Mexico Insurance Claims Rise 8.1% to MX$142.3 Million in 1Q26

The Mexican insurance sector paid MX$142.3 million in claims in 1Q26 to individuals, families, businesses, and government entities affected by covered events. The total represents an average daily payout of MX$1.5 million, according to data released by the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS). First-quarter indemnifications increased 8.1% year over year, reflecting higher claims activity across multiple business lines.

Norma Alicia Rosas, Director General, AMIS, said the upward trend in indemnification payments demonstrates that the costs of medical care and vehicle repairs continue to rise, while insurance utilization among policyholders has also increased.

A breakdown by segment shows that life insurance generated the highest volume of claims, with payouts totaling MX$53.7 million. Health, medical expenses, and personal accident insurance paid MX$35.5 million, representing an 18% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, automobile insurance claims rose 15% year over year, with insurers disbursing MX$35.2 million in compensation.

The elevated claims environment pushed loss ratios higher in several business lines. The automobile segment and the accident and health sector each recorded a three-percentage-point increase, reaching 53.5% and 57.2%, respectively.

Despite the increase in claims, the industry maintained positive commercial momentum during the January-to-March period. Total written premiums expanded 4.8% on an annual basis to MX$299.9 million, supported by continued demand across major insurance categories.

Rosas noted that the industry has successfully navigated multiple periods of transformation throughout its history, from its modernization during the mid-20th century to today's challenges posed by climate change, demographic shifts, and rapid urbanization. She emphasized that strengthening risk awareness, prevention strategies, and insurance coverage will be essential to building long-term national resilience.

According to AMIS, Mexican insurance companies currently cover risks equivalent to 13 times the country's gross domestic product (GDP), while total premium income amounts to MX$908.79 billion. The industry's portfolio consists of 41% automobile insurance, 21% life insurance, 19% accident and health coverage, 15% property and casualty insurance, and 4% pension products. AMIS projects that pensions will account for 25% of the sector by 2050.

Mexico's insurance industry has more than two centuries of history. The country's first insurer, Compañía de Seguros Marítimos de Nueva España, was founded in Veracruz in 1789. AMIS was established in 1940 as the Association of Damage Insurance Companies before expanding to include life insurers in 1946. Today, the organization represents 85 member companies that account for approximately 99% of all insurance premiums written in Mexico.