During a trip to Mexico, no one wants to have a car wreck or experience a breakdown. Still, you can’t avoid the risk that a problem might happen at any moment. Therefore, you should at least have the reassurance that you might have help available to you and your family. Luckily, there are usually options available to you from your Mexican car insurance. Here’s a bit more information.
Alongside your insurance assistance, the Mexican government supports its own roadside assistance program. Therefore, you might have more than one resource at your disposal. As long as you know where to look, you can receive convenient benefits.
What to do When Problems Occur
A car wreck, or a sudden breakdown, might occur during your Mexican road trip. Either case might seem scary. You might not be familiar with your local surroundings. You might face a bit of a language barrier. Therefore, you might not have a good idea of where to turn for help. The good news is, you probably do have help available right at your fingertips.
There are at least two benefits that might be able to come to your assistance.
• Your Mexican car insurance policy might offer roadside assistance and other benefits.
• Mexico also supports a skilled, trustworthy roadside assistance service called the Green Angels.
Depending on your immediate needs, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. However, don’t leave your car or belongings alone by the side of the road. Stay with the car, make sure everyone is safe, then, call the appropriate authorities if necessary.
Your Mexican Car Insurance Benefits
All American drivers in Mexico must have car insurance. Mexican law requires all drivers, foreigners included, to have a policy. However, it does not recognize American car insurance policies as valid. Therefore, you must have only a Mexican-issued car insurance policy at the time you cross the border.
Mexican car insurance policies can contain numerous benefits, like liability and collision insurance. However, it can also contain numerous protections for roadside and travel assistance, both during wrecks and during other, less-serious issues.
• Roadside Assistance: In this circumstance, you can get assistance rushed to your side in case your car has a breakdown on the side of the road. Mexican policies can often provide tire, battery, fuel and towing assistance.
• Travel Expense Protection: If you have a wreck or other sudden loss, then you might have to take steps to return to the United States. Travel protection might pay for your plane tickets, emergency cash advances and additional protection to help you get back home.
• Rental Car Coverage: Following car wrecks or other breakdowns, your policy can often provide reimbursement for a rental car to get you on your way again.
• Medical Coverage: In case of a medical emergency during your travel, you might be able to get help covering costs like ambulance fees, certain medical equipment and related bills. Keep in mind, car insurance travel coverage might provide only limited assistance with medical bills and hospital services, so if you are interested in more-comprehensive medical protection, speak to your travel insurance agent.
• Legal Assistance: Because of differences in Mexican law, there is a different process for determining fault in car wrecks. Therefore, if you are suspected of being at-fault, then you might face a temporary arrest and detainment by the police. This is a routine occurrence. Therefore, legal assistance provided by your Mexican car insurance can come into play. Policies can provide counsel, bail and settlements if necessary.
• U.S. Repair Options: In case of a wreck, some policies can cover the costs of repairs to your vehicle if you want to have the repairs back in the States.
Keep in mind, all Mexico car insurance policies vary. Limits and restrictions will apply to the times when your policy will provide these respective services. Therefore, talk to your Sanborn’s agent about the most-essential way to get the protection you deserve.
Don’t forget to Check out the Green Angels
Besides your Mexican car insurance, you also might have the Mexican government’s roadside assistance service to help you.
The Green Angels, also called the Angeles Verdes in Spanish, are a government-supported program that allows trained mechanics to travel Mexico’s federal toll-road system. They are skilled, well-prepared and often bilingual. These mechanics are often just a phone call away. They can provide you with small mechanical work, gasoline or other essential services. This is also a free service, with the exception of perhaps a tip.
Still, don’t forget, you likely can have breakdown assistance available with the help of your Mexican car insurance. You therefore shouldn’t worry if you experience wrecks or other problems on your Mexican road trips. Just call your insurer, and they can help you out.