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🛡️ Mexican plates in the USA

I live in the US and my car has Mexican plates: what insurance can I buy? (2026)

Yes, you can insure a Mexican-plated car while living in Texas, California or Arizona: Chubb Extended Stay liability for 90, 180 or 365 days, from $250…

📅 2026-09-17⏱️ 2 min read✍️ Timi

The short version

Most tourist policies for Mexican-plated cars exclude people who live, work or study in the United States, and cap trips at 30 consecutive days. Chubb's Extended Stay liability policy, sold by Timi, is the exception: it accepts "Resident in USA or Canada" as the reason for the trip and issues 90, 180 or 365 days of coverage for a car that keeps its Mexican plates.

What you get

Third-party liability (bodily injury and property damage you cause to others) with state split limits such as 30/60/25 in Texas and 30/60/15 in California, or a $100,000 combined single limit; medical expenses for occupants; legal assistance and roadside assistance from Chubb. It does not cover theft or damage to your own car.

What it costs

Real prices quoted by Timi in September 2026 (USD, private car, driver aged 21 to 74; policy fee included)
DaysTourist (trips of up to 30 consecutive days)Extended Stay (work, study, US residence or more than 30 consecutive days)
1 day$12.50 to $15
7 days$42
30 days$85 to $91
90 days$107 to $123$250 to $360
180 days$160$438 to $640
365 days$175 to $185$810 to $1,195

The one requirement

The policy is bought while the car is in Mexico, and coverage starts before you cross the border. You declare this when you buy. If your car is already in the United States, message the chat first so we can review your case before quoting.

What insurance does not solve

Your immigration status, the car's temporary-import status with US Customs and Border Protection, and state registration rules are separate obligations. The policy covers liability while you drive; it is not a permit to keep the car in the US indefinitely.

How to get your exact price

In the Timi chat you give make, model and year, the driver's age, the state where you enter, the reason (tourism, work, study or resident) and the number of days. You see the price before entering any personal data; if you buy, the Chubb policy PDF arrives in minutes. Timi is the licensed agent (CNSF) and Chubb is the insurer.

Insurance for a Mexican-plated car in the USA · Living in the US with a Mexican-plated car · Mexican students · TN visa · Stays longer than 30 days · Quote in the chat

Frequently asked questions

Can I insure my Mexican-plated car if I live in the United States?

Yes. Chubb's Extended Stay liability policy accepts "Resident in USA or Canada" as the reason for the trip, for 90, 180 or 365 days. The car keeps its Mexican plates and must be in Mexico when you buy the policy; coverage starts before you cross.

How much does it cost?

Real quotes from September 2026: 90 days between $250 and $360 USD, 180 days between $438 and $640, and 365 days between $810 and $1,195, depending on the car, the driver's age and the liability limit.

Does it cover damage to my own car?

No. It is third-party liability: bodily injury and property damage you cause to others, up to the limit you choose (state split limits or $100,000 combined). Theft or damage to your own vehicle is not included.

What about the car's import status or registration?

Insurance does not replace US Customs (CBP) temporary-import rules or state registration requirements. Those are separate obligations; the policy covers liability while you drive.

Can coverage start while the car is already in Texas?

No. You buy with the car in Mexico and coverage begins before you cross. If the car is already in the US, write to the chat and we review your case before quoting.

The trip feels better when this part is already handled

Get your quote by chat — no forms, no phone calls, 60 seconds. You drive; we take care of the rest.

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You may also find useful: US liability for Mexican plates · San Diego crossing · Laredo crossing
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