how can I drive my american friend's car in mexico?

by abyloca » Sun Oct 12, 2008 05:32 am

Hi, my best friend is getting married in Acapulco, she's from houston, and she plans to drive her car all the way to acapulco, but then she takes off for her honeymoon, so she has asked me to drive her car back to monterrey, I'm mexican, and she's american. How can I make sure that there won't be any problems with me driving her car? I mean in case they pull me over or something.

Total Comments: 8

Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 09:10 pm Post Subject:

Excellent question. Have your best friend talk to your agent. Some policies will cover only a certain mileage into Mexico.

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 01:18 am Post Subject:

Life I never heard of that...Are you saying it actually matters how far someone drives into Mexico?

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 01:24 am Post Subject:

Yes. We have a limit of 75 miles into Mexico - and only for 10 days.

I'm sure other companies have different, if any, limits.

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:42 am Post Subject:

I know there are probaly reasons for this. It sounds like it is like when you rent a vehicle...which I have done plenty of. Would rather run someone elses and have it covered if I break down hundreds of miles away from home.

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 08:03 pm Post Subject:

It is rare that an insurer will actually cover you in Mexico. There are a few carriers that will extend coverage into Mexico, but there are normally limits as to how far into Mexico that you will actually be covered. I always suggested to my clients that they purchase Mexican automobile insurance at the border prior to crossing. This deals with Mexican law.

As far as whether you are covered in your friend's car, normally you would be under most policies. Most contracts contain coverage for "permissive use" of the vehicle. This means that as long as the insured (1) gave you permisison to drive the car, and (2) you have a valid drivers license, you will probably be covered. There are a few contracts out there that do not cover other drivers (commonly called "named driver" policies) that are not listed on the policy.

Have your friend check with their agent and look over the policy as to any restrictions that might be there. Without the proper coverage, if you get ticketed or get into an accident in Mexico, there's a distinct likelihood that you'll end up in a Mexcan jail. This is not good.... :cry:

Int Teacher 8)

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 08:21 pm Post Subject:

Is Mexico's insurance laws much differsnt than our own? Just wondering if anyone knew anything anout them. Also can you purchase auto ins. for only a few days as in this case?

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 08:58 pm Post Subject:

It's not so much that insurance laws might be different in Mexico. It's more that...um...how can I say this...cars tend to disappear on a more frequent basis in Mexico.

Insurance companies want to limit their risk exposure.

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