Hit and Run Mexico

Being in a car crash is bad enough, but a hit-and-run Mexico style while on vacation in Mexico?  Not a good day.

Tips for Car Rental

When you are involved in a hit-and-run crash in Mexico, the things you need to contend with are daunting. There is likely to be a language barrier, and communicating with local police or taking witness statements will be complicated. Then there are the differences in traffic regulations and vehicle laws south of the border. Not to mention that you cannot rely on your U.S. car insurance policy to pay for the necessary repairs to your vehicle.

Hit-and-Run Mexico: Insurance Protection

If you plan to drive your vehicle into Mexico while on vacation, caution should be the watchword. Be sure to follow all traffic laws to the letter, and watch out for other drivers who may not be as adept at driving as you are.  Remember that only about 20-25% of Mexican citizens carry insurance; it’s considered a luxury for the wealthy.  Fortunately, it’s also a no-fault country which means that no matter who is at fault in Mexico, as long as you have full coverage insurance from a Mexican company, it will cover the cost of repairing your car.  Remember that you need to check with your broker to ensure they offer this and that there isn’t something strange in the contract.  The MexInsurance has it spelled out nicely on their quote page to see the deductible and if they include a waiver for under/uninsured motorists.  I encourage you to go check them out online if you dont already have your insurance.

What to Do!

Hopefully, these simple traffic safety steps will protect you, but what if you are involved in a hit-and-run Mexico crash through no fault of your own? What should you do, and how should you protect yourself in the aftermath of the accident? Here are some first steps to take when involved in a hit-and-run crash in Mexico.

• Call the insurance company immediately! They can engage the authorities and send an adjuster and also help you with the language barrier.
• While you dial/on the phone, gather as much information as you can. Even if you cannot read the entire license plate, capture as many letters and numbers as possible. This will make the investigation easier.
• Never chase the other driver. Even if you think you can catch up, trying to chase down the other driver could be a huge mistake. You do not want a simple traffic mishap to escalate into a dangerous physical confrontation.
• Round up the witnesses. Unless you are truly in the middle of nowhere, someone saw the crash. Now is the time to round up those witnesses, along with translators, if you can. It never hurts to have an interpreter as you record information on the crash and take witness statements.
• Contact the local authorities. Mexico has laws against hit-and-run driving just like the United States does. It is important to report what happened to the local police so they can begin the investigation as soon as possible.