Millions of drivers cross the US-Mexico border each year, and while most stay within the free zone, many also take a road trip across Mexico to enjoy the scenery, tastes, and sounds that the country offers independently and at their own pace.
Accident procedures in Mexico may be different
Whether you are driving in the free zone or further inland, if you become involved in a road traffic accident in Mexico, it’s worth having some foresight about how the situation will be dealt with here as procedures and protocols can be different to those practiced in other countries.
What do if you experience a road a traffic accident in Mexico
In the event of an accident happening to you while you’re driving in Mexico, the first thing you should do after making sure that your passengers are alright is to telephone the claims number provided to you by your insurer.
Minor accidents require adjusters to attend the scene
Unlike some countries where minor accidents and ‘fender-benders’ are routinely reported independently by drivers after the event, in Mexico all reported incidents —however minor or major— are attended by insurance adjusters in the moment of the event. The adjusters will assess the damage on-site and file reports on your behalf.
Most accidents tend to be minor incidents whereby some physical damage to vehicles and/or roads need to be assessed, reports filed, and paperwork signed before drivers go on their way and appropriate compensation is arranged thereafter.
Important! File your claim while you’re in Mexico
It’s very important to note that you should file a claim while you are still in Mexico. Some drivers who are involved in relatively minor accidents (or have something stolen from their vehicle) wait until they are back home in the US or Canada and then discover that the claim is not valid. If you intend to claim on your auto insurance—however minor or major—you must do this while you are physically in Mexico.
If your car cannot be driven and needs a tow truck
If your car becomes damaged in an accident to a point where it can no longer be driven, then the insurance company will arrange for a tow-truck to take you and your vehicle to the nearest repair center.
Check the details of your auto insurance coverage policy to know what is and is not included in a towing service and note, if you’re driving a foreign plated vehicle, that policies will not usually cover your vehicle being towed back to the US or Canada for repairs.
Serious road accidents and injuries
If you’re involved in a more serious accident where someone is injured and medical attention is needed, the insurance help-line agent can call the appropriate emergency services to attend the scene if that has not been done already.
If the police become involved, and/or someone is killed as a result of the accident, you and the other drivers present may be arrested until fault is determined and compensation arrangements are agreed. In these circumstances, a good insurance coverage is essential because they will provide the legal support you will need to post bail and cover third party liability if it’s determined that you were at fault. You may also consider calling your home country’s consulate to let them know about your situation.
You’ll need the assistance of a qualified bilingual lawyer, and you’ll likely need to post a bail-bond to be released while investigations take place: appropriate legal and bail services are provided by the insurance company if you’re properly covered. If you don’t have any insurance then you will need to deal with these matters yourself, in Spanish, and pay for bail and legal costs out of your own pocket.
If you or a member of your family become seriously injured in a road accident, a medical evacuation could be triggered if you have a plan in place.
Mexperience is pleased to refer our readers to MexPro auto insurance, a long-established company that offers comprehensive coverages valid in Mexico using English-language policies backed by a fully-licensed US insurance broker.
Auto insurance for your road trip in Mexico
To avoid potentially very serious problems in the event of a car accident, you need to be properly insured with an insurance policy that is valid in Mexico.
Your American or Canadian auto insurance will not suffice because by law, foreign insurance policies cannot cover third party liability in Mexico. You need to purchase a special policy to ensure your journey is properly covered and that you, your car and belongings are protected in case of an accident or other mishap:
Being properly insured means that if you are involved in an accident, the most serious financial and legal consequences will be mitigated and a good insurance policy will also offer a support line that connects you with relevant service providers locally when you need them the most.
Learn more about driving in Mexico
Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.
Mexico in your inbox
Our free newsletter about Mexico brings you a monthly round-up of recently published stories and opportunities, as well as gems from our archives.
