This is Part 5 of my 6 part post on Driving in Mexico. Click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 6
What do I do if I get into a car accident in Mexico?
First, a few words about Mexico car insurance. Get it. You can pick it up at the border or online before you leave home, it’s not that expensive and it will give you peace of mind.
In Mexico there is no requirement to have auto insurance, but if you are found to be at fault in an accident (based mostly on the opinion of the traffic cop that shows up at the scene), you must be able to prove financial responsibility on the spot either with insurance or with cash – the cash price being somewhat arbitrary and usually not in your favor. If you cannot prove financial responsibility, you may end up in jail until you can. Something of a catch 22.
An accident on Hwy 200 between Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit
So what to do if you get in an accident?
Remain Calm. If you speak Spanish, the number to dial for emergencies is 066.
Do not move your car. In some states in the USA your are advised to get your car off the road as soon as possible to prevent traffic backups. In Mexico, the rule is: Do not move your car until a Transito (traffic) officer tells you to.
If someone is injured, the emergency number is 066. If you don’t speak Spanish, try to get a local to make the call.
If you think you were at fault, don’t start making apologies, try to avoid confrontations with the other driver as that will only make a bad situation worse. Let the Transito determine who was at fault (FYI, their favorite rule of thumb is this: Quién pega, paga – he who hits, pays).
If you think the other guy was at fault, try to avoid confrontations with the other driver as that will only make a bad situation worse. Don’t let them leave the scene without paying for damages, or otherwise proving financial responsibility. Once they are gone, they are gone and your chances of getting paid for the damages drop dramatically. If they flee, get their license plate number and wait for the Transito to show up. The emergency number is 066.
While the law says you must report any accident, in the case of minor fender benders arrangements are often made on the scene before Transito arrives. Do this at your own risk, and use your best judgment as to whether the agreed upon price is fair. If in doubt, wait for the cop.
If your car is completely disabled, try to contact your insurance company from the scene to get instructions. If you can’t contact your insurance, have it towed to a shop and contact your insurance company from there.
Next up Part 6 – What to do if you break down in Mexico
Click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 6
I’d like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment if you have any questions or remarks.