In Mexico, the scenery is one-of-a-kind, and countless American tourists visit every year. One of the best ways to see the sights on your own schedule is in your RV. You can travel from the Baja Coast to Teotihuacan, all in the comfort of your motor home. Still, Mexican RV
excursions are not without risks. What are some ways you can protect your RV with insurance during your vacation? When planning your excursion, keep the following safety coverage options in mind.
Always Carry Mexican RV Insurance
Your RV serves two functions. First, it’s a vehicle, of course. But, it’s also your home. Both these items need insurance coverage separately. Thus, when you put them together in your RV, you’ll likewise need appropriate protection.
Most American RV owners carry insurance coverage on their vehicle. However, when planning a Mexican vacation, a problem exists in this regard. If you travel into Mexico, your coverage will likely become void. That is because Mexican law does not recognize U.S. auto insurance policies. Differences in insurance markets and practices make such cohesion impossible.
Even so, drivers in Mexico, including Americans, must show proof of financial responsibility to operate. Thus, American RV tourists must carry RV insurance before entering the country.
It’s generally not hard to get this protection. Mexican insurers know that American travelers need coverage. Therefore, most will issue RV policies to qualifying drivers. Policies will align with Mexican law and can come tailored to your individual needs. They can contain coverage like:
- Liability insurance: Covers drivers in case they cause an accident that harms a third party. It can cover medical bills, property damage or other losses to other parties.
- Many liability policies will cover vacation risks, such as damage you cause to RV camp sites.
- Physical damage: Pays for losses from wrecks or other incidents like fires or weather. Your coverage will extend to most of the special appliances in your RV. You can usually qualify to have damage repaired either in the U.S. or Mexico.
- Legal assistance coverage: Because of fault rules in Mexico, some wrecks might lead to temporary arrest. This coverage can help you get protections like lawyers or even bail.
- Personal effects coverage: Covers losses to belongings like clothes, electronics and cooking supplies.
- Travel emergency expense protection: Can help you pay for items like plane tickets home, hotel costs or other unforeseen bills following RV problems.
- Other potential perks, like trailer and golf cart protection exist. Your goal should be to get the most specific protection for your travel needs.
You might wonder if you must pay for a full policy term when you only plan a short trip to Mexico. The good news is, you often don’t. Most Mexican insurers understand that Americans only have a temporary need for coverage. They therefore can restrict policies to only certain active dates. That way, you’ll be able to choose a timeline that suits you. That will likely prove both convenient and financially beneficial. Along with options to adjust your policy limits and deductibles, you can often find your coverage affordable.
Protecting Your RV During Your Vacation
Even once you get RV insurance, that doesn’t mean you are safe automatically. You still have an obligation to protect the vehicle.
Given the value of the vehicle and its contents, any harmful incidents could lead to losses. While your insurance can help, it isn’t supposed to be a cure-all. You must protect your personal asset from losses. Generally, you can protect yourself simply by using good, common sense.
- Keep insurance verification, passports and any vehicle import permits in the vehicle. This can help you always have proof of ownership and information on hand.
- Obey all the rules of the road, just like at home. Take your time and make ample use of signals and other safety warnings.
- Use discretion when driving off of main roads. You might encounter poor maintenance and lighting, livestock and pedestrian risks.
- Many major Mexican interstates are toll roads. Generally, these are the best-kept and safest roads in the country. Have change available to access these points.
- Some risks of highway banditry and organized crime exist on Mexican highways. Do not stop for anyone except a member of law enforcement. Nevertheless, don’t feel uncomfortable asking for help if you need it. Most locals will prove helpful.
- You will find RV parks in most stops on your journey. However, the quality of these may vary. Use discretion when stopping, and map out a route beforehand.
- Carry with you essential camping gear like fresh water, a generator and vehicle tools. They might come in handy in certain camping environments.
- Keep the vehicle secure. Lock the door regardless of whether you are inside or outside the vehicle. Don’t put valuables and money on display. You don’t want to put yourself at risk of theft.
With appropriate care, you’ll have little to worry about during your Mexican RV excursion. If you have any problems, however, appropriate RV insurance can help you. Don’t hesitate to let one of our agents help you get appropriate protection.
Also Read: Seeking Vehicle Repairs in Mexico