The Insurance Mistake That Could Cost You Everything in Mexico

A Canadian or U.S.-plated bike in Mexico must have Mexican vehicle insurance in addition to your local (Canadian or U.S.) insurance. Your domestic policy does not cover liability in Mexico. No valid Mexican policy = uninsured under Mexican law, which can lead to serious legal and financial consequences in the event of an accident. Fortunately, there are many reputable insurance providers to choose from, offering everything from liability-only to full coverage with roadside assistance, legal aid, and medical support. 

I've personally used Baja Bound and found their service exceptional. I've also heard consistently positive feedback about Sanborn’s, MexPro, Baja Bound, and Ride Baja—all of which offer reliable coverage tailored to travellers. 

Pro tip!  Keep a printed and digital copy of your insurance documents with you at all times, and also keep a copy on your phone and on the cloud. Basically, keep copies everywhere. 

You may be asked to present proof of coverage at checkpoints, during traffic stops, or in the event of an accident—and cell service isn’t always guaranteed. Having a hard copy in your glove box or tank bag is a smart move.

Arco de San Juan, Merida, Yucatan.

Here’s a list of insurance providers in no particular order:

Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance: Sanborn’s has over 75 years of experience providing auto insurance for travellers to Mexico. They offer customizable policies including liability-only, full coverage, RVs, motorcycles, and more. All policies include 24/7 legal, roadside, and medical assistance. Sanborn’s policies are often printed in U.S. dollars and are recognized throughout Mexico. 

Chubb (formerly ABA Seguros): Chubb is a global insurer with an A++ financial rating. In Mexico, it offers coverage through former ABA Seguros. Plans include liability-only, standard full coverage, and premium options such as the Platinum tier, which includes vandalism, U.S. labor rates, roadside and legal assistance, high liability limits, and repair options in the U.S. or Mexico. Chubb is known for responsive claims and strong financial backing.

Mexico Insurance Services (MexInsurance): MexInsurance  has been in operation since 1956. They offer quick online quotes, bilingual support, and a wide range of policy options including liability, comprehensive, and additional travel-related coverage. Policies are underwritten by top-tier Mexican insurance companies.

Baja Bound: Baja Bound provides a streamlined online quoting experience for a wide range of vehicle types including cars, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. It’s especially convenient for short-term travelers and offers both liability and full coverage.

Ride Baja: Ride Baja specializes in auto, UTV, motorcycle, and RV insurance with policies underwritten by HDI Seguros. Coverage includes physical damage, total theft, medical payments, legal aid, roadside assistance, and bilingual service. They offer U.S.-based claims handling and quick online quotes.

Mexpro: Mexpro is a well-known multi-insurer platform offering access to A-rated Mexican insurance providers. It offers a full range of coverage options—liability, standard full, and premium full coverage with options like legal aid, roadside assistance, and gap coverage. It’s ideal for customizing plans based on vehicle value and trip length.

Cross Border Coverage: This provider allows easy comparison between liability and full coverage plans. It recommends at least $300,000 in liability coverage and offers affordable seasonal or annual rates. It is great for travelers who want transparency and competitive pricing.

SmartGringo: SmartGringo provides robust full coverage with extras such as rental reimbursement, uninsured motorist protection, U.S. labor rate coverage, and 24/7 bilingual customer service. Flexible durations are available from daily to annual plans.

BestMex: BestMex provides fast, flexible coverage options online. Policies can be liability-only or full coverage and are processed quickly with U.S.-based claims service. It’s a good choice for travelers who want convenience and solid support. Website: https://www.bestmex.com

Lewis & Lewis: Lewis & Lewis is a long-standing provider offering customizable durations and high liability limits via Quálitas. It’s trusted by generations of travelers and has reliable service for short-term and long-term travel needs.

MexBorder (also known as BorderMex): MexBorder offers bilingual support and quick coverage for various vehicle types. It includes options for liability, full coverage, roadside assistance, and legal protection. The platform provides a smooth user experience and reliable customer service.

Which is Best?

It obviously depends on who you are, what you ride and what you’re looking for:

• Want comprehensive protection with all the bells and whistles? Chubb’s Platinum or Extended coverage

• Quick & simple? Baja Bound, Ride Baja, or BestMex

• Flexibility? Mexpro or Cross Border Coverage

• Experienced and strong claims handling? Lewis & Lewis

• Bilingual assistance or flexible vehicle types? Sanborn’s or Ride Baja

• Fast quotes and an easy online experience? SmartGringo or MexBorder

• Travelling with extra gear? Sanborn’s 

• Full protection with add-ons? Ride Baja or Mexpro

• Fast purchase process? Cross Border Coverage

• In it for the long-term? Mexico Insurance Services

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.