Mexico - Driving - own car - REQUIRED to have proof of liability insurance (as of 2012)

According to the AAA (American Automobile Association) as of this year a new law is in rigor:

..all drivers in Mexico are now required by law to carry proof of Mexico liability insurance at all times. You can be asked for proof anytime, including at traffic stops, checkpoints and border crossings.

AAA.

Even before this law It would be foolish not to purchase insurance from a Mexican Co at the border or before your trip from your rental car agency. You risk arrest and detention if you are ever in an accident there. It is well worth the $10-20/day or whatever it costs now.

You are correct. Mexico has Napoleonic Code as its basis of law, and your insurance agency acts as guarantor in case of an accident. Without the guarantor, the possibility is being held in "la carcel" (jail) until everything is sorted out (which essentially means if the other person has better connections, you are most likely toast).

It's just that now one even gambles having no insurance because not carrying proof of insurance is basically a status offense and itself is subject to fines, etc. without the necessity of an accident.


Even before this law It would be foolish not to purchase insurance from a Mexican Co at the border or before your trip from your rental car agency. You risk arrest and detention if you are ever in an accident there. It is well worth the $10-20/day or whatever it costs now.