Driving through Mexico

[myhat]

What concerns are there for a U.S. citizen who wants to drive their U.S. car through Mexico? Is there any legal paperwork that has to be done, or can they just drive right through with their U.S. paperwork?

[sparks]

You need Mexican auto insurance which you can get online in advance. Beyond KM21 (kilometer 21)(except Baja and Sonora) you need a temporary auto permit. You'll also get a tourist visa at the border or KM21

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

Last time I went to Mexico we bought car insurance at the border in a little kiosk from a clown head. Okay, it wasn't a clown head, but the rest is true. Guess that was a few years ago now though.

[woodeye]

Your US car insurance isn't valid in Mexico and yes you must have coverage for your car while in Mexico which can be purchased at the border . At the border we paid a huge amount for 30 days coverage . We were able to purchase a years coverage for less than we paid for 30 days after arriving in Ajijic.It has been said that you can be deported if you dont have insurance on your car but don't iknow if that is true . One thing for sure is you want to be legal .

[RVGRINGO]

To get that temporary auto importation sticker, you must own the car (not a commercial vehicle) or have permission from the lienholder to remove it from the USA. You will also need a major credit card in the exact same name as the owner/driver of the vehicle. When you leave Mexico, it is vitally important that you stop and have Mexican Customs (Aduana) remove the sticker from the car and give you a receipt, which you will want to keep forever; just in case you ever want to return with a vehicle.