Towing in Mexico
City in Mexico
Towing in Mexico – What You Need to Know
Here are some important things to note when you are towing in Mexico. Special thanks to Charles Lundy from Mexico Insurance Services for the info.
You MUST identify the towed unit when trailering in Mexico.
When you add weight to the rear of your automobile, it changes the operating dynamic and risk. Failure to tow behind an insured vehicle without listing the towed unit on the policy puts you at risk of claim denial.
Towed Unit
Whatever you are pulling is referred to as a “towed unit,” and that “towed unit” can be a combination of trailer and ATV, camping trailer, watercraft on the trailer, etc. So, even though you tow a trailer with an automobile on top of it, the “Towed Auto” itself is considered the “towed unit.” On the application for mex-insurance, you can identify multiple items. At MexInsurance.com®, you can specify how much time you need your towed unit covered (days in tow). I recommend you check them out. https://www.mexinsurance.com. If you tow a fine RV camper, you will also want it covered.
3. Towed Unit Value and Rating (Premium)
When you add a towed unit to your policy, you can specify how many days the unit will be in-tow. This allows you to only pay for coverage on the days you need it. When you submit the value of your towed unit, include the trailer’s weight and what is on the trailer (motorcycle, car, ATV, etc….)
4. Towing in Mexico – Coverage and Exclusions
- Towing Motorcycles, ATVs, and Towed Autos
Once you remove the towed unit from the towing vehicle, it will need its insurance policy. You can add Mexican insurance here if the towed unit is street legal, i.e., golf cart, automobile (Jeep, etc.), motorcycle, or a Razor. To add one of these to your mexinsurance account, select Vehicles, then Add Vehicle to your MexInsurance® account. For Razor, Golf Court, and Enduro Motorcycles, choose the “Motorcycle” type of vehicle. Once the car is in your online account, click Policies, then Add Policy, and your vehicle will be available in the drop-down. The exception to this is if you have a towed camper or RV.
- Camper or RV
When your travel trailer or 5th wheel is detached, it does not need its policy. You can either have your camper covered ONLY while it is attached to the trailer, which is typical for auto policies, or you can select a premium package with Chubb to have the camper covered even when it is not attached to the vehicle unless you go through the mexinsurance system mentioned above. They will let you specify how many ‘days-in-tow’ you want coverage for. A big Airstream like the one pictured above could be worth $40,000+, and most policies will not cover it when it detaches from the vehicle. Be mindful of that. I recommend the Columbia border crossing as a final thought on towing in Mexico. Read why here.
I’d like to know if I can tow a 5th wheel and tandem a golf cart behind it. Going to Puerto Penasco in October.
This is good information about insurance needs but I’m still in the dark about getting temporary import permits for a motorhome and a towed car plus a carried Vespa scooter. Could you please advise me.
William, that is a slightly complicated condition but you can get permits, don’t worry. I suggest calling MexInsurance (PH: (855) 639-4265 or 1-855-639-4265) for the latest info. Be glad to help you.
Hi Mike,
I have a boat with a 10′ beam. I will be towing it on its own trailer, which I own.
Do I need a wide load permit to tow it from Nogales to San Carlos, Sonora?
Thanks.
Patrick,
To be honest with you, I don’t know. I do know that people tow some awfully big boat to San Carlos. What I would do is contact the Marina in San Carlos. They will give you the straight answer.
Can I tow a side by side on a trailer through the Sentri line with my pickup that has Sentri? Will be crossing at Mexicali
Not while you’re towing! Contact the Sentri office, in case things have changed.
Can I tow a trailer with my side by side on it behind my 5th wheel trailer?