Tips you should know before driving down Mexico

INSURANCE

If you're going to do any driving in Mexico, there are several things
that you should know about auto insurance requirements and driving
safety before you go to ensure a hassle-free trip.

€ ¦’µ Mexican auto insurance requirements

Though U.S. drivers licenses are valid in Mexico, your American auto
insurance is not. Mexican authorities do not recognize American
insurance company's property damage and bodily injury liability
coverages. Most collision and comprehensive coverages issued by
American auto insurance companies are also considered invalid. Thus,
the Mexican government requires Mexican auto insurance for all
vehicles driven into Mexico and for all vehicles rented in Mexico.

€ ¦’µ Buying Mexican auto insurance

If you're crossing the U.S.-Mexican border in your own car, you can
easily purchase Mexican auto insurance on the U.S. side before
traveling into Mexico, You can also buy this coverage in most Mexican
border cities and towns.

If you need to buy Mexican auto insurance, Esurance recommends
visiting the International Insurance Group to get an instant quote
online. The International Insurance Group is the only insurance
company to offer Mexican Tourist auto insurance from five of Mexico's
top insurance companies -- so you'll be sure you're getting the best
price around.

You should purchase auto insurance coverage roughly equivalent to the
auto insurance coverage you carry in the United States. At the very
least, you should buy Mexican liability insurance with liability
limits comparable to what you carry on your auto insurance policy at
home.

€ ¦’µ Off to jail you go

If you're held responsible for an accident in Mexico and don't have
Mexican liability insurance, there's a strong likelihood that you
will have to spend some time in jail until the authorities are
satisfied that you can pay for damages. You may also face criminal
charges if you are held responsible for an accident resulting in
serious damages or injuries.

Regardless of whether you have Mexican auto insurance, if you are
involved in an accident you will likely be taken into police custody
until responsibility for the accident is determined and until the
ability to pay for damages is ascertained.

As in any country, never drive while under the influence. In Mexico,
auto insurance is considered invalid if a driver is found to be under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.

€ ¦’µ Rental cars and auto insurance

If you rent a car in Mexico, insurance is included in most Mexican
car rental contracts. However, it typically offers extremely low
liability coverage. If you are held responsible for an accident, this
auto insurance coverage may not be enough to help you pay for damages
and injuries.

Since Mexican law requires drivers who caused accidents to be jailed
until they have met financial obligations to injured parties plus the
rental car company, most car renters should purchase additional
liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages in order to meet
these costs. Be sure to read your rental contract carefully to
determine how much additional auto insurance coverage you may need.

€ ¦’µ Driving pointers

If you're planning to drive in areas with few roadside services,
prepare your car by having it tuned up before you leave the United
States and pack an extra fan belt or any other spare parts you feel
you need. If you do bring spare parts into Mexico, be sure to declare
them when you enter the country. On leaving, show that you are taking
the unused parts with you or that you had the parts installed in
Mexico by providing Mexican Customs with your repair receipts.

In more remote areas, it's also useful to bring a flexible funnel to
help fill your gas tank, since some gas pumps have nozzles that are
too large to fit into unleaded tanks. Packing a basic first-aid kit
and an emergency water supply is also a good idea.

No matter where you are in Mexico, if you have a driving emergency,
you can always call the Green Angels. The Green Angels are bilingual
crews who drive radio-dispatched trucks and give roadside assistance.
They provide basic supplies, first aid, automotive help and
protection. The Green Angels' services are generally free, except for
the cost of parts, gas and oil.

€ ¦’µ Beyond border areas

If you're planning to drive in Mexico beyond the Border Zone and Free
Trade Zone (which includes the Baja California Peninsula and the
Sonora Free Trade Zone), you may need to obtain a temporary
importation permit for your vehicle. Check with your nearest Mexican
consulate for specific details concerning the requirements for this
permit.

€ ¦’µ More information

If you have any questions concerning driving or auto insurance
regulations in Mexico, contact the nearest Mexican consulate. Mexican
consular offices are located in many large American cities.

The Mexico Government Tourist Organization can also answer driving
safety and auto insurance-related questions.

Janie Basile works for the insurance company Esurance.
www.esurance.com.