Has anyone driven from Canada down to Mexico? Looking ar driving down end of February to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas Looking for tips and/or advice


Karla Robbins
Mexico requires local insurance. We've used BestMex a few times doing day trips into Tijuana or weekend in Ensenada. We sprung for the upgraded policy that would have repairs completed in the US. Driving style is much more aggressive. Keep small bills/change in US dollars for toll roads - usually under a $1.

Karla Robbins I came to say the exact thing about toll roads! One time my partner and I got stuck on this toll road that was a more scenic drive in Baja Sur. They made us turn around THEN we got turned around AGAIN!
We were like WE ARE GOING TO DIEEEE ON THIS ROAD
. Finally trying to explain everything in my broken Spanish being like we have nothing only card and the lady was like nope nope nope, thankfullly the person behind us paid for us. We were super thankful but felt really bad as we could afford it but had no cash. It was awfullllllllll!!
Anyways- not trying to deter anyone from road tripping in Mexico it’s my favourite thing to do, but that was an extremely stressful situation. One I’ll never forget for sure haha

Ranee same here, we had to drive on a ‘b’ road because we didn’t have cash, turned out to be ok except for my Mexican wife stating we were going to die every time a truck full of workers past us

Ranee hahahaha! I can picture you guys in this scenario! Hope you’re well and miss your face!

Lorrie awe I miss your face too!! Let’s get together soon!

I lived there for a bit. Although it was years ago now, some things to check….
When we crossed the border, we for whatever reason, decided to spring for the ‘all perils’ option. Our vehicle ended up getting totalled in a landslide. If the all perils had not been selected they would not have covered it. Also, we had to show the original paperwork. Had to dig it out of a mud and water filled glovebox to prove coverage (despite them knowing full well what our policy was). Put it in a ziplock in case of something crazy happening. Find out if your insurance comes with a lawyer in case of accident. That was how accidents got sorted out then. All parties held until proof of coverage and their lawyer was the fastest way to get sorted and on your way. That may have changed now, but I’dcheck.

Yes, to Puerto Vallarta. I stop in Tucson and get Mexican insurance... I've driven it 9 times, by myself. I usually leave Tucson at 5am, stop and do the immigration/car paperwork, drive to Navajoa and then from there to PV. It's a beautiful trip!

Donna they won’t need to do any car paperwork. Sounds like they are staying in the free zone.

Lewis and Lewis are a good insurance company to deal with. Easy to do on line. Drove from saskatoon to San Carlos 2 years ago. Use the toll highways and save receipts from one to the next as it gives extra coverage for free. Don’t travel at night due to animals. Beautiful and easy drive.

Be sure to check out travel advisories for road travel in Mexico. Some states are quite dangerous to drive though due to the cartel violence going on.

Make sure you check with your insurance as most automobile policies do not cover Mexico

Pamela there’s supposedly a place on the border where you can purchase it. $309 for 30 days is what we got quoted

Anonymou oh that's good news

Anonymou usually the monthly price and 6 months are very similar so if planning to stay longer or return later in year, consider 6 month option

I am from Mexico. Please. I hardly recommend NOT TO GO BY CAR. Really risky.

I drove down by myself with my 2 dogs. Calgary to Mazatlan. Had an issue just across the border with air conditioner. Had a few fellows ever so helpful , refused any tips and got me set up with parts. The roads are atrocious! Money for tolls, keep lots of water with you. Pull over when you can to rest and de stress. There are nasty guys pulling over vehicles, do not look at them, look straight ahead. There will also be national indians that will look for tips and put a string across the highway until you put money in their jar. Lots of exciting stuff.

Be careful you don’t get shot going through the states.

James lol. And I was worried about the Mexico portion

If you keep your receipts for your Mexican car insurance, I believe you can get a refund from Icbc if you’re out of the country for long enough. 

Hi, we have done it a couple of times, it is a great drive.

We stop in each state. Also, dont drive in the Mexican side at night time.

Your standard auto insurance does not cover you in Mexico! You need to purchase at the border.

Hi - we have, but it was part of a longer road trip. Are you set on time and month? If not, PCH is incredible and there are many spots along the way worth seeing.

Wends Wends Wends we’re looking at driving from Regina to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas end of February for a month

Are you in an RV? Or moteling it?

Chris driving and motel until we get there and then airbnb
We’ve got a 2015 Mercedes which I’m a bit worried about it being a ‘luxury’ car even though a lot of cars are more money than ours is now

Anonymou believe me the insurance in Mexico will not cover the physical damage to your car. I’m an insurance broker and I’ve had many clients tell me after an accident they get a few thousand bucks after hiring a lawyer. Take an old car that’s not worth much.

One of the things I’ve been told is to not drive an expensive car as it attracts attention.

Get a .36 or .38 piece just to stay on a safe side

Drove from Calgary to Nogales to Manzanillo Jan 1, 2024

Mexican insurance