Mexico Auto Insurance: Is Cheap Always Best?

Julieakin • January 15, 2014

Mexico Insurance: Is The Cheapest Policy The Best Policy?

The logo for sanborn 's mexico auto insurance has a sombrero on it. On occasion customers tells us they can purchase Mexico Auto Insurance at the border for as little as $15! Sounds like a great deal for a cheap policy, right? Maybe not.  Read on…

Many Mexico Insurance companies have a stipulation in their policy that “repairs will be adjusted to the customary cost within the Mexican border zone, without exceeding a rate of US $34 per hour ” Considering the average cost in Tucson for accident repairs is $60 an hour, this type of policy leaves a $26 an hour gap in coverage that the policyholder would be responsible to pay, unless they decide to have their vehicle repaired in Mexico.   This gap in coverage can add up to a lot of out of pocket expense, depending on the extent of the repairs.  With that said, is this worth saving a few bucks on the upfront cost of a cheap policy? Probably not!

Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance does not stipulate a per hour cost for vehicle repairs. Additionally, we prefer to have repairs made in the U.S. and therefore it is our goal to deliver your vehicle back to the United States before the repairs begin. This is one of the many benefits that Sanborn’s provides.

For more information on our policy benefits, or to inquire about a quote, please contact one of our Arizona offices to speak with one of our knowledgeable insurance professionals.

May 9, 2025
To update you on what is happening at the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing for our insureds traveling to Rocky Point: Depending on the officer, Mexican authorities (Guardia Nacional) are enforcing the FMM and passport requirements, but not consistently. Some travelers have reported crossing as usual without passports, and officers simply waived them through. Others have reported obtaining FMMs at the border, with all travelers carrying passports. If travelers are transparent and declare any alcohol they’re bringing into Mexico, they are being charged a 114% tax. However, some people reported having alcohol but were waived through by officers and did not pay the tax. It appears enforcement depends on the officer, and tourists are currently taking their chances. It comes down to each traveler’s level of confidence and risk tolerance, as enforcement is not yet consistent. Our company’s recommendation is to follow the law: Process the FMM online Print the form Stop at the INM (Immigration) office at the border to get it stamped Reminder: The FMM tourist permit is only for foreign citizens, not for individuals with dual citizenship. Here is the link to obtain the FMM online (in case travelers ask where to process it before crossing the border): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html The INM Immigration Office is located in the Aduana building. For your reference, the Gastrak/Sanborn’s location in Lukeville and the Aduana building (just to the left after crossing the border) are highlighted. Additional reminders for this border crossing: All vehicles must have a current, original, valid registration OR the original title/notarized copy. Digital copies or images are not accepted. If the vehicle is not owned by the driver (e.g., a company vehicle, borrowed from family or friends), a notarized letter of permission from the owner is required to take the vehicle into Mexico. Border Hours: U.S. and Mexican authorities have agreed that the Lukeville–Sonoyta border crossing to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from March 7 to October 10, 2025.
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