Home Insurance in Los Cabos: What U.S. Homeowners Need to Know
Karla and Erick Cabo Realty
Last update: 2026-10-28
Karla and Erick Cabo Realty
Last update: 2026-10-28
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
Do you need home insurance in Los Cabos? It’s not required by law in Mexico, but if you own here you should have it. Los Cabos faces hurricanes, and in Mexico hurricane and flood protection is usually an add-on coverage called fenómenos hidrometeorológicos, not part of a basic policy. Most U.S. homeowner policies don’t cover a home in Mexico, so you’ll need a policy written for your property here. This guide explains what to cover, what to ask before you sign, and the mistakes we see owners from California, Texas and Arizona make.
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| Not required By Mexican law (lenders may require it) |
Add-on Hurricane and flood coverage is usually extra |
| 6.5% Of homes in Mexico insured against these natural risks |
Spanish Policies are usually written in Spanish; ask for a translation |
| Coverage | What It Protects | Do You Need It? |
|---|---|---|
| Fire (incendio) | The structure against fire and lightning | Basic, always included |
| Hurricane and flood (fenómenos hidrometeorológicos) | Wind, hurricanes, storm surge and flooding | Essential in Los Cabos. Usually an add-on |
| Earthquake (sismo) | Damage from earthquakes | Often not included automatically; ask |
| Civil liability (responsabilidad civil) | Damage you accidentally cause to others, like a leak into a neighbor’s unit or a guest injured at your pool | Highly recommended, especially if you rent |
| Contents (contenidos) | Furniture, appliances, art and belongings | Yes, if your home is furnished |
| Theft (robo) | Stolen belongings, usually after a police report | Recommended for part-time owners |
| Glass and electronics | Windows, glass doors, TVs and electronics, including voltage spikes | Useful for oceanfront homes with large windows |
☐ Is hurricane and flood coverage included, or do I need to add it?
☐ What is the hurricane deductible? It is often separate from, and higher than, the regular deductible. Ask how it’s calculated.
☐ Is there coinsurance (coaseguro), and how much do I pay of each claim?
☐ Is the home insured for replacement value, not just market value?
☐ What’s excluded? Ask specifically about pools, gardens, palapas, fences, docks and damage from lack of maintenance.
☐ Does it cover me if I rent the home, short-term or long-term? Tell the insurer if you do.
☐ Is there an English version or translation of the policy and the claims process?
☐ How do I file a claim from the U.S., and who helps me locally?
💡 Tip from Karla & Erick: Work with a licensed local broker who can compare several Mexican insurers and explains the policy in English. Before hurricane season, take photos and video of your home and belongings and save them in the cloud. If you ever need to file a claim, that record makes everything faster.
In many condo buildings, the HOA insures the structure and common areas under a master policy, and you insure the interior, your contents and your liability. In a house, you usually insure everything yourself. Before you buy, ask the HOA for a copy of its policy and what it covers, so you don’t pay twice or leave gaps.
Usually not for the home. Most U.S. homeowner policies don’t cover property in Mexico. Some U.S. umbrella liability policies may extend abroad, so ask your carrier. For the home itself, you’ll need a policy written for a property in Mexico.
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. Major direct hits on Los Cabos are rare, but when Hurricane Odile hit in 2014, many owners learned the difference between a basic policy and one with hurricane coverage. See Hurricane Season in Los Cabos: How Often Cabo Gets Hit and How to Protect Your Home.
Plan the cost into your budget from day one. See Understanding Closing Costs When Buying in Mexico and The Cost of Living in Los Cabos vs Major U.S. Cities. Planning to rent it out? See Legal Requirements for Renting Out Your Property in Los Cabos.
Not by Mexican law. Lenders may require it if you finance, and it’s strongly recommended for every owner.
Only if your policy includes hydrometeorological coverage (fenómenos hidrometeorológicos). It’s usually an add-on, so confirm it’s in your policy.
Usually not. You’ll need a policy written for a property in Mexico.
Often not automatically. Ask your broker whether to add it.
Tell your insurer you rent it. Rentals, especially short-term ones, may need different coverage and more liability protection.
Buying in Los Cabos?
We help buyers from California, Texas and Arizona plan the full cost of owning, from closing to insurance and HOA fees, before they make an offer.
Sources: BBVA México, home insurance coverages; IDC Online, coverage for hydrometeorological risks (June 2024, citing industry data); NOAA National Hurricane Center (Eastern Pacific season dates).
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not insurance advice. Coverage, deductibles and exclusions vary by insurer and policy. Compare quotes with a licensed broker and read your policy before signing. Karla & Erick are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties and are not affiliated with any insurer. Information verified October 2026.
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
Your home in Los Cabos, with people who live here.
Karla Andreu and Erick Flores are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties, focused on luxury golf and oceanfront communities: Querencia, Palmilla, Pedregal, Quivira, Diamante, Cabo del Sol, Cabo Real, Club Campestre and Puerto Los Cabos.
Most of our clients come from California, Texas and Arizona. We help them buy, sell and relocate with real market data, honest advice and one clear plan from the first video call to closing day.
No pressure. No surprises. Just the right home for the way you want to live.
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