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US and Canadian travelers take extra care in choosing an insurance company at home, but fail to protect themselves adequately while driving in Mexico on vacation or business. It is not always easy to understand Mexican car insurance coverage.

In Mexico Napoleonic Law is applied and practiced, so it is vital that you have protection against the real risk of being “Detained” if you do damage either property damage or bodily injury to third parties in an accident. Mexico is excluded for damages to others in all United States and Canadian issued “Liability” or “Full Coverage” insurance policies and most do not cover collision to you vehicle (some allow collision coverage near the border areas so check with your agent).

To help find top quality Mexican Auto Insurance protection, astute motorists begin by checking financial $ strength, independent ranking, and loss handling reputation and ability of their potential insurer as a first step and then compare internet features, limits, and rate quotes that satisfy their needs as a 2nd step.

Buying insurance from a independently evaluated “A” rated company who provides solid “liability limits” with broad features and quality benefits is the preferred method to buy car insurance for Mexico. The technique discussed is not realistic if you buy coverage at one of the sellers who congrigate near the border, still over the past few years it is getting easier to buy broader coverage that can be comprehended and bought at less expense (fees) if you buy over the internet.

At a minimum, search for insurers with an “A” rating or higher (Published by A.M. Best, or Standard and Poor’s) who are admitted and authorized to sell Mexico car insurance.

If an internet site does not show on the opening page that the insurance company they represent is “A Rated” (this includes Mexico domiciled Insurance Companies), 9 times out of ten they are selling insurance from un-rated or non-rated insurance companies.

A.M. Best, (ambest.com) and Standard and Poor’s (who independently evaluate and rate global, foreign, and domestic insurers) are regarded as the industry financial authorities in the insurance marketplace. In fact, many insurers share business with other insurance companies (reinsurance) and the minimum rating for the past 2 decades is an A.M. Best’s Rating of “A” .

When buying Mexican Insurance coverage, travelers should ask themselves a few questions. Am I able to purchase coverage from an insurer who has a minimum “A” Rating or am I being asked by an agent or broker who runs a website or local agency to accept and purchase coverage from an unrated/not-rated insurer who has a weaker program, but who may pay the agent more commission in order to sell their coverage?

(Keep in mind, annual written premium or the size of an insurance company as a measure of strength or claims paying ability is a questionable measure of fitness. The answer to this question when an broker might not wish to reveal the true nature of your risk could be to say “Why they are the 1st , 2nd, 3rd largest insurer in (any country).

First look at the insurance company rating ( “A” is Standard), next the policy limit and features, and finally the price. Using this Mexico Insurance purchasing method will help you evaluate and compare rate quotes on a clear apples to apples basis and help you get what you pay for should you ever be involved in a car accident or have a loss.

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There are numerous differences between US, Canadian and Mexico automobile Insurance policies. Mexico law states that insurers who are licensed and recognized by Mexico authorities are allowed to provide “liability” insurance covering you against bodily injury or property damage you might do to others. The Republic of Mexico has no policy that dictates insurers to be tested and ranked to evaluate finances or claims paying ability

Your US or Canadian policy may extend physical damage coverage within past the US border for a limited number of miles. (Most do not) Please check with your insurance agent before you leave home. Car Insurance for Mexico is sold a la carte, with numerous unrated insurers limiting coverage in order to appear to reduce price, as there is no “standard” policy coverage.

It should not be surprising, that the insurance companies with the best reputation for paying claims fairly tend to be rated companies. Claims for Property Damage you cause to others are settled on an “actual cash value” basis, guided by Insurance Law. You can check Kelly Blue Book in the US for accurate values

All claims must be placed in Mexico for insurance coverage to apply. Mexico Car Insurance costs, coverage, liability limits, and claims paying ability vary greatly between different Mexico companies. It’s OK to ask questions such as, does the insurer include Legal Assist, Bail Bond, and Roadside Assistance and is it included in the rate? Are the more serious claims handled in the United States, saving you the time, frustration, and expense of traveling multiple times to Mexico to fullfill your legal obligations? Does your coverage allow you to repair your damaged vehicle in the US or Canada, as well as Mexico? Are you buying a postal service paper policy from a local broker,or an electronic internet immediately verified policy?  Is the agent selling policies from un-rated insurance companies? This information will help you tremendously in the unfortunate event of an auto accident

Most Auto Insurance for Mexico policies do not cover Vandalism or Partial Theft, but coverage may be included by with the better programs. Auto Insurance for Mexico is written on a “named perils” basis and “Full Coverage” includes Physical Damage to your vehicle. Hundreds of US insurance brokers, gas station outlets, towing companies etc. offer policies at the border, but you should ask yourself how many agents specialize in Mexico Auto Insurance exclusively? Four or 5 ?

For knowledgeable Car Insurance for Mexico information look directly for agents who do not sell Mexico policies as a sideline, but as a specialty. Numerous agents sell car insurance from non-rated insurers who generally pay higher commissions? There is only one way they can afford to pay higher commissions and that is by restricting the policy wording or limiting claims payments..

As the economy proceeds in a state of uncertainty, it might be most important to get good value for your money by buying a Mexican Car Insurance policy from a financially secure insurer.

You’ll benefit by buying coverage with an experienced specialist. Remember, everybody is always pleased and believes they found a fantastic deal till they have a claim!

Today no mater where you are going if you plan on going there by air then you will end up spending hours in the airport, carrying your possessions around from one gate to another, shuffling bags, purchasing food, and just sitting around and waiting.

The more time travelers spend at the airport, the more travelers’ personal security is an issue. These tips will help minimize the risk of losing your valuable belongings while traveling.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Packing

As the old saying goes security begins at home. When packing your belongings, place the most important items and documents in your carry on bag that you will keep closest to you. That way you will always know where it is and be aware of anyone trying to steal it.

For individuals traveling with jewelry, this means wearing your most valuable jewelry in flight. Large diamond ear studs are fine to wear with everyday travel clothing; other travelers will assume they are fake cubic zirconium earrings, or rhinestones. Large necklaces and bracelets can be worn under a turtleneck sweater or other clothing that masks the neck. Make sure your clasps and hooks are in good repair so you do not accidentally lose your jewelry while walking through the terminal.

What you don’t wear should be packed in a handbag or fanny pack. Caution should be taken when using backpacks – as would-be thieves can open a backpack and remove valuable items without you ever knowing that personal security was breached.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Cash

Every traveler needs some cash at the airport for tips, newspapers, meals, and sundries. However, no traveler should carry more cash than absolutely necessary. Usually about $20 to $30 in fives, tens, and ones will meet the traveler’s need for cash at the airport. Every modern airport has an ATM. If you need cash at your destination, use the airport ATM after you arrive at your final stop. Carrying, and flashing, large amounts of cash create an irresistible temptation for thieves.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Shopping

The best security advice is to travel with a companion who can watch your belongings for you while you shop, eat, and use the restroom. If you are traveling alone, rent a locker to store your belongings while you wait for your flight to board. Even if you need to rent two or more lockers to stow all your belongings, you will be relieved to carry a small key around with you instead of rolling and toting bags and baggage filled with your valuable belongings.

Travelers’ Personal Security – Security Check

In fact the places most travellers lose things is, ironically, while they pass through security. Whenever you pass through the metal detector and you belongings are X-rayed be cognizant of how many trays you have left your belongings in, and be sure you collect the same number and have checked that all your belongings are still there, before leaving the security area.