Does My Mexico Car Insurance Policy Cover the Items in My Vehicle?
- Last Updated: December 21, 2023 by Roxanna Brock McDade
- Categories:
- Auto Insurance, Christmas
There is nothing worse than having your car broken into, and personal items stolen. Well, actually, it's worse if your Christmas presents are stolen. And as you get ready to drive to Mexico, with a car full of Christmas presents, or even just your favorite beach clothes and toys, you want to know if those items are covered by your insurance policy.
Theft Coverage
With a Mexpro Mexico car insurance policy, your vehicle is covered for total theft, when your vehicle is stolen. Our premium full coverage policies also include partial theft coverage which provides insurance for permanently attached items that get stolen off your vehicle.
Personal Items
Car insurance coverage, whether in Mexico, the U.S., or Canada does not usually cover your vehicle contents. None of Mexpro's top tier Mexico auto insurers cover the personal property in your vehicle in the event of a theft.
If someone breaks the glass of your car window to steal your smartphone, computer, or other personal property, the damage to the window will be covered but not the stolen personal items. This applies even if your things were stored in an RV, travel trailer or towed unit. If you want personal property coverage, you need another kind of insurance policy.
Homeowners or Renters Insurance
Depending on the type of homeowners or renters' insurance (tenants' insurance in Canada) you have, your policy may treat your car as an extension of your home. If that's the case, valuables like a purse, electronics, clothing, and even luggage would be protected from theft when inside your vehicle, just as they would be in your home. This is known as personal property coverage and is standard on most of these types of policies.
However, not every plan automatically provides protection from theft or vandalism. Even if your policy does, make sure that it applies when you travel to Mexico.
Additional Coverage
Personal property coverage on a homeowners or rental policy generally covers clothing, electronics, furniture, decorations, toys and games, tools, and appliances. But some high-end items are not included or have low limits of coverage. These can include jewelry, cash, firearms, antiques, artwork, and collectibles.
If you plan to visit Mexico with high value goods or bring these items back into the U.S. or Canada by car, you'll want to make sure you have additional insurance before you cross the border. If you want to recoup the full value of your valuables should a claim need to be filed, choose replacement value coverage.
There may also be special limits or maximums concerning how much of an item's value will be covered. Likewise, if the items in your vehicle are damaged due to flooding, earthquake, or similar natural causes, they will not automatically be covered. An additional premium specifically for this purpose may be available through your home/rental insurance provider.
Tips for Avoiding Personal Property Theft
When visiting another country, even if you're just driving across a border, it's a good idea to apply a few smart travel tips to avoid theft of personal property:
- Store your personal valuables and gifts out of sight, to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
- Make sure that all gifts are securely packaged to reduce the odds of damage in transit.
- Avoid discussing the contents of your car within earshot of strangers.
- Keep your car doors locked, windows closed, and car alarm activated whenever the car is parked.
- Park in well-lit areas. Choose parking with security cameras or personnel.
- If customs asks you what you are transporting, be honest and cooperative.
- Make sure your homeowners or tenant insurance policy is up to date before you leave for Mexico.
Driving your own vehicle is a more comfortable and less stressful way to travel during the holidays. With the right type of coverage and few savvy tips, you, your loved ones, and the gifts you are bringing will arrive in your Mexican destination, safe, sound, and well-protected.