contact your USAA-Authorized agent at Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance: 800-442-7286.

How Claims Work in Mexico: Report All Claims While in Mexico

Your Mexico insurance policy contains the direct 24/7 claims phone number to report a claim to the Mexican Insurance company. All Claims must be reported while in Mexico.

Steps to Take if You Are Involved in an Accident:

1. Report Immediately: Call the toll-free Mexican claims hotline printed on your policy before leaving the country. Have your policy number, vehicle registration, driver’s license, and exact location ready.
2. Wait for the Adjuster: The Mexican insurance company will send an official adjuster directly to the scene to assess damages, assist with police reports, and coordinate legal aid if necessary.
3. Do Not Settle Independently: Do not admit liability or make cash arrangements with third parties prior to consulting with your assigned adjuster. This can void your coverage.
4. U.S. Repair Authorization: Let your adjuster know if you would like to repair in the U.S. Once you return to the U.S., contact International Claims Service so they can help you through the process. Repairs will be made at the body shop of your choice and paid according to standard U.S. labor rates for your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USAA auto insurance cover my car while driving in Mexico?

No. USAA explicitly states that its auto policies do not provide the required coverage in Mexico. While USAA offers limited coverage within 75 miles of the border U.S./Mexico border, Mexican federal law strictly mandates that all drivers carry civil liability insurance issued by a licensed Mexican insurer. USAA auto insurance alone does not meet Mexican legal requirements. USAA officially partners with Sanborn’s to provide the required liability coverage.

Why has USAA recommended Sanborn’s since 2005?

Sanborn’s has specialized exclusively in Mexican auto insurance since 1948. USAA selected Sanborn’s as its authorized partner due to our long-standing experience, dedicated member support team, U.S. vehicle repair coverage options, and comprehensive legal assistance.

Can I buy my policy online or over the phone?

Both options are available. You can quote, pay, and print your policy online 24/7 in under 5 minutes. If you prefer personal assistance, you can call our dedicated USAA member phone line at 1-800-442-7286 to speak directly with an agent.

Can my vehicle be repaired in the United States after an accident in Mexico?

Yes. Sanborn’s policies include the option for U.S. repair if you have Physical Damage coverage on your policy. Once an adjuster inspects the vehicle in Mexico and approves the claim, you can have your vehicle repaired at your preferred body shop in the U.S. Contact International Claims Service for further assistance.

Who is the Mexico insurance company?

Sanborn’s works with HDI Seguros in Mexico. We have a long-standing relationship for over 30 years. HDI is one of the top 5 auto insurance companies in Mexico with offices across the country.