One of the perks of living in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire is how close you are to the Mexican border. Whether you're heading to Rosarito for a weekend getaway, visiting family in Ensenada, or taking a longer trip further south, crossing the border by car is a popular and affordable way to travel. But here's something many people don't realize: your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you in Mexico. Driving across the border without proper Mexican insurance could leave you financially exposed and even land you in legal trouble. Why Your U.S. Policy Doesn't Work in Mexico Most American auto insurance policies either exclude coverage in Mexico entirely or only provide very limited coverage within a narrow border zone. Even if your policy mentions some Mexico coverage, it likely won't be recognized by Mexican authorities in the event of an accident. Mexico operates under a Napoleonic legal system, which means that in a car accident, you can be considered guilty until proven innocent. If you're involved in an accident and can't show proof of valid Mexican insurance, you could be detained, have your vehicle impounded, or face significant out-of-pocket expenses. This isn't meant to scare you. It's just the reality of driving in another country with different laws. What Kind of Mexican Insurance Do You Need? The type of coverage you need depends on how you're crossing the border: Mexico travel insurance. If you're visiting Mexico for a short trip, whether it's a day trip to Tijuana or a week in Puerto Vallarta, travel insurance covers your vehicle, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions for the duration of your trip. This is ideal for vacationers and road-trippers who want peace of mind without a long-term commitment. Mexico resident insurance. If you live in Mexico full-time or part-time, or if you keep a vehicle south of the border, you need comprehensive resident coverage. This protects your vehicle, your home, and your personal property with policies issued by trusted local Mexican insurers. It's designed for people who spend extended periods in Mexico and need ongoing protection. How Easy Is It to Get Covered? At FOCO Insurance, we've made getting Mexican insurance incredibly simple. Through our partnership with Novamar Insurance, you can get an instant quote and purchase coverage online in just a few minutes, before you even start your trip. Whether you need short-term travel coverage or a full resident policy, our team can help you find the right protection. And because we serve San Bernardino's diverse community, our bilingual team is available in both English and Spanish to walk you through your options and answer any questions. Tips for Driving in Mexico Beyond insurance, here are a few tips to make your cross-border drive safer and smoother: Carry your insurance documents with you. Keep your Mexican insurance policy printed or easily accessible on your phone. If you're stopped or involved in an accident, you'll need to show proof of coverage immediately. Know the road rules. Speed limits, road signs, and driving customs can differ from what you're used to in California. Take extra caution, especially on toll roads and rural highways. Avoid driving at night. Road conditions can be unpredictable, and visibility is reduced. If possible, plan your driving during daylight hours. Keep emergency contacts handy. Save your insurance provider's claims number, the U.S. consulate's contact information, and any roadside assistance numbers before you leave. Get Covered Before You Cross Don't let a fun trip turn into a financial nightmare. Getting Mexican insurance takes just a few minutes and gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your time south of the border. FOCO Insurance has been serving San Bernardino families for over 19 years, and helping our community travel safely to Mexico is one of the things we're most proud of. Call us at (866) 315-7564, stop by our office at 2075 E Highland Ave, Suite G, or get your Mexico insurance quote instantly online. Over 500 five-star Google reviews can't be wrong. Trust FOCO Insurance to keep you covered wherever the road takes you.
Living in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire means enjoying stunning mountain views, sunny weather, and a lifestyle that's hard to beat. But it also means living with wildfire risk. Every year, fire season reminds us that the beauty of Southern California comes with real dangers, and being prepared starts with making sure your homeowners insurance is up to the task. Why Wildfire Risk Is Increasing in San Bernardino County San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States by area, and much of that land includes wildland-urban interface zones where neighborhoods meet undeveloped terrain. Properties in foothill areas near the San Bernardino National Forest face particularly high wildfire exposure, but even urban areas aren't immune to smoke damage, ember showers, and evacuations. Drought conditions, rising temperatures, and strong Santa Ana winds have made wildfires more frequent and more destructive across Southern California. For homeowners, this means it's more important than ever to review your coverage before disaster strikes, not after. What Does Standard Homeowners Insurance Cover? A standard homeowners policy typically covers damage to your home's structure, personal property inside the home, and liability if someone is injured on your property. Most policies also include additional living expenses, which helps cover temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered event. However, the details matter. Not all policies offer the same level of protection, and some may have limitations or exclusions related to wildfire damage. That's why a thorough policy review is essential, especially if you haven't looked at your coverage in a few years. Key Questions to Ask About Your Policy Before wildfire season hits, sit down with your insurance agent and ask these important questions: Are my coverage limits up to date? Construction costs and home values have increased significantly in recent years. If your dwelling coverage limit hasn't kept pace, you could be underinsured. Make sure your policy reflects the actual cost to rebuild your home, not just its market value. Do I have replacement cost coverage? There's a big difference between replacement cost and actual cash value. Replacement cost pays to rebuild or replace damaged property at today's prices, while actual cash value factors in depreciation. For wildfire-prone areas, replacement cost coverage is essential. What about my personal belongings? Your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal items add up quickly. Make sure your personal property coverage limits are sufficient and consider creating a home inventory to document what you own. Photos and receipts make the claims process much smoother. Am I covered for additional living expenses? If a wildfire forces you to evacuate and your home is damaged, you'll need somewhere to stay. Additional living expense coverage helps pay for hotel stays, meals, and other costs while your home is being repaired. Check your policy limits to make sure they're adequate. Do I need separate fire insurance? In some high-risk areas, standard homeowners policies may exclude or limit wildfire coverage. If your home is in a designated high-risk zone, you may need to explore the California FAIR Plan or supplemental fire insurance to fill the gaps. How FOCO Insurance Can Help At FOCO Insurance, we understand the unique risks that San Bernardino homeowners face. Our team has been protecting Inland Empire families for over 19 years, and we know how to build a homeowners policy that accounts for California's specific challenges, including wildfire exposure. We'll review your current coverage, identify any gaps, and compare options across multiple carriers to make sure you're fully protected at a price that works for your budget. Whether you're in a foothill neighborhood near the mountains or a more urban part of the city, we'll tailor your policy to your location and your needs. Take Action Before Fire Season The worst time to think about your insurance is after a wildfire has already started. Take 5 minutes now to start a conversation with our team. Call us at (866) 315-7564, visit our office at 2075 E Highland Ave, Suite G in San Bernardino, or get an instant quote online. With over 500 five-star Google reviews, FOCO Insurance is the agency San Bernardino families trust to protect what matters most. Don't wait for the smoke to remind you. Get covered today.
If you've recently been told you need an SR-22, you're probably feeling a mix of confusion and stress. You're not alone. Thousands of California drivers find themselves in this situation every year, and it's not as complicated as it sounds. Here's everything San Bernardino and Inland Empire drivers need to know about SR-22 filings and how to get back on the road quickly. What Exactly Is an SR-22? An SR-22 is not a type of insurance. It's a certificate that your insurance company files with the California DMV to prove you carry the state's minimum required liability coverage. Think of it as a guarantee from your insurer that you're covered. The DMV typically requires an SR-22 after certain violations, including driving without insurance, a DUI or DWI conviction, multiple at-fault accidents, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. If the DMV has notified you that an SR-22 is required, you'll need to act quickly to avoid a license suspension or further penalties. How Long Do You Need an SR-22 in California? In most cases, California requires you to maintain an SR-22 for three years from the date of your conviction or reinstatement. During that time, any lapse in coverage, even for a single day, can reset the clock and lead to additional penalties. That's why it's critical to work with an agency that understands the process and helps you stay compliant. Will an SR-22 Make My Insurance Expensive? An SR-22 filing itself is relatively inexpensive, usually just a small fee. However, because the violations that trigger an SR-22 requirement are considered high-risk, your insurance premiums will likely go up. The good news is that not all carriers charge the same rates for high-risk drivers. At FOCO Insurance, we specialize in helping San Bernardino drivers find affordable SR-22 coverage. Because we work with multiple carriers, we can compare rates and find you the best price available, even with a less-than-perfect driving record. How to Get an SR-22 in San Bernardino Getting an SR-22 doesn't have to be a headache. Here's how the process works at FOCO Insurance: Step 1: Contact us. Call us at (866) 315-7564, visit our office on Highland Ave, or start a quote online. You can even talk to Kelly, our 24/7 voice assistant, to get the process started anytime, day or night. Step 2: We find you coverage. Our team, including agents like Luigi and Marcy who are known for their patience and expertise, will compare rates across multiple carriers to find you affordable liability coverage that meets California's requirements. Step 3: We file the SR-22. Once your policy is in place, we file the SR-22 certificate directly with the California DMV on your behalf. In many cases, you can have proof of coverage the same day. Step 4: You're back on the road. With your SR-22 filed and your coverage active, you can drive legally and with confidence. Don't Wait, Act Now The longer you go without an SR-22 after it's been required, the more complicated things can get. Your license could be suspended, and getting it reinstated becomes more difficult and expensive. FOCO Insurance has been helping San Bernardino drivers navigate SR-22 filings for over 19 years. We make the process fast, affordable, and stress-free. With over 500 five-star Google reviews, you can trust that you're in good hands. Ready to get started? Call us at (866) 315-7564, visit us at 2075 E Highland Ave, Suite G in San Bernardino, or start your quote online. You could be covered in as little as 5 minutes.