Physical Damage Protection on Mexican Car Insurance

Nobody ever wants to have a car wreck, especially while they are on the road in a foreign country. However, whether you are driving in your hometown, or on your summer vacation to Mexico, wrecks can occur. If the wreck happens south of the border, then you will likely need assistance from your Mexican car insurance. The good news is, your policy will usually cover your own damage costs and the damage you cause others. Let’s take a closer look at how policies can govern physical car damage.

Mexican car insurance looks a lot like American policies, but there are still notable differences present given the rules of Mexican law. All the same, you can rely on it to protect you and your car in case you have a wreck.

The Regulations of Mexican Car Insurance

The law in Mexico does not recognize the legal framework of American car insurance. However, it still requires most drivers, foreign drivers included, to carry car insurance. Therefore, Americans who plan to drive across the border must have car insurance in place at the time they make the crossing. You must purchase your policy before you enter Mexico, and Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance is here to help you get that coverage.

A lot of people ask us what they are supposed to look for in case they have a wreck while traveling. Any Mexican car insurance policy will offer you a basic level of benefits, such as liability coverage. Still, you can enhance your own protection by buying physical damage coverage. The more protection you buy, the better you might be able to protect yourself when wrecks occur.

Physical Damage Insurance

A car wreck in Mexico could damage your car. Indeed, you might even be more at-risk for a wreck in a foreign country than you are at home in the States. There are certain differences in both Mexican driving laws and customs, not to mention the potential language barrier. Even though these are very subtle differences, drivers must still be careful. You never know when a wreck might occur, particularly in an unfamiliar setting.

If the worst does occur, your car insurance might be able to help you out. Most Mexican car insurance policies can offer options to cover physical damage or vehicle losses. Damage from wrecks and vehicle overturns usually has coverage. Vandalism might have coverage also. Furthermore, if the car gets stolen, the policy might be able to compensate you for the loss.

In addition to damage from man-made occurrences, policies might also cover damage from environmental losses. Hail damage, damage from fires and damage from falling objects might also have protection available.

Still, a basic Mexico car insurance policy will usually not automatically offer such comprehensive protection. This might mean increasing your policy’s limits. To get this coverage, you might have to make sure your policy includes what’s commonly called full damage, or full physical damage protection.

When damage occurs, your insurer will work with you to determine the appropriate compensation for the vehicle. Like with your American car insurance, a deductible might apply. In many cases, the policy will cover both towing and labor costs, in addition to the physical repairs. Your policy might also help you arrange a rental car, or make other travel arrangements, so long as it includes this coverage.

One option you might also be able to add to your policy is the option to have your vehicle repaired in the United States. However, this is often a specific policy option or endorsement that you will need to purchase separately. Keep in mind, if you choose to bring your car back to the U.S., then your policy will usually not cover towing costs. Therefore, the car must remain drivable after an accident.

Coverage Provided by Liability Insurance

Mexican car insurance policies will always contain liability coverage. This is also referred to as at-fault car insurance. If you are responsible for a wreck, then the policy will pay for the damage of other parties involved. For example, your policy can compensate another driver for the damage to their car if you hit it. Keep in mind, you can likely increase this coverage to your own satisfaction, and minimize your personal costs for someone else’s losses.

Your policy can likely also contain legal assistance coverage. Under Mexican law, at-fault drivers might face arrest or detainment until the damage costs are settled. Your car insurance, in addition to providing a liability settlement, might also help you get a lawyer, bail money and related financial resources.

Therefore, never hesitate to increase both your physical damage and liability coverage on your Mexican car insurance policy. It will prove instrumental in helping you have money at your fingertips in case a problem occurs. Let Sanborn’s Insurance help you get it.