If you get into a car accident in Mexico, what should you do first? Who do you call? And what should you avoid doing while you wait for help?
We asked Mexico car insurance specialist Federico Ransom of Ransom Becker Insurance Solutions to walk us through the process step by step.
#1 Prioritize Safety
If your vehicle is in a dangerous spot or at risk of another collision, move it to a safer location. If you have time before moving it, take photos of where the vehicles came to rest.
#2 Call 911 and Your Insurance Company
Even if the accident seems minor, call 911 and your insurance company immediately.
Your insurer will dispatch an adjuster, while tránsito will document the accident and begin determining responsibility. Once you've reported the accident, wait for the adjuster to arrive before leaving.
If anyone is injured, tell your insurance company when you report the accident. An injury can turn the accident into a legal matter, so your insurer needs to know injuries are involved.
Unlike in the U.S. or Canada, drivers in Mexico don't typically exchange insurance and driver's license information at the scene. The police and insurance adjuster handle the process.
If you’re injured and unable to call, someone else can contact your insurer on your behalf. Keep a printed copy of your policy and claims number in your glove compartment so that information is available if you can’t access your phone.
#3 Stay at the Scene and Document the Accident
Do not leave the scene until the police and adjuster have completed what they need from you.
If someone is injured, leaving without providing assistance or waiting for authorities can have serious legal consequences.
If the other driver leaves, don’t chase them. If you can, photograph their vehicle and license plate and give that information to the police and your adjuster.
Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, damage, and overall accident scene. They can help establish what damage was – and wasn't – caused by the accident.
Note: If you’re injured and have international health insurance, make sure you obtain a copy of the police report. You’ll need it to file a claim.
#4 Don't Admit Fault
Even if you think you caused the accident, don't admit responsibility at the scene. You may not fully understand how the applicable traffic laws affect who is at fault.
Stick to the facts about what happened and let the authorities and insurance adjuster determine responsibility.
If responsibility can't be resolved at the scene, you may be required to go to the traffic police station while the accident is reviewed.
#5 Don't Make a Cash Deal
The other driver may offer you money – or ask you to pay them – to settle the accident on the spot.
Don’t do it.
If you make a private agreement with the other driver, your insurance company can decline your claim. You also have no way of knowing the full cost of the damage at the scene. If you accept a cash payment and repairs turn out to cost much more, you could be left paying the difference yourself.
Let your insurance adjuster handle the claim before you agree to or pay anything.
What If Someone Is Injured?
Depending on the circumstances and the state where the accident occurs, you could be detained while authorities determine responsibility and financial obligations. The process varies by state.
If your car insurance includes legal assistance and bond coverage, it can cover attorney assistance and eligible bond expenses up to your policy limits.
An Accident Is the Wrong Time to Find Out Your Coverage Falls Short
Without adequate coverage, an accident can mean more than a repair bill – you could face legal expenses and other costs your policy doesn't cover.
Whether you drive a Mexican-, U.S.-, or Canadian-plated vehicle, a bilingual broker can help you review your coverage and compare your options before you need them.
