Take the boat south, covered.
A separate permit and fishing licenses may apply too — see what to sort before you launch →
Get a quote
Answer a few questions about the boat on our insurance partner’s site. No login to start.
Buy in minutes
Choose your coverage and dates, then pay. Club rates apply.
Print before you launch
Carry the printed policy aboard. Marinas ask for it — have it ready, not back at the truck.
Why you need it.
Your U.S. or Canadian boat policy almost certainly doesn’t follow you into Mexican waters. Mexico requires liability insurance underwritten by a Mexican company for foreign-flagged vessels, and a home policy with “international” coverage doesn’t satisfy that.
The moment the boat crosses the border, a Mexican policy is what lets you tie up.
Most Mexican marinas require proof of Mexican liability insurance before they’ll let you dock or launch. Without it, you can be turned away at the marina, and authorities can deny port entry, detain the vessel, or fine you. A real Mexican policy keeps you legal and on the water.
Your home policy doesn't follow you
A U.S. or Canadian boat policy — even one that says “international” — won’t be accepted as valid liability for a foreign-flagged vessel in Mexican waters.
A real policy does two things
It covers your civil liability for damage or injury you cause to others on the water, and it includes legal assistance if there’s an incident.
What the coverage does.
Mexican boat liability covers your civil liability for property damage or bodily injury you cause to other people, and comes with legal assistance if there’s an incident. The partner site handles the details and the quote.
Liability & legal assistance
The core of every Mexican boat policy: it protects you against the harm your vessel causes to others, and puts help on your side if something goes wrong.
Civil liability for property damage you cause to others on the water
Civil liability for bodily injury you cause to other people
Optional add-ons may be available on the partner site. Confirm exact inclusions during the quote.
A range of watercraft
From the center-console you trailer down to the personal watercraft on the back deck — most recreational vessels can go on a policy.
Eligible vessel types and size limits are set by the insurer. Confirm yours when you quote.
The partner site confirms eligibility during the quote.
The boat import permit.
Boats are treated differently from cars at the border. The Baja free-zone rule that exempts vehicles does not get a boat off the hook the same way — and the permit comes from Banjercito, not your insurer.
If your boat is over 4.5 m (about 15 ft), you need a Temporary Import Permit.
The 4.5-meter measure includes the trailer you tow it on. The permit is multiple-entry and good for several years, so you’re not redoing it every trip. It’s separate from your insurance and comes from Banjercito only.
Bringing fishing gear? Read this.
If there’s any fishing tackle aboard — a single rod counts — every person on the boat needs a Mexican fishing license, whether they plan to fish or not.
One rod aboard means a license for everyone — fishing or not.
It’s a federal rule under CONAPESCA, and it applies regardless of age. Get the licenses before you go. Showing up without them can mean per-person fines, a confiscated catch, or being held at the dock. Licenses are separate from your insurance and your import permit, but they’re part of the same “don’t get stopped” checklist.
What comes with a Vagabundos policy.
The policy itself is only part of it. What you really want is what stands behind it when something happens on the water.
Legal assistance built in
If there’s an incident on the water, you’ve got legal help as part of the coverage — not a number you’re scrambling to find afterward.
Claims that pay
A policy is only as good as the claims handling behind it. Ours pays out, on time.
Club rates
As a non-profit club with a careful membership and low claims, we negotiate rates a walk-up boater can’t get on their own.
Three separate things, three separate places.
Don’t assume one covers the others. Sort all three at home — it’s a quiet afternoon of paperwork now, or a bad morning at the dock later.
Insurance
Mexican liability, from our partner site, before you cross.
Import permit
From Banjercito, if your boat plus trailer is over 4.5 m (about 15 ft).
Fishing licenses
One per person aboard if any tackle is on the boat.
Straight answers.
Does my U.S. or Canadian boat insurance cover me in Mexico?
Almost never. Mexico requires liability from a Mexican company for foreign-flagged vessels, and home policies — even “international” ones — don’t satisfy it.
Do marinas really check?
Yes. Most Mexican marinas require proof of Mexican liability insurance before you can dock or launch.
Does my boat need an import permit?
If it’s over 4.5 meters, including the trailer, yes — from Banjercito. It’s multiple-entry and good for several years. Confirm the current term and fee when you apply. See the boat permit detail →
Does everyone on board need a fishing license?
If there’s any fishing tackle aboard, yes — every person, fishing or not. It’s a federal CONAPESCA rule. Fishing license detail →
Can you help with a claim?
We’ll explain the policies, terms, and travel questions any time. Claims are handled directly with the insurer — we don’t adjust or negotiate them. Contact us →
Quote, buy, and print your Mexican liability policy.
The regulatory facts on this page were verified against authoritative sources on June 23, 2026. Coverage specifics are set by the insurer; the import-permit term is in flux for 2026 — verify before publishing.