RVs can be valuable assets to American travelers in Mexico. They can provide a lot of convenience and creature comforts even when you are far from home.
However, driving through Mexico is not the same as staying at a holiday resort. When you’re on Mexican roads in your RV, you face risks that require your care and attention. Take the time before you go to organize your RV’s resources and meet travel responsibilities.
Check with the U.S. State Department and Mexican Authorities
Foreign travel does not simply mean crossing the border. Most Americans have to take citizenship identification along with them. Americans usually must present their passports and other visas to legally enter Mexico. Passports require renewal every few years, and Americans typically have to apply for travel visas with each individual trip. Based on where you travel in Mexico, a visa may not be necessary. Before you go, you have a duty to carry all necessary identification information with you.
Americans may also need special documentation to bring their RV into Mexico. This may include an import permit or other information. To determine what vehicle information you need to present to Mexican authorities, check with the U.S. State Department or the Mexican Embassy.
Learn about State Resources
U.S. and Mexican authorities can be valuable assets beyond getting travel documents. They can help keep you safe during your RV journey. Before setting out on your trip, check with the State Department to see if any travel warnings exist. The U.S. may advise travelers to avoid certain destinations due to potential safety risks. If you know where you plan to travel, you can look over your route to see if you will encounter any potential hazards.
Should you have problems while traveling, you can often contact the State Department directly. You may also be able to visit the U.S. Embassy in Mexico or a local consulate. These authorities assist American visitors with problems arising from travel.
Get Mexican RV Insurance
When you travel, you want to protect your RV, other passengers and other drivers from harm. Should an accident occur, these parties could face physical damage and injuries. This could lead to financial strains. RV insurance can help the RV owner and others afford the costs associated with accidents.
The catch is that Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance policies. Essentially, if you drive into Mexico, your existing American RV coverage becomes null. Thus, if you experience a driving incident during your trip, you won’t have coverage.
Nevertheless, you can buy a Mexican auto insurance policy. This coverage can help you during your trip south of the border. Indeed, Mexican federal and state law require drivers to carry liability insurance. It applies to all drivers, not just Mexican citizens. American tourists are wise to get a specialized Mexican RV policy. If you don’t carry insurance, you could face financial and legal penalties.
Multiple licensed, reputable Mexican insurers work with American agencies to provide specialized coverage to American drivers. A Mexican insurance policy will usually contain similar coverage to an American policy. However, its structure will mirror Mexican insurance law. Americans can usually get a Mexican policy only for the length of their travels in Mexico.
Observing RV Safety in Mexico
Once you have your Mexican insurance policy, you may be ready to hit the road. Nonetheless, you still have to remain aware of the driving and safety risks you might face in Mexico. Remember, you will be traveling in a foreign country, even if you only drive a short distance past the border.
- Make sure your RV is in good working order before you leave. Once you enter Mexico, you may not have access to familiar maintenance services. You want to reduce the chances of a breakdown as much as possible before you leave.
- Only travel in safe areas, and avoid areas of risk as noted by the State Department or Mexican government. Always remain aware of your surroundings. Venturing into risky areas may put both the RV driver and the vehicle at risk of harm.
- Map out your trip before you go. By knowing your intended route, you can better plan to keep the RV safe and avoid potential risk zones. Keep maps and guides in your RV at all times.
- Follow Mexican driving rules at all times. These may vary from standard U.S. driving practices. You should familiarize yourself with differing practices before crossing the border.
- When living in your RV, always observe pertinent privacy and safety practices. Keep your belongings secure, and watch out for suspicious activity around the vehicle.
With the right care, you face little risk while driving in Mexico. However, you still have to do your due diligence to protect yourself and your RV. Consider doing an internet search to help you plan your trip in Mexico. Various resources provide valuable tips to help Americans make their trip a success.
Need Mexico RV insurance? Look no further. Call MexBound at (619) 535-8777 for a fast, free Mexican insurance quote.