Vacation should be a fun, stress-free time, but that’s unfortunately not always the case. When it rains, it pours, and sometimes things can go wrong that you never expected. You’ve made it across the border and are ready to start your adventure, but your car’s front right tire suddenly pops. You veer off the road and come to a safe stop, but now your car refuses to move. What do you do now?
Before even beginning on your journey, it’s essential to have roadside assistance on your Mexico auto insurance policy. It may not be on your policy automatically, so always be sure to ask your insurance agent. Roadside services should be available 24/7.
Steps After Your Car Breaks Down
- Remain calm and safely maneuver the vehicle off the road onto a safe, flat surface.
- If the vehicle is smoking or on fire, exit the vehicle and walk a safe distance away.
- Call 078. If you’re on a major toll road, Green Angels are bilingual, government-paid drivers who assist motorists. If, for some reason, they are unable to help, call the number on your Mexico car insurance card.
- Have ready your driver’s license, passport, proof of car insurance and car registration or rental agreement ready.
- If the damage is small, it may be repaired there, such as changing a tire. If the damage is too substantial to fix in the current location, it will need to be towed. Green Angels can help with this, as well. You may choose to have the vehicle fixed in Mexico or in the U.S. Discuss your insurance limits concerning towing with your insurance agent, as there may be limits per trip.
- If it is a rental car, notify the rental company.
If someone is injured:
- Do not move them unless they are in imminent danger.
- Stay calm and call 911 (the same emergency number in the U.S. is used in Mexico, as well).
- Stay with the injured passenger until help arrives.
- Cooperate with emergency personnel.
Some Mexico auto insurance policies will assist with medical service payments, including ambulance services, medical air transportation, international medical air transportation and more. Mexico requires drivers to carry:
- 50,000 pesos in property damage liability
- 100,000 pesos in personal injury liability
You must carry proof of insurance. Without it, you may have to pay a fine of 2,000-4,000 pesos.
After receiving medical help and roadside assistance, it’s important to decide whether or not to file a claim. If the repairs to fix the damages are cheaper than to file a claim, you may want to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This depends entirely on the situation, however.
Before taking to the road in Mexico, be sure to review Mexico’s laws to avoid accidents and avoidable breakdowns. In regard to car insurance, all drivers must carry Mexico auto insurance, as foreign auto insurance is not accepted.
It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Mexico. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are caught breaking Mexico law, you may face legal charges in Mexico.
When traveling in Mexico, be sure that you obey the laws, purchase the required amount of insurance and carry proper identification. Accidents can happen. Flat tires, engine troubles and more can try to make your trip more trouble than it should be. Make sure you have a way to quickly receive the help you need so you and your family can enjoy your stay in Mexico.