Mexpro Mexico Car Insurance Travel Blog

List of United States-Mexico Border Crossings

By Roxanna McDade @ Mexpro.com

 

You have packed up your car, bought your Mexican auto insurance online and now you are ready to head to Mexico for a much needed beach vacation. The one thing you’ve not planned is your route to Mexico. An important factor is where the border crossing is located. In this article we offer the locations and information about U.S.-Mexico border crossings as well as information on which border crossings allow you to purchase a vehicle import permit for travel outside the Mexico Free Zone.

 

 

California – Baja California

• Interstate 5, San Ysidro, California – Mexican Federal Highway 1, Tijuana, Baja California
• State Route 905, Otay Mesa, California – Blvd. Garita de Otay, Tijuana, Baja California
• State Route 188, Tecate, California – Avenida Presidente Lázaro Cárdenas, Tecate, Baja California
• State Route 111, Calexico, California – Calzada Adolfo López Mateos, Mexicali, Baja California
• State Route 7, Calexico, California – Blvd. Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Mexicali, Baja California
• State Route 186, Andrade, California – Avenida Azucena, Algodones, Baja California

 

Arizona – Sonora

• U.S. Route 95 , San Luis, Arizona – Calle 1, San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora
• State Route 85, Lukeville, Arizona – Benemérito de las Americas, Sonoyta, Sonora
• State Route 286, Sasabe, Arizona – Calle Sásabe, El Sásabe, Sonora
• State Route 189, Nogales, Arizona – Mexican Federal Highway 15, Nogales, Sonora
• Interstate 19, Nogales, Arizona – Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos, Nogales, Sonora
• Towner Avenue, Naco, Arizona – Blvd. Internacional, Naco, Sonora
• U.S. Route 191, Douglas, Arizona – Calzada Panamericana, Agua Prieta, Sonora

 

New Mexico – Chihuahua

• State Road 81, Antelope Wells, New Mexico – Carretera El Berrendo-Janos, El Berrendo, Chihuahua
• State Road 11, Columbus, New Mexico – Calzada 5 de Mayo, Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua
• Pete Domenici Boulevard, Santa Teresa, New Mexico – Paseo Internacional, San Jerónimo, Chihuahua

 

Texas – Chihuahua

• Santa Fe Street, El Paso, Texas – Vial Juan Gabriel, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua (one-way northbound only) (Paso del Norte International Bridge)
• Stanton Street, El Paso, Texas – Calle Lerdo, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua (northbound SENTRI-only) (Stanton Street Bridge)
• Interstate 110, El Paso, Texas – Blvd. Río Bravo, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua (Bridge of the Americas)
• Zaragoza Road, El Paso (Ysleta), Texas – Calle Waterfill, Ciudad Juárez (Zaragosa), Chihuahua (Ysleta–Zaragoza International Bridge)
• Island-Guadalupe Road, Fabens, Texas – Avenida Cruz Rey, Caseta, Chihuahua (Tornillo-Guadalupe Bridge)
• FM 1088, Fort Hancock, Texas – El Porvenir, Chihuahua (Fort Hancock – El Porvenir International Bridge)
• U.S. Route 67, Presidio, Texas – Mexican Federal Highway 16, Ojinaga, Chihuahua (Presidio–Ojinaga International Bridge)

 

Texas – Coahuila

• US Route 277, Del Rio, Texas – Francisco Javier Mina, Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila (Del Río – Ciudad Acuña International Bridge)
• U.S. Route 57, Eagle Pass, Texas = Mexican Federal Highway 57, Piedras Negras, Coahuila (Eagle Pass – Piedras Negras International Bridge)
• South Adams, Eagle Pass, Texas = Libramiento Sur, Piedras Negras, Coahuila (Camino Real International Bridge)

 

Texas – Nuevo León

• State Highway 255, Laredo, Texas – Colombia, Nuevo León (Laredo Bridge 3)

 

Texas – Tamaulipas

• Loop 20, Laredo, Texas – To Mexican Federal Highway 85, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas (Laredo Bridge 4)
• Convent Street, Laredo Texas – Avenida Guerrero, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas (Laredo Bridge 1)
• Interstate 35, Laredo Texas – Blvd. Leandro Valle, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas (Laredo Bridge 2)
• FM 2098 Spur, Falcon Heights, Texas - Blas de la Garza Falcon, Guererro, Tamaulipas (Falcon Dam)
• Bravo Blvd., Roma, Texas – Avenida Venustiano Carranza, Ciudad Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas (Roma – Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge)
• Pete Díaz Ave., Rio Grande City, Texas – Blvd. Ensenada, Ciudad Camargo, Tamaulipas (Rio Grande City – Camargo International Bridge)
• FM 886, Los Ebanos, Texas - Av. Adolfo Lopez Mateo, Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas (hand-pulled ferry crossing)
• Bryan Road, Mission, Texas - Reynosa-Matamoros Highway, Reynosa, Tamaulipas (Anzalduas International Bridge)
• US Route 281, Hidalgo, Texas - Puente Internacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas (McAllen–Hidalgo–Reynosa International Bridge)
• Cage Blvd, Pharr, Texas - Al Puente de Pharr, Reynosa, Tamaulipas (Pharr–Reynosa International Bridge)
• FM 1015, Progreso, Texas - Benito Juarez, Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas (Progreso – Nuevo Progreso International Bridge)
• Cantu Road, Los Indios, Texas - Puente Internacional, Lucio Blanco, Tamaulipas (Free Trade International Bridge)
• Mexico Street, Brownsville, Texas - Las Americas, Matamoros, Tamaulipas (Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge)
• East Gateway Brownsville, Texas - Alvaro Obregon, Matamoros, Tamaulipas (Gateway International Bridge)
• US Route 77, Brownsville, Texas - Mexican Federal Highway 77, Matamoros, Tamaulipas (Veteran's International Bridge)

 

Before choosing your route and depending on how long it will take you to get to the border, you may want to check border crossing times before you cross the border.

 

Click here to see current border crossing times/waits (http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/).

 

Border Crossings Offering Vehicle Import Permits

 

If you are driving outside the Mexico Free Zone you will need a vehicle import permit. These can be obtained at the following border points:

 

We offer links to get border crossing times and information on which border crossings offer the purchase of vehicle import permits, which are required outside the Mexico Free Zone.

 

California Border Points

• Mexicali
• Otay Mesa
• Tecate
• Tijuana

 

Arizona Border Points

• Agua Prieta
• Naco
• Nogales
• San Luis Rio Colorado
• Sonoyta

 

Texas Border Points

• Ciudad Acuña
• Ciudad Juarez
• Ciudad Miguel Alemán
• Columbia
• General Rodrigo M. Quevedo
• Matamoros
• Nuevo Laredo
• Ojinaga
• Piedras Negras
• Reynosa

 

For more information on Vehicle Import Permits click here.

 

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mexico_%E2%80%93_United_States_border_crossings

More on the Mordida - Bitten by the Mordida in Mexico

BY LORI RACKL Travel Editor, Chicago Sun Times

 

During a Mexico vacation last month in Puerto Vallarta, Bill and Julie Heitz of west suburban Glen Ellyn were driving to dinner with a couple of friends who own a timeshare in this popular tourist spot.

 

Shortly before reaching their restaurant, Bill Heitz, 67, was pulled over by three men in police uniforms. Here’s his account of what happened:

 

Waving a baton, one of the officers motioned Heitz to the side of the road. The officer walked up to Heitz’s rental car and told him he was getting a ticket for running a stop sign. Heitz told the officer he didn’t see a stop sign and was just following the car in front of him through the intersection. That car, with Mexican license plates and containing what appeared to be a Mexican family, also had been pulled over. But the police quickly let that car go. Heitz suspects the officers were looking for tourists, not locals.

 

The officer took Heitz’s driver’s license and told him he owed a fine of 800 pesos ($62). He could pay it the following day at a place rather far away, north of the airport.

 

“My wife asked if there was any way we could pay the fine tonight,” Heitz recalled.

 

"Why yes," the officer said. He could pay right here, right now: 500 pesos.

 

“I gave him 500 pesos,” Heitz said. “He handed me my license back. No ticket.”

 

In Mexico, it’s called the “mordida,” or bite — a bribe paid to get out of hot water with unscrupulous authorities, who have been known to trump up bogus traffic charges against tourists — and locals.

 

“I didn’t want to be screwing around with these folks; paying the $42 seemed to be the easiest way out of it,” said Heitz, who walked back to the intersection after dinner. There was no stop sign.

 

To be sure, this kind of corruption isn’t confined to Mexico.

 

I remember relying on my high school German during a shouting match with a couple of crooked cops in what is now the Czech Republic, shortly after the Iron Curtain fell. They said I was speeding. I wasn’t. When I’d run out of German verbs, I reluctantly forked over 20 deutsche marks. They gave me back my passport and sent me on my way with a “Guten tag!”

 

While no part of the world is immune to shady authorities looking to get their palms greased, Mexico’s mordida is a well-known phenomenon. The U.S. State Department’s Web site notes that Americans “have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials” and “tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as police officers or other officials.”

 

The State Department recommends that Americans take down an officer’s name, badge number and patrol car number if they want to file a complaint, and reminds visitors that “offering a bribe to a public official to avoid a ticket or other penalty is a crime in Mexico.”

 

Claudia Quiroz, a spokeswoman for the Mexican Consulate in Chicago, said fines for traffic tickets in Mexico are paid at the local police station — never to a police officer directly. If an officer is asking you to pay a fine on the spot, Quiroz said you should politely refuse and ask for the ticket instead. If the charges are fake, the officer likely will be reluctant to pursue it further.

 

Quiroz said the mordida problem is “getting better, slowly but surely,” but tourists need to be part of the solution by refusing to play the bribe game and “sticking to the right way to do things.”

 

“Mexico is doing a lot of efforts to finish with this practice,” she added.

 

A couple of years ago, Mexico City started a corruption hotline — 089 — that visitors and residents can call to make an anonymous report about potential abuses of power in the country’s capital.

 

In Mexico’s Baja California state, officials are working on plans for a bilingual, tourist-focused police force to patrol a 50-mile tourist corridor from Tijuana through Playas de Rosarito to Ensenada. The plan calls for San Diego cops to help train the officers.

 

Recognizing that mordidas don’t help tourism — the third largest industry in Mexico — the private sector has joined in the fight, too.

 

“In the Cancun and Riviera Maya municipalities there has been a joint effort between car rental companies and local authorities to provide car rental customers with information in each car that lets them know that if they get pulled over for what might seem a questionable traffic violation, they are supposed to be given up to two warnings before they are actually issued a citation and fine,” said Alberto Gomez, an executive with Avis in Mexico.

 

Cancun police were caught in an embarrassing situation earlier this year when officers demanded $300 (U.S.) from the driver of a rental car filled with five American tourists — one of whom happened to be a state senator from Minnesota.

 

When Sen. Michelle Fischbach got home from vacation, she wrote a letter to Cancun’s mayor explaining what happened. The offending cops were canned, and the City of Cancun sent a check to Fischbach for the equivalent of $300.

 

Mexico tourism officials stress that the mordida is the exception, not the rule.

 

“In 2008 we received 18 million American tourists,” said Chicago-based Rodrigo Esponda, Midwest director for the Mexico Tourism Board. “For that amount of tourists, we hear very, very rarely about this. Honestly, I don’t think it’s a very common issue.”

 

Esponda encourages tourists who feel like they’ve been treated unfairly to report it to one of the six Mexico Tourism Board offices in the United States. You can reach the Chicago branch by calling (312) 228-0517, ext. 15, or e-mail chicago@visitmexico.com.

 

It doesn’t hurt to alert the local U.S. Consulate office in Mexico, either. E-mail addresses and phone numbers for those offices can be found on the Web site mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/edirectory.html.

 

“We really appreciate the feedback,” Esponda said. “We’d like every tourist who goes down to Mexico to have a very pleasant experience — and most do.”

 

With the exception of being bitten by the mordida, Heitz’s visit to Puerto Vallarta was just that: a very pleasant experience.

 

“The folks were very nice. All the merchants were accommodating,” he said. “I’d go back down there again. But I don’t know that I’d drive.”

 

What to do if you're about to get bit

 

Advice from bloggers and Web sites on how to handle getting stopped by a crooked cop in Mexico:

• We notify the officer right off – first thing - we live here in Mexico. Occasionally that alone will end the bribe attempt. Their designs are on the fearful and uneducated. They don’t need to get into a verbal joust or engage potential problems – there are plenty of others, read most that will fearfully and willingly shell out the dough.— Viva Veracruz Blog




• Play along: If you happily agree that you would love to drive 30 miles out of your way and stay in the middle of nowhere for an extra night so you can pay the fine, this will likely confuse the police officer. Accustomed to anger and arguments at this point in the bribe scenario, they will be thrown off guard with your willingness to comply with their ridiculous demands ...mthe police officer will often realize you have called his bluff, hand you back the documents and let you continue on your way without paying any bribes. — Drivetheamericas.com




• Before giving them your license, ask for their name and badge number: You gain leverage now because you can later easily identify the official. They would rather remain anonymous. You also let them know that you know what you're doing and are not an ignorant tourist that they can easily manipulate. Once they have your license, they have a certain amount of power over you. You may (and should) refuse to surrender your license until you have recorded this information. Let them see you write it down. If you can't communicate in Spanish, use hand gestures to explain you want to see their badge. (Note: Most officials wear their badge on their chest, which allows you to easily see their name and identification number. If they're not wearing their badge or refuse to give you that information, you can bet they plan on trying to take advantage of you.) — Crosschronicles.com




• Recognize the “scam” for what it is and be willing to pay the roadside officer just to get on with your vacation: If you elect to do this, $10 to $20 (U.S.) is the maximum to pay for such “vacation convenience.” If they want more than this, go to the police station and pay the actual fine for the violation.  — Cozumelinsider.com




• Should you pay a mordida or bribe? I never do. Well, I did once, but I was in a hurry to get back and didn't have the time to fight it. In general, if you can hold out, you can get away without a fine. From a moral standpoint, he who pays a bribe is as guilty as he who asks for one. — Mexicomike.com

Menaje de Casa

From the Viva Veracruz Blog

 

The Spanish title of this entry literally means goods of the house – more to the point this is a list of items you want to bring into Mexico that can be submitted at the border.

 

From what I have read and been told about this process it is time consuming, a hassle and often expensive. Folks that have moved their entire household down to Mexico report that this menaje de casa process can cause extensive delays and expense at the border. Once you have your list it needs to be translated into Spanish. The website www.rollybrook.com has a lot of good information on how to do this, should you be so inclined.

 

While we haven’t moved a household’s worth of furniture and accoutrements to Mexico, we have managed to get quite a number of household items there including ladders, an air compressor, lots of tools, bicycles, solar panels, side tables, shelving and even a big red Italian espresso maker. This next trip down we will bring a hefty load of stuff as we are leaving our home here in the U.S.

 

Our rationale has been as long as we look like tourists rather than part- or full-time Mexican residents, what we bring into the Mexico is less suspect. In other words, if border officials think we are bringing it in for a visit, they assume we will subsequently take it back out.

 

On one occasion, as we were heading down some 135 miles before Xico, at Coasta Esmeralda we were stopped by the military ostensibly to check for drugs. On that occasion a gun toting Army boy asked me why I had a large ladder and a big floor jack strapped onto the top and back end of our camper. I explained that the ladder was needed to clean the tall camper and the jack – well this is a BIG one-ton Ford truck that requires a hefty jack for tire changes. To my credit there was a large spare wheel and tire just inside the door of the camper to support my claim. Apparently accepting my quick, on-my-feet explanation through Anita’s interpretation we were told to drive on with little to do. This was the only time we were questioned about what types of things we were bringing into Mexico.

 

To date I have not paid any official for looking the other way regarding our things of entry. I have paid a few traffic fine mordidas – but I am getting better at ignoring the policia when they motion me to pull over and have yet to be chased down after driving past their flailing arms motioning me to the side of the road. Of course this takes experience and some nerve to blatantly appear to ignore their gestures and command.

 

We have thus far purposely avoided getting our FM3’s in order to be passing the border as tourists. One trip Anita did have her FM3 as we needed it to buy property in Veracruz, but I went in on an FMT (Tourist Visa) and we only showed my documentation on that entry.

 

If you haven’t experienced it, you may have heard of the red light/green light process. At both airline entrances and automobile entries, the Mexican government has a clever light system you must pass through. Should you get a red light you will be searched in some detail, possibly in great detail. This is a luck-of-the-draw kind of thing. Our luck has been good through numerous visits to Mexico we have never had the red light shine upon us.

 

We have pulled trailers, hefted campers in the bed of our trucks and stacked and crammed things to a point of distraction without incident. This next trip we will be pulling a trailer with our big truck with a shell over the bed. We won’t be filled with trepidation as earlier trips, but we are going to be hauling items that will require some tall explaining should we get the dreaded red light.

Why Should I Buy Mexican Car Insurance?

By Andrea Julian

 

Driving a car to Mexico can be a really great experience.  When you drive to Mexico, you will have the freedom to go where you want, when you want.  You can explore Mexico's back roads, take day trips to isolated villages, and see parts of Mexico that most tourists would never get a chance to see. 

 

When planning a driving trip to Mexico, you will need to buy Mexican car insurance.  There are several reasons for this.  One is that it is the law that you have insurance when you drive a car in Mexico.  The other main reason is that your current insurance from America or Canada will not cover you in Mexico. 

 

Mexican authorities do not recognize U.S. and Canadian insurance.  In the event of an auto accident, you will be asked to present your Mexican car insurance.  If you did not buy Mexican car insurance, and have no way to cover the damage caused to the other persons and vehicle you were involved in the accident with (even if the accident was not your fault) you could go to jail and be detained and not allowed to leave the country.  This can be an extremely scary and expensive experience.  Laws are different in Mexico in regards to car accidents.  Sometimes it takes a long time for blame to be assessed in an accident, and the authorities can hold you in jail until it is.  If you are found guilty, you will be expected to pay the damages to the victimized party in cash before you are allowed to leave.

 

It is so easy to buy Mexican car insurance online.  All you have to do is find a reputable broker that sells Mexican auto insurance.  You can get quotes online as well as compare benefits.  Once you have found a good company from which to buy Mexican auto insurance, you will need to tell the customer service agent how long you will be in Mexico and the value of your car.  You will be able to choose liability limits and the level of travel, legal and roadside assistance coverage you would like.  When you buy Mexican car insurance, you will have the option to purchase “fixed deductibles” as well as the option to purchase vandalism and partial theft insurance.  Make sure the company you choose allows you to have the option to have all repairs and claims settled in the U.S. or Canada.

 

Many Mexican insurance companies will also give you options to purchase travel and medical insurance.  This can be an inexpensive way to insure you will be covered in the case of an accident while you are in Mexico.  No one wants to spend their vacation worrying about what could happen, but if you are not prepared, your worst nightmare could become reality.  Save yourself the headache by simply going online to buy Mexican car insurance before you leave on vacation.  For drivers to Mexico, it could be the smartest move you ever make.

Driving a Fast Car in Mexico

From the Viva Veracruz Blog

 

Vacation season is coming fast. Some of you may plan on a trip to Mexico. Here in Mexico we have a situation called “Mordida” (bite).  It has been going on a long time in this country and doesn’t look to be ending any time soon. Mordida is essentially giving a ‘payoff’ to avoid a more problematic traffic ticket.

 

If you have actually perpetrated a traffic infraction mordida might be called expedient justice. In this instance it is efficient and usually will cost less than a comparable infraction in the United States; if nothing else it will not have an effect on your Mexican insurance and driving record.

 

Mordida fees generally run from 50 pesos to as much as 1500 pesos. It is mostly administered with threatening actions about how you will pay more, be delayed or possibly have your vehicle impounded etc. So that when you do give up a couple 500 pesos notes you will go away relieved, until you have time to stew on it.

 

Understand that the penalty fee is negotiable. The more intestinal fortitude you possess the less you will pay. This does not mean the one that shouts the loudest wins – quite the contrary. You must remain calm and polite at all times. You can be firm about your stand but this must be done in a respectable manner. In Mexico generally there will be no gain in exhibiting an upset demeanor – none.

 

We advise not carrying much money in your wallet with your license. DO NOT flash a lot of cash – this is their money in your possession. We usually have a 50 peso and two 100 peso notes – no more. If you don’t have pesos yet then a five and two tens.

 

We use a laminated copy of our actual driver’s license – not the original. It is in a cheap wallet with a few expired credit cards and a temporary membership card to AARP. A few photos are a nice touch – but if they take your wallet it won’t be missed. I have heard of a wallet being held – but have not experienced this.

 

On one occasion I was asked if the license I provided was an original. I explained it was a copy as I didn’t want to lose the original – nothing further was said on that. Do not lie to them.

 

There are a few things you can do to lessen the mordida fee or have it expunged all together. The first I have brought up several times. If we are motioned to pull over by a uniformed person standing next to or in the street, we ignore them and continue driving. Of course this takes great courage – ignoring a police officer’s attempt to detain you.

 

When you spot ahead one of these uniformed bandits, avoid eye contact as you approach and pass them. This will substantiate your story if need be. We have done this more than a dozen times and NEVER have we been chased down. If we do get stopped by an officer with transportation – the plan is simple – we didn’t see the person motioning to us to pull over – simple. Again, we have never been tracked down and we have driven past no less than 12 attempts to pull us over.

 

If you have been here a while you have heard all that. Here is some additional information:

There is a public workers union office specifically charged with investigating police matters and dismissing corrupt officials. Sindicatura is the name of the outfit. That is: SEEN-DEE-KAH-TOO-RA. Regardless of the bribing officer’s ability to understand your Spanish or English, the officer will understand this word. Declaring the word is like driving a stake into Count Dracula’s heart. Actually calling in the Sindicatura group is like notifying ‘Internal Affairs’. The mere mention of Sindicatura will most likely end any further effort to relieve you of your money.

 

If the officer offers the option of going to the Police Station when you know you have not broken some driving law – tell the officer you do want to go to talk to Juez Califvador (WHES CAL-EEF-AH-DOR). This is a qualifying judge. This person will determine whether the fine amount and accused violation(s) is reasonable and appropriate.

 

Using either of these two words and methods will most often be perceived as too much trouble. You will be kindly told to move on.

 

Others have suggested having a camera handy to capture a photo of the officer. Although I have yet to try to grab a photo – this can be a sign of disrespect and might even lead to losing your camera – no experience here on that.

 

We notify the officer right off – first thing - we live here in Mexico. Occasionally that alone will end the bribe attempt. Their designs are on the fearful and uneducated. They don’t need to get into a verbal joust or engage potential problems – there are plenty of others, read most that will fearfully and willingly shell out the dough.

 

Write these words down on paper. Put it in your glove box – a copy in all your cars. Mordida is a fact of life in Mexico. The situation is a lot less threatening than a new visitor usually perceives. We find the police pleasant and even considerate – willing to ‘forgive’ or strike a deal or respond to reason like the two words above. Stay Tuned!

Why You Should Drive a Car To Mexico

By Andrea Julian

 

If you are planning a trip to Mexico and are unsure as to whether or not you should drive your car, read on.  There are many reasons to drive your car to Mexico, but a few reasons you should not.  For example, if your car is in very poor mechanical condition, then you should leave it at home.  No need to ruin a vacation sitting in a repair shop.  However, if your vehicle is in good condition, then by all means, you should drive.  Driving a car to Mexico is an incredible experience and can offer the road trip of a lifetime.  Having a car will allow you to explore at your leisure, get off the beaten tourist path, and see all of the hidden treasures that Mexico has to offer.  Without a car, you will be limited to expensive taxi rides and public transportation.  If you are going to drive a car to Mexico, there are a few things you should know in order to make your trip hassle free.

 

Get your paperwork in order before you hit the border. As an American or Canadian citizen, there is not much paperwork you need to drive into Mexico.  You will need your passports and the registration for the vehicle.  You will also need Mexican auto insurance for the car.  If you are driving an RV, you will want RV insurance for Mexico.  This is easily obtainable online so you don't have to worry about buying it at the border.  Go online and browse the various companies that offer Mexican auto insurance, purchase it, and print the paperwork.  You will need to show the paperwork to the officials at the border when you cross.

 

Buy a good road map for Mexico. Purchasing a Mexico road map before you leave on your trip is good for two reasons.  One, you will be able to plan out your trip before you go.  Being familiar with the roads is always helpful.  Two, it is difficult to find road maps for Mexico once in Mexico.  Some of the more tourist friendly towns may sell them, but don' t hold your breath.  The Guia Roji is hands-down the best road map for Mexico.  You can order it online. A handy online tool is Mexico Road Maps through OntheRoadin.com. 

 

Plan out your overnight stops.  When you drive a car to Mexico, you can travel as far and wide as you please.  However, between northern and southern Mexico, note that there are some wide and open spaces.  Not many towns in northern central Mexico have hotels, so you will want to make sure that you plan on spending the night in a town that has good tourist accommodations.  If you are sticking to the beaches, this is not really an issue.  Its just wise to consider driving times, distances, and places that have hotels available so you don't end up driving all night looking for a hotel.  This is supposed to be a vacation after all!

 

There are so many rewards in store for those that choose to drive a car to Mexico for their vacation.  The roads are great, the people are friendly and the scenery is incredible.  When you drive to Mexico, you are sure to have a vacation that will create amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

The Ins and Outs of Bringing a Car into Mexico: Mexican Car Insurance

By Andrea Julian

 

If you are planning a move to Mexico, either full time or for part of the year, you will most likely want to bring your car. There are many reasons for this. It's easier to get around in a car. Since roads are good in Mexico, it's fun to be able to get out and explore whenever you want without having to worry about the bus schedule. Buying a car in Mexico is expensive for two reasons. One, there are not many car manufactures in Mexico, so most new cars are imported, meaning they are more expensive. Two, used cars are expensive and shot out.  That's why so many Mexicans choose to buy cars in the U.S. and drive them back. So, if you want a car in Mexico, you will most likely want to bring your own.

 

Importing a car into Mexico is a fairly simple process that starts at the border. The one thing you will need to have on you at all times is Mexican car insurance. Mexico law states that in the event of an accident, both parties involved in the accident will be held liable until blame is assessed. If you don't have Mexican car insurance, you can be in big trouble, especially if you are involved in an accident that is your fault. Mexican auto insurance can be bought either at the border or you can buy it online before you begin your trip. As you cross, you will also need to get a vehicle importation permit for the car.

 

If you find yourself in Mexico past your 180-day vehicle import permit limit, you will need to renew it. The place to do this is at the border. You can renew a tourist visa at any immigration (INM) office, but vehicle import permits are usually handled only at the land crossings. If you are nowhere near the border, you can contact the nearest INM office, however, they will probably simply re-direct you to the border.

 

If your Mexican car insurance expires during an extended stay in Mexico, you can quickly renew it online. Simply go to the website where you purchased it and renewal will be as easy or easier than the original purchase.

 

If you do find the need to deal with legal issues while in Mexico - you can hire a Mexican lawyer. Or, you can often purchase extra coverage on a Mexican car insurance policy that will cover you in the event you need personal legal assistance. This extra coverage is available for a small additional fee. Mexican law can be quite confusing, especially if you are not a fluent Spanish speaker. A good lawyer or additional insurance coverage might cost a little more initially but will pay off in the end, especially if you choose to import your car into Mexico and get Mexican auto plates, making it legal (which might be a good idea if you plan on keeping your car in Mexico indefinitely).

 

Driving a car into Mexico is a fairly simple process as long as you retain and keep current paperwork. If you fail to return to the Mexico border and renew your car's vehicle import permit, you could be heavily fined. In addition, it is illegal to sell your car in Mexico while it is under the permit, so keep that in mind. Returning to the border without your car and no proof of what happened to it could result in mucho problemas. However, it is easy to forgo issues by simply keeping your paperwork current, including your Mexican auto insurance. In the end, all the paperwork is worth it in order to have your car when you are in Mexico. It will add to your experience by allowing you to fully explore this beautiful country.

 

Driving to Mexico- Beware of the Mexican Tope-Speed Bump

By: Roxanna McDade, Mexpro.com Web Designer

 

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately that talk about the "tope" or Mexican speed bump. I thought this would be a good time to explain it in detail to those of you who plan on driving to Mexico.

 

Topes come in all shapes and sizes and are constructed of various materials: concrete, asphalt, metal. They can be marked with a sign (as shown right) or painted, or not indicated at all. 

 

Topes are used the same as they are in the U.S., to slow down your vehicle. Driving over topes in Mexico can be a bit more challenging than speed bumps in the U.S., as they tend to be larger--at least that's been my experience. If you drive over a tope too quickly, depending on your vehicle, you could inflict some damage.

 

Topes are usually not located on main roads, but on city roads where businesses, schools, pedestrian crossings, intersections or other dangers require a vehicle to slow down.

 

The Benefits of Buying Mexico Insurance Online

By: Andrea Julian 

 

A critical part of planning a road trip to Mexico is buying Mexico Insurance for your vehicle. You have two options in buying Mexico Insurance for your car. Here are some of the benefits for buying Mexico Insurance online as opposed to at the border.

 

You will save money when you buy your Mexico insurance online.

When you buy Mexico insurance online, you will be able to shop and compare rates and benefits. You can often find special rates that are only available online. Many Mexico insurance companies offer much better rates online through their brokers. In addition, shopping online allows you to search out the lowest rates for the most coverage.

 

Buying Mexico Insurance online will save you time at the border.

While you can easily shop for Mexico insurance online from your home computer or at work, when you get to the border you may be faced with long lines and delays. Border crossings are hot and crowded, and can be confusing to negotiate. Buying Mexico insurance online will eliminate having to leave your car to negotiate a car insurance policy. Crossing the border is usually everyone’s least favorite part of a road trip to Mexico, so why prolong the agony?

 

There is no language barrier when you buy Mexico insurance online.

If you are not a fluent Spanish speaker, you may have issues negotiating the terms of your Mexico insurance policy at the border if the agent is not an English speaker. This can be confusing and frustrating, and you may end up with a policy that is not what you asked for. When you shop for Mexico insurance online, you will be speaking and dealing with a native English speaker so you will be sure that you are getting the policy you asked for.

 

You can customize your policy when you buy Mexico insurance online.

Check out the supplemental insurance opportunities available when you buy Mexico insurance online. You can often get added travel’s insurance, including traveler’s medical coverage, from reputable Mexico insurance companies online. You will be able to customize your insurance policy to fit your needs and schedule easier when you purchase Mexico insurance online.

 

When you buy Mexico insurance online, you can thoroughly research the company’s history.

Like in any business, there are some Mexico insurance companies that do not have the best reputation for taking care of their claims. It is important to thoroughly research the company you are buying Mexico insurance from in order to avoid problems in the future. When you buy Mexico insurance online, you will have the opportunity to check out the company’s history and reputation, a luxury you don’t have when you buy Mexico insurance at the border.

 

Buying Mexico insurance may seem like a small thing at the time of purchase, but if you are involved in an accident in Mexico it will quickly become one of the most important purchases of your life. You want to make sure that you have a policy that completely protects you and your property. Buying Mexico insurance online is a good first step to ensuring that you’re road trip to Mexico is a great one.

 

Why Having Mexican Insurance is So Important

by Andrea Julian

 

While most drivers who enter into Mexico fully insure themselves and their vehicle with full coverage Mexican insurance, some stubborn souls hold out thinking that they will never need it and opt out. This highly unadvisable option can prove to be a very poor decision later on down the road. Here are two of the most important reasons you don’t want to get caught in Mexico driving a vehicle without Mexican insurance.

 

Two words: Mexican Jail. All those horror stories your parents told you when you were young about going to jail in Mexico are true. It is not a place you want to be, and it will be a severe bummer to your next vacation if you spend it in Mexican jail instead of on a Mexican beach. In the event of an accident, if you don’t have a Mexican insurance policy, you will most likely be taken to jail until blame can be determined. This means, even if the accident was not your fault, you can still go to jail until the blame is officially assigned.

 

Some U.S. insurance policies will cover physical damage in the case of your vehicle being involved in an accident in Mexico, but none will cover “civil liability.” Mexican insurance is not very expensive, and it is definitely money well spent if it keeps you from having to spend even one night in a Mexican jail.

 

Not having Mexican Insurance can end up costing you more in the end. The reason that most people decide they don’t need Mexican auto insurance is because they think it costs too much. In reality, the cost of Mexican insurance is relatively low. However, there is no comparison to what you will pay for a Mexican insurance policy and what you will end up paying if you are involved in an accident without having any insurance. You could be looking at thousands of dollars in payouts and legal fees.

 

Mexico is not America. The judicial system works a little differently and its best to protect yourself by purchasing a Mexican insurance policy that will fully cover you in the event of an accident. Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be unprepared.

 

In addition to loss of money and potential jail time, not having Mexican insurance and being involved in an accident will add stress to an already stressful situation. You will lose precious time on your vacation, and end up with a headache in the end. If you are involved in an accident that is your fault and you are uninsured, the police can hold you in jail until you pay off the damages you caused the other motorist. This means both medical fees and the damage to their car. The police will also hold your car as collateral until all debts are paid.

 

That being said, Mexico is a great place to drive to, with lots of scenic roads and beautiful destinations. Mexican insurance is an inexpensive way to protect yourself and your vehicle while driving in Mexico. When planning your next great Mexican road trip adventure, look online to compare Mexican Insurance policies and prices to make sure that you are fully covered before crossing the border. With Mexpro.com you can quote from up to five different A-rated Mexican insurance companies with one quote application.