You just moved to the Rio Grande Valley and decided you want to take quick trip to one of the border cities in Mexico for lunch or shopping. But before you make the trip you need to know about the legalities of insurance before you find yourself "detained" in a Mexican jail for failing to show capability of financial responsibility. Although Mexico does not require insurance it does require proof of ability to pay damages which means you need insurance. Mexican law is based upon the Napoleonic code which implies guilt until you are cleared by a court of law.

American auto insurances do not cover driving in Mexico. You can buy insurance via the internet or at many insurance stores on the American side of the border before you cross into Mexico. In order to purchase insurance you will need to have and take with you on your trip at least a photocopy of the registration, a copy of the lease or rental agreement that specifically authorizes the car to be used in Mexico, or if you are borrowing a car then you will need a notarized letter from the owner allowing you to bring the car to Mexico.

The American Automobile Association recommends the minimum you will need is civil liability insurance, which protects you if your vehicle damages someone else's property and/or causes injury or death to persons other than your passengers. However, they recommend full coverage insurance for comprehensive protection. Remember that these insurances are for tourists. If you are doing business in Mexico then a tourist policy may not be valid.

A comprehensive plan should include the following: third party (Civil) liability, medical expenses for driver and occupants, physical damage and total theft of vehicle, legal assistance and bail bond, roadside assistance, partial theft and vandalism, and guaranteed hospital admission.

Chances are that your health insurance will not cover medical care or transportation costs in Mexico. Some credit cards like American Express provide some transportation benefits. Its important that you have an understanding and plan about medical emergencies, rather accident related or not, before you go to Mexico. A sudden heart attack or major traffic accident could occur on just an afternoon trip to Reynosa from McAllen.

Not only should you purchase medical coverage for your Mexican trip but just as important is that you should insure you have coverage for emergency transportation should the need arise. Your coverage should include: air Or land Evacuation, rural Mexico territory, pre- conditions, sport or adventure activity planned (such as surfing, cycling, mountain biking, mountain climbing, snorkeling) civil war Or terrorism exclusions.

If you are involved in accident in Mexico the American Automobile Associate recommends the following:
If you're involved in an accident or loss, do the following:

• Remain at the scene with the parties involved until authorities arrive.
• Do not accept any responsibility, or make any arrangements with other parties involved.
• Report all claims to your insurer before leaving Mexico. AAA's Mexican broker provides a 24-hour, toll-free number for reporting claims in Mexico.

If you suffer the total loss or theft of your vehicle in mainland Mexico (outside Baja California or mainland border towns), be sure to cancel/surrender your vehicle permit to authorities before leaving the country.