There is a chance that someone might steal your car from your own driveway, not to mention anywhere else you go. So, when traveling, it’s important that you try to protect the vehicle from theft risks in any possible way. Often, people who aren’t local to an area are more at-risk of vehicle theft. If you are traveling in Mexico in your vehicle, then you might face this risk wherever you go. Consider some of the ways you can do so.
It’s often not difficult to safeguard your vehicle in Mexico. Just because you are driving in a foreign country, that doesn’t mean it’s any more or any less safe than in the U.S. What’s important is that you know how to protect your vehicle in practical ways. The good thing is that your Mexican car insurance can help you cover costs if the worst does occur, however.
Mexican Car Insurance for Theft
Cars can get stolen anytime, anywhere. It only takes a second. That’s why, when planning to travel to Mexico on a trip, make sure your auto insurance policy covers theft.
By law, all American drivers in Mexico must insure their vehicles with a Mexican car insurance policy. That’s because the law not only requires all drivers to carry coverage, but it also doesn’t recognize policies issued by American insurance companies. Differences in insurance laws mean that American drivers traveling south of the border need to have a Mexican policy active from the time they cross the border.
When insuring your vehicle for this trip, ask your agent if your policy includes coverage for theft. Often, you will need to ask specifically to add coverage for such a loss, as many policies don’t automatically include this coverage. The policy can pay you for the costs of replacing a vehicle that is a total loss, or repairing damage to a recovered vehicle.
Additionally, your policy might assist you with the costs of getting a rental car, or covering your travel expenses back to the United States. Talk to your agent about whether you can add the additional protection to your policy for your benefit.
Protecting Your Car During Travel
- Even if you have insurance on your vehicle for theft, that doesn’t mean you want to have to use it. Instead, you should work conscientiously to protect the vehicle in all possible ways.
- Remember, car theft can occur anywhere. Take security steps everywhere from parking lots to the driveway at your destination.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings. If you don’t feel like it is safe to leave your car in a particular place, then attempt to move it elsewhere.
- Park in well-lit areas and designated parking spaces. There is safety in numbers, so park the car near other vehicles, or near a building.
- If you have access to a parking deck or garage, it’s always safer to keep the vehicle inside that space.
- Lock the car at all times—both when you are behind the wheel, and when you leave it parked. Even lock it when you leave it inside a garage.
- If the vehicle has a security system, arm it every time you leave the car alone.
- If you are extra security-conscious, then consider adding a steering wheel jammer that allows you to reinforce the wheel and can make the car virtually immobile.
- You do not want to tempt a potential thief. Do not leave valuables—wallets, cell phones, purses, other electronics—on display inside the vehicle. Take the most essential items with you, hide these belongings or lock them inside your vehicle’s trunk.
- Do not leave the windows open, even just a crack.
- If you are tech-savvy, consider installing a GPS tracker inside the vehicle. This item can help you track the vehicle if it ever disappears.
- Keep a written record of the vehicle’s VIN, license plates, insurance information and distinguishing features. An easy way to do this is to take photos on your smartphone.
Should theft occur, immediately contact the car insurance company that insures the vehicle in Mexico. The agent can help you start to file a claim, and they can direct you how to report the theft to the authorities. Always contact the police immediately to report the loss.