Driving to Mexico? What San Bernardino Residents Need to Know About Cross-Border Insurance

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.