As of September 24, all automobiles being driven on federal highways in Mexico must carry third party liability insurance. The law was passed 18 months ago but has only just been put into effect.
The mandatory insurance requirement will be introduced gradually, depending on the model and sales value of the vehicle.
This year, insurance is required for all vehicles manufactured in 2011 and later with a minimum sales (invoice) value of 186,732 pesos. In 2015, insurance will be obligatory for all cars post-2008 with a sales value of 162,255 pesos or more. By 2019, all vehicles, regardless of their sales value, must be insured to drive on federal roads.
The maximum fine for not driving with insurance is 2,700 pesos (200 dollars).
Only a few Mexican states – including Jalisco – have made third party car insurance compulsory. The new federal law is expected to increase the number of automobiles that are insured in the country, currently about three in ten.