Driving to Mexico from Texas: Auto Insurance & Documentation

From scenic road trips filled with stunning desert topography to heartwarming family reunions, there are many reasons to venture across the border. Whether you live in San Antonio or McAllen, you may have wondered about traveling to Mexico from Texas. In fact, road-tripping through Mexico can be an enlightening experience, but it is important to be prepared and review the legal and safety requirements before crossing the border. Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana Insurance) understands the importance of proper travel planning and encourages Texas drivers to take the time to secure the necessary documents and coverage before embarking on your South of the Border journey.  

Essential documents for crossing the Texas / Mexico Border 

Can you drive to Mexico from Texas? Most definitely! However, as per the U.S. Department of State, you will need to obtain the correct paperwork. 

Passport & Visa Requirements 

As a U.S.  Citizen or resident you must have a valid passport or green card to cross the border. You will also be tasked with acquiring a Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM card if you plan on traveling more than 12 miles into Mexico. You can obtain this card in advance online or get one directly at the border crossing.  

Vehicle Documents 

Other necessary documents for your cross-border trip will include: 

• A valid driver's license or international driving permit. 
• Your vehicle’s registration and title (must be in the driver’s name or accompanied by 
•  a notarized letter if borrowing/renting a car). 
• A Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP card) for travel beyond the border zone. 

Please note that according to ConsulMex, you can apply for a TVIP card online no earlier than 60 days but no less than seven days before your trip. You can also apply for a TVIP card up to six months before your trip at certain Mexico Consulates in the United States or obtain your card directly at the border crossing before entering Mexico. The U.S. Department of State advises that entering Mexico with an expired U.S. vehicle registration may lead to the confiscation of the vehicle by Mexican authorities. 

Insurance Requirements for Driving in Mexico 

Curious about Mexico car insurance? It is important to note that most U.S. (including Texas) car insurance policies will not be valid in Mexico, and you will need to obtain insurance from either a Mexican insurance company or a U.S. insurance company that works with Mexican insurers. As per Mexican law, your coverage must include both bodily injury, death, and property liability coverage. It is recommended by most insurance companies to secure a limit of at least $300,000.  

You will also have options to acquire additional coverages such as: 

• Medical Payments 
• Collison Coverage 
• Legal Assistance 
• Roadside Assistance  

Depending on what Mexican states you plan on driving through on your travels, you may opt to acquire a higher coverage limit.  

If you plan on driving a rental vehicle to Mexico from Texas you may be able to purchase insurance for your trip through your car rental agency.  

Driving in Mexico safety tips 

Texas to Mexico driving may seem intimidating, but with over 1,250 miles of borderland and 28 crossings, you will have plenty of options when planning your entry for your Mexican road trip.  

Some commonly recommended border crossings include: 

• El Paso - This border town is connected to the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez through multiple bridges and features famously delicious Tex-Mex food. 
• McAllen - Part of the lush Rio Grande country, McAllen is considered a popular border crossing that delivers you directly to Reynosa, Mexico. 
• Laredo - Laredo is connected to Mexico’s Nuevo Laredo and the American side features plenty of parks, tasty food, and recreation. 
• Eagle Pass - This border crossing allows you to enter Piedras Negras and has plenty of room for RVs and vehicle staging. 

To make your cross-border travel as seamless as possible, it is advisable to heed certain safety precautions and obey all posted traffic laws, road signs, and speed limits. If possible, try to avoid traveling at night and plan to do major highway driving during the daytime. In Mexico, many highways are not properly illuminated, and in rural areas you could come face to face with livestock, or a particularly large speed bump, known as a tope.  Lastly, before you set forth on your Texas-Mexico crossing, check to make sure you have multiple copies of all required documents. 

Vehicle preparation & travel tips 

Don’t let a flat tire or low brake fluid throw a wrench in your Mexico plans! Taking a minute to properly prepare your vehicle for multiple hours of travel can be an important step in a successful border crossing. 

Preparing your car for the trip 

Prior to your crossing, it may be beneficial to take your vehicle to a trusted dealership or mechanic for a maintenance check. Have a professional check your tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and wipers. Don’t forget to refresh your first-aid kit supplies and car emergency kit and check to see if your spare tire is in working order. Lastly, make sure to pack sufficient cash or purchase a pass for tolls in Mexico. Many times, toll scanners may be down, so it can be more efficient to carry local currency, called pesos, to pay.  

Returning to Texas 

As per the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you will be required to show a valid U.S. passport, green card, or other acceptable Ready Lane document. Ready Lanes are specified processing lanes for both vehicle passengers and pedestrians traveling with Ready Lane-eligible travel cards, such as U.S. Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, and Enhanced Tribal Cards. etc. If you are a frequent border crosser it may be useful to consider a Ready Lane eligible ID. Please note, even in a Ready Lane your vehicle can be directed to a CBP officer for inspection. While passenger vehicles can be routinely inspected at the border, generally, commercial vehicles are subject to more rigorous inspections. However, if your vehicle is selected, be sure to follow the CBP officer's instructions.  

Please note as per U.S. Customs and Border Protection: 

• All articles acquired in Mexico must be declared. 
• There is a $800 exemption for gifts and personal articles, including one liter of alcoholic beverages per person over 21 every 30 days.
• Cuban cigars are prohibited from importation. 
• Speak with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about importing any medications before crossing into Mexico. 
• No illegal drugs can be brought back from Mexico and any amount and any type found in your vehicle may result in serious fines, seizure of the vehicle, federal record, and/or imprisonment. 
• The importation of switchblade knives, sea turtle boots, or any other articles of endangered species (i.e. spotted cats, coral, crocodiles, elephants, etc) is prohibited. 

From discovering the ancient history of the Mayan Pyramids to planning a surprise birthday visit for your abuela, a road trip from Texas to Mexico can be a fun and cost-effective way to travel. In addition to your valid passport, license, and necessary permits, be sure to purchase the appropriate Mexican auto insurance before your Texas crossing.  

A Abana Insurance is proud to serve communities all over Texas, with multiple retail locations and a team of over 50 Spanish-bilingual agents.  

If you are curious about your U.S. auto coverage or just want a free quote, call A Abana Insurance today at 214-764-8868!