Road trip to San Felipe – 5 Important Tips When Driving in Mexico

by West Coast Global Insurance West Coast Global Insurance

Located on the Sea of Cortez about 130 miles from the Imperial County, California border crossing station, San Felipe is one of the most picturesque small towns in the Baja California Peninsula.

While San Felipe is a beautiful place to visit for a quick weekend trip, there are a few things you should know before embarking on your road trip.

Buy car insurance.

Your American auto insurance will not cover you when driving in Mexico, so you will need to get a Mexican Car insurance policy before you enter into Mexico and get behind the wheel. If you get into a car accident on your road trip in Mexico, having Mexican auto insurance is essential to keep you out of legal and financial trouble. West Coast Global Insurance Services can help you find the best Mexican auto insurance coverage for your unique needs.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Driving in a foreign country can be a bit nerve-wracking. Throw in a lack of language comprehension, a robust infrastructure, traffic signals, and so forth, and it only seems more daunting. So it is pretty reasonable if you are nervous. Relax and remember that, despite the chaos, there is order. Make sure you are familiar with the rules of the Mexican road, drive defensively, and you should be fine if you drive defensively.

Mileage is marked in kilometers.

When driving in Mexico, another thing to keep in mind is that Mexico uses kilometers rather than miles — like practically everywhere else outside of the United States. Do the mental conversion using a km as ⅗ of a mile. If the speed limit is 110 km/h, do not exceed that speed, or you will be in some serious legal trouble.

Avoid driving at night.

Driving at night in Mexico is a bad idea for several reasons. The Green Angels (or Ángeles Verdes) are not on patrol. They are a tourist assistance organization that provides roadside assistance. Furthermore, you cannot see the speed bumps and potholes at night because most Mexican roads are poorly lit. If you decide to drive at night, you are almost likely to run into trouble, so do not do it. Even the Department of State advises American tourists to drive in Mexico only during daylight.

Passing other cars.

Because many Mexican roads have only one lane on either side, passing is important — especially when following a truck. When passing, always use your turn signal and keep an eye on the other lane! You will need more room than you think to pass, so make sure no vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction. Furthermore, many Mexican roads (especially those along the beaches) are windy. Be patient because you will be driving for 10 miles or more without seeing a lane that is straight enough to pass safely.

Get Your Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance Quote Today!

If you are driving to San Felipe, West Coast Global Insurance Services has made it easy to protect yourself from the unexpected. Fill out their Mexico Auto Insurance Application to get a quote for the best online Mexican insurance for your needs in a few easy steps.