Car Accidents in Mexico Happen! Will You Be Properly Covered?

by West Coast Global Insurance West Coast Global Insurance

Every year, millions of Americans cross the U.S.-Mexico border to enjoy the beauty, flavors, and cultures of our neighbor to the south. What happens, though, if you get in a car accident in Mexico? How would you ensure that you are always fully protected? Whether you are driving in the “hassle-free” zone or further inland, you need to carry an auto insurance policy to prevent potentially catastrophic consequences should you get in a car accident in Mexico.

All drivers in Mexico — including Americans — are legally required to carry auto insurance at all times. Failure to carry auto insurance for Mexico can have some pretty serious financial and legal ramifications. The problem is that Mexican law does not recognize U.S. auto insurance policies. Even policies that offer coverage up to a specific distance do not meet Mexico’s legal requirement for third-party liability coverage. If you plan to drive into Mexico, you must get an auto insurance policy issued by an insurance company licensed in Mexico.

What Should You Do in the Event of a Car Accident in Mexico?

First and foremost, make sure no one is injured in the accident and contact the authorities for further assistance. Call your insurance company using the number listed on your policy. A bilingual insurance agent will go over what to do next.

● Minor accidents

If you get in a minor collision or fender-bender that results in nothing more than some property damage, you should still contact your insurance company and the police (you will need the police report for the claim). Your insurance company will dispatch a bilingual adjuster to examine the situation, calculate the damages, and file paperwork on your behalf.

● Injuries

If you are involved in a more serious accident in which someone is injured that is not you, and medical assistance is required, we strongly urge you to call emergency medical services right away. When there are injuries in an auto accident in Mexico, the person who caused the accident may be arrested until they can prove their financial responsibility.

To ensure that you do not end up in a Mexican jail, securing a valid Mexico auto insurance policy that includes legal bond will provide you with qualified legal representation, providing you with more peace of mind.

● Towing

Your insurance company will arrange for your vehicle to be towed to the nearest repair shop if it is damaged to the point that it can no longer be driven.

File Your Claim in Mexico

It is worth mentioning that you must file a claim while still in Mexico. Any claim that is not reported may be denied. Some drivers involved in minor auto accidents wait until they return to the U.S. to discover that their claim is now invalid. So if you want to file a claim on your auto insurance — regardless of how minor or major the accident is — you must do so while still in Mexico.

Get Your Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance Quote Today!

If you are driving to Mexico, West Coast Global Insurance has made it easier to protect yourself from the unexpected. Fill out their Mexico Auto Insurance Application to get a quote for the best online Mexican insurance policy for your needs.