I was checking my GPS tracker on a Tuesday afternoon and my heart stopped. My 2025 Ford Explorer was crossing the San Ysidro border into Tijuana. The guest never asked for permission. I called Turo support, and they read me a script about “prohibited use,” but didn’t answer the big question: If it gets stolen in Mexico tonight, am I paid?
Key Takeaways
- Insurance Stops at the Border: Almost all US auto policies (including Turo’s standard protection) have a “Territory” clause limiting coverage to the US and Canada. Mexico is excluded unless specific Mexican liability insurance is purchased.
- It is “Unauthorized Use”: Taking a car to Mexico without written permission is a major Terms of Service violation.
- Theft is (Usually) Covered: While liability (hitting someone else) is void in Mexico, the theft of the vehicle itself is often covered by Turo under “Conversion” because the guest stole the car by taking it outside the agreed territory.
- Impound Risk: If the Mexican police stop the car and the driver has no Mexican insurance, the car will be impounded. Getting a car out of a Mexican impound is a nightmare.
The “Why”: The Territory Clause
Check your personal policy and Turo’s policy.
- Clause: Policy applies only to accidents and losses that occur within the United States, its territories, and Canada.
- Mexico Law: Mexico does not recognize US insurance. You must have a Mexican-issued policy to drive legally there. Without it, a crash means jail for the driver and impound for the car.
The Investigation: The Recovery Protocol
I spoke to a border recovery specialist.
- Scenario: Guest drives to Ensenada.
- Risk: If they crash, Turo’s US liability policy pays $0 to the Mexican victim. The driver goes to jail. The car sits in a yard.
- Turo’s Stance: If you allowed the trip (via messaging), you might be liable for facilitating it without proper insurance. If you didn’t know, Turo treats the guest as a contract violator. Turo usually covers the physical damage to your car if you were unaware.
Comparison: Cross-Border Permissions
| Destination | Turo Coverage? | Required Action |
| Canada | YES | Keep insurance card in car. Canadian non-resident card recommended. |
| Mexico | NO (Liability) / Maybe (Hull) | PROHIBITED by most hosts. Requires separate Mexican Insurance policy. |
| State-to-State | YES | No action needed. |
[IMAGE: Map screenshot from a GPS tracker showing the vehicle crossing the international border line, timestamped]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call the Guest Immediately: “You have crossed an international border in violation of the rental agreement. Coverage is void. Turn around immediately or I will report the vehicle stolen.”
- Call Turo Trust & Safety: Report “Prohibited Use – Vehicle in Mexico.” Demand they contact the guest.
- Prepare for Repo: If the guest stops communicating, you need a border-specialist repo team. Standard US repo trucks cannot cross the border.
- Do Not Enter Mexico Yourself: Unless you are experienced, do not go try to find the car in Tijuana with a spare key. It is dangerous.
FAQ
Can I approve a Mexico trip if I want to?
Only if you buy a separate commercial policy that covers Mexico (rare) and the guest buys Mexican liability insurance. Turo does not support this natively.
What if the car is stolen in Mexico?
If the guest took it there without permission, Turo should cover it as a “Conversion” claim. If you gave permission, Turo might deny you for “Material Misrepresentation” (allowing the car into an excluded zone).
Does my personal Geico policy cover Mexico?
No. Never. Some offer a “limited endorsement” for 50 miles past the border, but don’t count on it for a rental.