When your car breaks down in Mexico, it can be a nightmare or an inconvenience. Driving abroad in any country requires taking some precautions. Researching particular rules and regulations for driving in that country. Driving in Mexico is an exciting way to experience its natural attractions. It makes it more fun to get from one destination to another. Yet it’s important to know what to do if your car breaks down in Mexico.
Rules and Safety
The first rule of thumb when driving in Mexico is to have Mexican car insurance. Some brokers, like MexInsurance.com®, include automatically tourist roadside assistance as an automatic feature.
As a tourist, it is illegal to drive without it, or a bond. Since many domestic insurers only cover damage to your car, it’s important to get Mexican Insurance before you cross. Secondly, you may need to procure a Mexican vehicle permit depending on where you plan to drive. You will not need a permit for driving anywhere in the Baja Peninsula or in the border towns. You should certainly check to see if your journey requires a permit by checking this Permit Free Zone Map.
If you have driven in Mexico, you know there are many remote stretches. Moreover, the desert lands of northern Mexico have their own hazards if you happen to break down. It could take some time before help arrives, for instance. Always have plenty of water in the car for any excursion to Mexico. And plan to bring your cell phone (make sure your carrier updates your service plan for international coverage). Here is an article that tells you how to make a phone call in Mexico.
What To Do if your Car Breaks down: WITH MexInsurance®
Vehicle problems can happen to anyone. However, you can reduce the possibility of a breakdown if your vehicle is checked before leaving. Check your oil level, tire pressure, coolant, and battery connections. Also, make sure you have a good spare tire.
What To Do if you Breakdown in Mexico if you have MexInsurance.com®: Immediately file a claim.
What To Do if You Break Down in Mexico: WITHOUT MexInsurance®
If your vehicle breaks down in Mexico, it’s important to remain calm. You will find their services invaluable if you drive in areas patrolled by Mexico’s Green Angels (toll roads). Their job is to assist motorists who experience car issues on the roadways. They can help determine the problem and line up towing. You can dial 078 while in Mexico for help if you are stranded. There are plenty of good mechanics in Mexico so if your vehicle needs to be serviced, you’re ok. Some drivers prefer to have their cars towed to the border. Talk to your insurer about towing insurance when you sign up for a Mexican insurance policy.
Car Accident
Accidents that are mere fender benders may cause little more than an inconvenience. Especially if you forgot to buy, have your MexInsurance.com® – Mexican car insurance and your permit, depending on where you are traveling. On the other hand, if the accident involves serious property damage and injuries, the Mexican authorities often handle such cases as criminal events and may bring drivers in for processing. If you are on your own, it’s best to call the American Consulate at the station. You should also call your insurer, who can assist you.
Remember never to drink and drive while traveling in Mexico, as driving under the influence can negate any release, even if bail is posted.
While driving in Mexico as elsewhere may involve some precautions, you aren’t likely to have any trouble if you follow the rules of the road and have your insurance in place. Throngs of Americans drive Mexico’s roadways and some do experience accidents that are merely minor nuisances of travel; Mexico is used to such occurrences, and so is your insurer! Experiencing Mexico’s gorgeous scenery from behind the wheel is an enchanting experience. Plan accordingly, and you will be well prepared even if your car breaks down in Mexico.
If your car is rented and the rental agreement includes breakdown
breakdown
A vehicle breakdown is a mechanical or electrical failure of a motor vehicle in such a way that the underlying problem prevents the vehicle from being operated or impedes the vehicle's operation so significantly that it is very difficult, nearly impossible, or else dangerous to operate.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Breakdown_(vehicle)
coverage, call the rental car agency and ask them to mobilize their breakdown service. If you are on a major highway, especially toll-roads, a patrolling vehicle from the Angeles Verdes might find you and help you (see note above).
You can dial 078 while in Mexico for help if you are stranded. There are plenty of good mechanics in Mexico so if your vehicle needs to be serviced, you're ok. Some drivers prefer to have their cars towed to the border. Talk to your insurer about towing insurance when you sign up for a Mexican insurance policy.
If you get pulled over while driving in Mexico, remain calm and show your proof of insurance to the police officer, just like you would in the U.S. If you get a ticket, politely request a written citation that can be paid by mail or at the police station.
Stay calm and call 911. Check to see if anyone is injured or hurt, offer help, if possible. Get the names and addresses of all the drivers involved in the accident. Get the license plate numbers of all the vehicles involved in the accident.
Does AAA roadside assistance work in Mexico? AAA does not offer roadside service in Mexico at this time. Before driving in Mexico, however, you may want to purchase Mexico Driver's Insurance.
The two principal police forces with national remit are the uniformed police called 'Policia Federal' and the plainclothed criminal investigations force called 'Policía Federal Ministerial' (PFM).
As for the exit tax, it is typically included in the price of your airline ticket if you are leaving Mexico by air. However, if you are leaving the country by land or sea, you will need to pay the exit tax at the immigration office before departure. There are no exemptions for this tax.
You Still Need Insurance. Unfortunately, regardless of how comprehensive your US insurance policy is, it won't cover you while driving in Mexico. Therefore, you must buy a separate insurance cover if you cross the border in your own car.
You will need to have the Salvage Title changed to a Rebuilt or Reconditioned Title in your jurisdiction before entering Mexico. We recommend using the button below to obtain the TIP online 10-60 days before your trip.
If you'll be driving in Mexico, even for a short time, auto insurance is required by Mexican law, and you could end up in jail if you're involved in an accident and don't have it.
The healthcare system in Mexico is a blend of public and private institutions. The public sector provides healthcare for the uninsured through the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) and the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE).
If you do need medical treatment whilst in Mexico, you may be required to pay for the services up front. At the very least, you will be asked to show proof of your ability to pay. This means that prior to any treatment you would be expected to: a) to show evidence of your insurance policy; b) give credit card details.
Mexican law requires that any vehicle operating on federal roads carries third-party liability insurance to provide coverage for damage caused in an at-fault accident. As stated earlier in this page, your US insurance policy will not cover your vehicle while driving in Mexico.
In Mexico, they drive on the right-hand side of the road and over take on the left. The legal driving age is 18. Using a seatbelt is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle. Drink driving – driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
Green Angels can be contacted by dialing 078 or 911 from your phone. 078 can sometimes have a trouble connecting to the dispatch center, espeically when the call is made from a cell phone.
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