Denver, February 24, 2009 - A tourist’s regular auto insurance policy is not valid when driving a privately owned vehicle into Mexico. AAA Colorado now offers short-term insurance coverage for individuals driving across the border.

For many years, one of the only ways for Coloradans to acquire auto insurance was to stop at an insurance office near the Mexico border. Now Coloradans can purchase coverage online through AAA Colorado before they travel. The insurance applies only to private passenger vehicles, not rental cars.

When buying any insurance coverage, it is important to check the company’s A.M. Best rating. An A.M. Best rating of "B+" or better generally indicates the carrier is stable and has the financial strength to pay claims. There are fewer than 20 insurance companies in Mexico that offer auto coverage to tourists, and some are unrated. AAA Colorado offers coverage from Grupo Nacional Provincial S.A., an “A” rated Mexican insurance company.

Auto insurance coverage for travel in Mexico, through AAA Colorado, can only be purchased online. A quote and purchase can be comleted at www.AAA.com/MexicoInsurance using a secure online form. The policy can then be printed out before travel begins.

AAA Colorado has more than 525,000 in-state members and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com