Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

Just like in the States, drinking and driving can cost you dearly in Mexico. While its critical to invest in Mexican auto insurance coverage before driving into the country, that insurance isn't going to protect you from the consequences of driving under the influence. In fact, your Mexico insurance policy will be rendered completely null and void if you are involved in an alcohol- or drug-related accident. There is never any good reason to drive while intoxicated; since many people head south of the border to party and have a good time, though, it's essential to have an alternate plan in place in terms of getting back to your hotel.

Unhand the Car Keys when Drinking

Sometimes, its easy to get caught up in the moment when having a blast in Mexico. Your Mexican car insurance could give you a false sense of security, making you feel like youre invulnerable to serious consequences. Just because youre insured, though, doesn't mean that you cant get busted for drinking and driving. Since your policy will be revoked in the case of an alcohol- or drug-related infraction, its always best to err on the side of caution. If you plan on enjoying a few drinks, make it a point to give your keys to someone who wont be partaking themselves.

Plan Your Evening Responsibly

Thanks to the Internet, its really easy to map out every last detail of your Mexican vacation. If you want to "party hardy," it makes sense to plan those nights out on the town in a logistical way. For instance, if youll be visiting a party town, choose a hotel thats within walking distance of the main drag. Promise yourself that you wont be tempted into driving farther afield in order to stay out drinking. Your car shouldnt even come into play on nights when you plan on enjoying alcoholic beverages. Smart, well-made plans well help keep you out of trouble.

Always Have a DD

If youll be in an area where it's impossible to stay within walking distance of the local party scene, make sure that you always have a designated driver, or DD, with you. One great idea is to alternate nights - you can be the DD one night, and your friend can be the DD on the next one. That way, everyone gets a chance to let loose and have fun - and no one has to take the risk of ending up behind bars. Is it possible to party responsibly in Mexico? Absolutely. Just dont risk your fun - or your freedom - by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Another good way is to simply take a taxi, expecially at night. You wont risk getting lost and taxis arent very expensive.

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

So, you've invested in top-quality Mexican auto insurance and are itching to get south of the border. If you plan on venturing well past the U.S.-Mexico border, though, it pays to brush up on a few basic tips for car travel in Mexico. After all, Mexico is a foreign country; different rules, laws and customs apply. After buying your Mexican car insurance, you should read up on a few of the quirky things about driving around in this fascinating country; a few of the most notable ones are outlined below.

Make Good Use of Technology

In the past, the only way to get decent directions in Mexico was by investing in road maps. After spending money on Mexican auto insurance, though, you might want to save as much extra cash as possible. Happily, Mexico's Secretariat of Communication and Transport recently created a convenient map tool online. Just visit their website to check it out. It should be able to save you quite a lot of time, and you'll be able to map out specific routes. An English version is available, too, in case you're not well-versed in Spanish.

Invest in Decent Maps and Decent Mexican Car Insurance 

Of course, online maps aren't for everybody. Besides, you might want to have a little more freedom about where you're going; in that case, mapping out a route beforehand may not work that well. Don't waste your money on a North American road atlas - they just aren't detailed enough. One of the best brands of maps to use for travel in Mexico is Guia Roji. Although these maps tend to be the priciest, their exceptional detail makes them more than worth it. After all, nothing can sideline a trip quite like getting hopelessly lost.

Be Careful at Night

When you're in highly populated areas, it's generally safe to travel at any time of the day or night. Even in rural areas, there's not a lot to worry about; still, it's better to be safe than sorry. If you're going to be venturing into far-flung and remote parts of Mexico, you should be especially cautious when traveling after dark. In fact, you might want to avoid doing so altogether, if possible. It's just one of those common sense things that will dramatically reduce your risk of encountering serious trouble south of the border. Remember, though, that Mexico is a mostly safe country - especially for those who use common sense and don't take unnecessary risks. One of the most prevalent nightime risks is running into livestock in the middle of the highway. Ranches use much less barbed wire in Mexico, so animals commonly graze freely. Tips for Getting Around in Mexico and best Mexican Car insurance practices.

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

There's a great deal of confusion out there about driving into Mexico. Many people take quick peeks at their regular car insurance policies, to feeling that coverage in Mexico is probably included, then figure that they are all set. The reality is, U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico. You always need to purchase Mexican automobile insurance when traveling by car south of the border. Why is the misconception that U.S. or Canadian car insurance may work in Mexico so widespread? There are many reasons; needless to say, though, this isn't something that you want to be careless about. Find out why you absolutely must have Mexican Car insurance by reading on below.

You Could Land in Jail

Some U.S. car insurance policies do have provisions in the event that you damage your vehicle south of the border for a limited number of miles. However, those policies do not - and cannot - pay for damages to other peoples' cars. If you get into an accident while in Mexico, and don't have Mexico insurance - you will be responsible for the damages to the other person's car, as well as their bodily injuries. To ensure that the victim gets their money, you could be detained for a very long time.

A Separate Mexico Insurance Policy is Mandatory

It's understandable to want to save money when going on vacation. However, the amount of money that you could end up losing - and your personal freedom that you're putting on the line - makes traveling without a Mexican car insurance policy a very bad idea. The minute you cross the border, your U.S. car insurance policy goes out of effect. Even if small provisions are available for damages to your own vehicle, they  work within a very small radius of the border - and they do nothing to protect you if you damage someone else's car, or if you hurt someone else.

Don't Take the Risk

There's a ton of conflicting advice out there about traveling in Mexico, but one definite truth is that an American auto insurance policy will do you no good south of the border. The risk of ending up in jail is absolutely real - it happens to well-meaning U.S. tourists every single day. Even if you're able to bail out quickly, you'll end up spending exorbitant amounts of cash to do so - and your entire vacation will be completely ruined. Since a trip to Mexico is supposed to be fun and carefree - and the right Mexican auto insurance is so cost-effective - there is no good reason to take that risk.

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

When shopping for Mexican Car Insurance, it is critical to make sure that the company who's selling you your policy is reputable. Although testimonials and other things should be taken into account, they tend to be unreliable. After all, what's to stop a company from simply making them up? Since you don't want to drive around with a worthless Mexican insurance policy, it's imperative to double-check the reputation of the company who is selling you your policy. One of the best benchmarks to look at when investigating an insurance company is its financial strength rating from A.M. Best. Find out more about why this rating is so important by reading on below.

What is a Financial Strength Rating, Anyway?

As a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, or NRSRO, A.M. Best is considered to be a legitimate source of financial strength ratings, or FSRs. While A.M. Best publishes other ratings - it has recently been edging in on Standard & Poor's territory - it has always primarily focused on insurance company ratings. In simple terms, an insurance company's financial strength rating reflects its ability to make good on its policies - i.e., to pay out on filed claims. When shopping for Mexican auto insurance online, it is smart to find out what the insurance company's ratings with A.M. Best are so that you don't end up with a worthless scrap of paper.

The ABC's of Mexican Auto Insurance Ratings

If you've ever looked at a grade school report card, you're already fairly familiar with how A.M. Best's financial strength ratings work. You should only consider buying policies from companies that have ratings within the "secure" category. Secure ratings are A++, A+, A, A-, B++ and B+. Anything below that could signify a problem on the part of the company to make good on its claims. Many times, companies with "vulnerable" ratings offer slightly lower premiums and much higher commissions to agents who agree to peddle it. The trade-off, of course, is that their policies may not be any good and most certainly trying to collect what you are due will be harder, because there is less premium available in the program to pay claims.

Do Your Homework when Buying Mexican Insurance!

Sometimes, travelers feel that they don't have to invest too much time in buying their insurance for Mexico, since they'll only be there for a short period of time. What are the chances of anything going awry, anyway? This is a dangerous way to think, since a shoddy policy could land you in all sorts of legal trouble south of the border. A vacation in Mexico is supposed to be fun and carefree. The best way to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch is by purchasing a policy from a company that is highly rated with A.M. Best. Why Ratings Matter for Mexican Auto Insurance!

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

Buying Mexican auto insurance online is a lot like buying car insurance in the States. If you already understand the basic differences between a liability-only policy and a full-coverage policy, then you should have a basic grasp about what you'll need to buy when visiting Mexico. A liability-only Mexican car insurance policy is required by law (unless you formally assume all financial responsibility) when traveling in Mexico. U.S.-based insurance policies are null and void as soon as you cross the border, so it's imperative to invest in a policy before heading south. Before you even do that, though, you need to decide whether or not to purchase full coverage; read on to learn more.

Reasons to Buy Full Coverage Mexican Auto Insurance

If you're visiting Mexico on vacation, the last thing that you need is for an accident or fender-bender to derail all of your fun. At minimum, liability-only Mexican insurance policy will keep you out of hot legal water. Without a basic, liability-only policy, you could easily land in jail. Avoiding that sort of predicament is surely high on your list - but what about protecting your vehicle? If your car gets seriously damaged while south of the border, getting it back into usable shape isn't going to be easy. You can protect yourself on that end with a full coverage policy.

The Differences Between Liability-Only Mexican Car Insurance Coverage and Full Coverage

It's fairly easy to understand the differences between a liability-only Mexican Insurance policy and a full-coverage policy. In the case of liability-only - which is mandatory for all drivers in Mexico (see above) - your policy will cover damages to other vehicles and injuries to other drivers that have been caused by your vehicle. It will also cover injuries incurred by you and your passengers, as long as they've been caused during a covered loss. If your car becomes damaged in an accident, though - or if it's stolen - a liability-only policy won't help. In that case, you'll need full coverage.

Don't Leave Your Car Behind in Mexico!

Every single time you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you're running the risk of damaging it. Every time you park it someplace, you're running the risk that it will be stolen. Back home, such issues are manageable; in Mexico, they can be overwhelming as theft is the number one exposure followed by property damage. A full coverage policy for driving in Mexico is a smart move if you'd like total peace of mind. In the unlikely event that your car is damaged or stolen, you won't feel like you've left a huge wad of cash behind in Mexico. Looking back, you'll remember your vacation with fondness - instead of with regret.

Author Linden Gray, founder of Mexican Insurance Store.com is an international online insurance veteran with over 32 years of wholesale, retail, and company insurance experience. Mr. Gray has been featured in numerous offline & online publications including RV Magazine, The Press Enterprise, PE.com, Google News, Yahoo News, Reddit, Digg and Buzzle. Visit Mexican Insurance Store.com for more facinating information and resources about Mexico and Mexican Car Insurance.

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

Imagine a city that has the culture and nightlife of New York and the climate of L.A. Roll the two top American cities into one and you have Mexico City. It is the most populated city in Mexico and the country's center.

You do not have to leave your car at home when you travel to Mexico as long as you purchase Mexican auto insurance. This special Mexican auto insurance cover takes the place of your U.S. or Canada policy which does not provide coverage south of the border. The best way to get Mexican car insurance is online before you ever leave home. Look for websites with Mexico auto isurance information and resources so that you can make a more educated choice. All coverage is not created equal. You will save time, money and frustration buyinfg online from leading purveyors such as Mexican Insurance Store.com.

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and is located in the center of the country in what is known as the Valley of Mexico surrounded by beautiful mountains. The metro area is home to more than 20 million people and is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city has experienced amazing growth over the last 50 years fueled in large part by hosting the Olympic games in 1968.

Number one among the must see attractions in Mexico City is Teotihuacan which is known as the place where men became gods. It is located northeast of Mexico City and is one of oldest known cities in North America. This is where you will find the pyramid of the sun built in the first century AD and the pyramid of the moon which was constructed a few years later. There are a number of other historic ruins on the site which feature murals of early leaders and tributes to the gods.

There is much more history to discover in Mexico City. The Templo Mayor located in the historic center of the city was part of an ancient Aztec city that dates back to the 1300's. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Zocalo as it is called in Mexico is also home to the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The place was built on the grounds of the home of Montezuma and dates back to the 1500's.

One of the greatest collections of artifacts from Montezuma and the Aztec era is at the National Anthropological Museum in Mexico City. Exploring the 100,000 square feet of exhibit space will take you all day. It is divided into time periods and features not only the Aztec story but the Mayan and Olmec civilizations as well. It is located in Chapultepec Park which is home to the Museum of Modern Art and a zoo which dates back to the 1500's. Mexico City Deserves a Visit!

Author Linden Gray, founder of Mexican Insurance Store.com is an international online insurance veteran with over 32 years of wholesale, retail, and company insurance experience. Mr. Gray has been featured in numerous offline & online publications including RV Magazine, The Press Enterprise, PE.com, Google News, Yahoo News, Reddit, Digg and Buzzle. Visit Mexican Insurance Store.com for more facinating information and resources about Mexico and Mexican Car Insurance.

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

Hop on Highway One and you will find the perfect spot for a fun filled getaway. Cabo San Lucas is a party town featuring beautiful beaches and incredible nightlife. The experience can be made even better by traveling by car over what has been called one of the most gorgeous drives in North America.

Before taking off on your car trip to Cabo get Mexican Insurance. You need to have Mexican Car Insurance to travel through Mexico because American and Canadian policies are not valid. By purchasing Mexico Auto Insurance in advance you will have legal, and financial protection if you are involved in an accident.

Baja Mexico Travel

The trip to Cabo San Lucas takes you through the Baja Peninsula. As you travel this strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and Cortez Sea you will pass through amazing vistas. You will travel through mountains and desert to reach your final destination of Cabo which is known as the “Jewel of the Baja Peninsula.” Cabo is located at the southern tip of the peninsula and boasts of an average year round temperature of 78 degrees. Cabo was once a small fishing village but was turned into an exclusive resort town after tourists discovered miles and miles of beautiful deserted beaches.

The most famous beach is Playa Medano. It is several miles long and stretches from the east side of the harbor to the town of Villa del Palmer. This is where the action is in Cabo with a variety of bars and restaurants and a wide variety of activities. In addition to swimming, this is where you can rent jet skis or kayaks, go parasailing or take a trip out on a glass bottom boat. Among the popular hangouts are The Office, Mango Deck and Billygan's Island which feature all day happy hours.

Cabo was first a fishing village and remains one of the top spots for sport fishing in the world. Sailfish, mahi mahi and tuna are abundant in the waters off of the coast. Marlin bay is located right off of Cabo and was named for the trophy size catches that the city has become famous for. There are a number of charter services available to take you out. The latest fishing report for Cabo shows steady marlin action continues on the East Coast, north of Gordo Banks. Crews report catching billfish in the 300-700 pound range. How About Getting Away to Cabo Mexico?

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

Mexico is a fascinating country to explore. In addition to its hundreds of miles of stunning coastline, this south-of-the-border nation is bursting at its seams with exceptional cultural and historical attractions. The most convenient way to experience Mexico is by car; however, you have to make sure that you arrive in the country with quality Mexican Car Insurance already in hand. Why is it so important to have a topnotch policy before arriving in Mexico? Read on below to find out.

More than a Slap on the Wrist

In most parts of the U.S., it's technically not legal to drive around without valid insurance. If you are stopped, though, you'll usually just receive a ticket. If you can produce proof of insurance at a later date, additional punishments are generally waived. The same is hardly true in Mexico. Without valid Mexican Insurance, you run the risk of facing serious criminal charges. If you get into a car accident in Mexico without Mexico Insurance, you could spend significant time behind bars. Considering how easy it is to get decent insurance for driving in Mexico, it's foolhardy to go without it.

The Typical Costs of an Accident in Mexico

To give you an idea about what can happen to you if you're involved in a minor fender-bender in Mexico without insurance, consider these points. Your car will usually be impounded by the police right away. You will be taken to the local police station; at minimum, you will be retained until somebody arrives to post your exorbitant bail. In some cases, you may not even be eligible to bond out. Before you can get your car out of impound, you'll have to pony up the cash to pay for the necessary repairs of your victim's car. Needless to say, the truth is often stretched in terms of cost - and you could be out-of-pocket thousands of dollars before everything is said and done.

Don't Risk It!

Before you even think about planning a trip into Mexico, it's imperative to procure first-rate Mexican car insurance for driving in that country. U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico, so don't be fooled into thinking that you're covered. An insurance policy for driving in Mexico shouldn't cost very much money at all; the main thing to keep in mind is to purchase it from a reputable online dealer. Buying your Mexican insurance online is vastly preferable to buying it from the shacks along the border, where you run the risk of buying insufficient or invalid insurance. Protect yourself and your family by investing in quality Mexico insurance.

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

Before heading south of the border, it's important to plan ahead and cover all of your legal bases. Mexico is a safe, inviting country - especially for those who travel with the right Mexican Auto Insurance. If you've never purchased it before - or if you've been burned in the past - it helps to study up before leaving. Below, you'll find a quick and easy selection of tips regarding what to look for when buying Mexican car Insurance for Mexico travel.

Are the Policies Paper-Generated or Online?

Thanks to great advancements in modern technology, information can be transmitted in the blink of an eye. Why invest in a Mexico auto insurance policy that's hand written on paper - and difficult for authorities to verify - when you can buy one online and rest assured that it's been instantly transmitted? Skip over any Mexican auto insurance company who can't guarantee an online policy, and be wary of those who insist on handing you a hand written policy. The reality is, online insurance is always the best course of action.

What Kinds of Ratings Does the Company Have?

Another pitfall that many visitors to Mexico encounter when buying insurance is dealing with less-than-reputable agencies. The last thing that you want to do is invest in Mexican car insurance, only to discover that the agency who provided it has rock-bottom ratings. Topnotch companies will be very transparent about their ratings with prestigious organizations like A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. There's no reason to risk your freedom, or the quality of your trip, by dealing with any company that isn't up to par with its ratings.

How Many Drivers are Approved Per Policy?

All too often, insurance providers reel prospective customers in by advertising remarkably low rates for their insurance polices for Mexico. Upon signing up, these customers are informed that their policies only cover one driver - additional drivers add significant amounts of money to the original policy. Who needs that? It's more than possible to find an insurance policy for travel in Mexico that covers any and all drivers that you'll need - without costing you any extra money.

What Kind of Experience do They Have?

When it comes to buying insurance for driving in Mexico, experience counts. When a Mexico auto insurance company has plenty of years of it, they are much more likely to provide sound service and quality policies. Fly-by-night organizations are generally only in it to make some quick cash - and if they disappear, so does your policy. By keeping all of these points in mind, you should be able to find a topnotch insurance policy for your next Mexican adventure!

Mexican Auto Insurance and Mexico Insurance Blog

Review Current Mexico Travel Articles and  Tips For Visitors Driving South Of the Border!

While many people are vaguely aware of Mexico's recent history, many are quite unaware of its colonial past. Historians will agree that Mexico had a proud, fascinating colonial history - and Saltillo is one of the best places to get a feel for it. To pay a visit to this historic northern city, buy some Mexican Insurance online and plan a trip. The journey is relatively simple, and topnotch Mexican Car Insurance will help keep you from running into any legal trouble. After experiencing the city firsthand, you'll see why so many people take day trips from various points in Texas to see it for themselves.

Plotting a Course to Saltillo

Saltillo is an ideal place to visit, especially if you're looking for a convenient day trip from McAllen or Laredo. You can cross into Mexico from either point, then head south towards Monterrey via Mexico Highway 85. Make sure that you have your Mexico Auto Insurance in hand for the trip. Once you hit Monterrey, head west on Mexico Highway 40 for Saltillo. Simply follow the signs; you'll arrive in the city within an hour. For best results, make plans about what you'd like to see in Saltillo prior to leaving.

Enjoy Art and Architecture in Saltillo

As a college and manufacturing town, Saltillo is definitely bustling. It's also a prime cultural center, boasting plenty of art and architecture. The money that you spend on Mexican insurance will be well worth it, when you visit places like the Palacio de Gobierno.

This statehouse was built during the colonial era; it boasts magnificent murals by Salvador Tarazona and plenty of breezy courtyards. The Cathedral of Saltillo is another great place to visit. It was built during the middle of the 18th century - don't miss its silver-plated altar.

Try a Local Specialty

Mexican cuisine varies considerably from place to place. In Saltillo, the dish of choice has to be pan de pulque. This light, airy bread is created using a unique process that incorporates agave juice into the batter. You can find pan de pulque all over Saltillo. After you're completely sated, you'll probably be ready to head back home. Double check that you have your Mexican car insurance handy, then plot a reverse course back home. You're sure to come away with many fond memories of Saltillo.