Car Accident in Mexico? Dos and Don’ts You Must Know

We’re approaching one of the busiest travel seasons of the year all around the world, and Mexico is no exception. It’s estimated that traffic in Mexico will increase by 50%, especially during the month of December, and with that, an increase in the possibility of car accidents

The team at Guardian Insurance MX recommends that you keep in mind the following tips about what to do in case of an accident if you plan to drive during this time of year.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Accept any fault or liability
Accept or offer any type of compensation
Contact a dealership, car shop, or towing company on your own
Sign any documents, even if coming from an authority unless the adjuster/insurance company instructs the client to do so

Case-by-case

Move the vehicle from the scene of the accident unless instructed by an authority. This point in particular used to be mandatory, but it’s not anymore and has become a case-by-case situation. How so? If the accident occurred on a major avenue or is causing significant traffic congestion, the vehicle can be moved to the side, a parking lot, or a location where it won’t disrupt traffic.

When the authorities or the adjuster arrive, you can explain the reasons why you had to move from the scene of the accident. In most cases, this will not affect the claims process.

Very important: This only applies if there are no serious injuries. If the accident is severe, it’s crucial not to move from the scene until the authorities instruct you to do so, as they may need to call an ambulance or paramedic services to assist the injured parties.

Bullets 1 to 4 must be handled by the adjuster or insurance company.

WHAT TO DO:

Remain calm
Take pictures and videos of the damages caused by the accident
Report the claim immediately to your insurance company and ask for an English-speaking adjuster. They will assign the adjuster that’s closest to your location
Right after calling the insurance company, reach out to your insurance broker so that they can do the proper follow-up with the insurance company and adjuster

Remember to always carry with you the following:

Driver’s License
Tarjeta de circulación (registration)
Official ID
Auto Insurance policy documents

Having those documents at hand will help everyone involved in an accident reach a smooth and fast resolution.

Of course, the recommendations made in this article are basic and general, based on the experience that Guardian has had over the years. However, we recommend that you contact your insurance agent directly to clear up any questions/concerns about what else you’d need to do in case of a car accident.

If you don’t have car insurance yet, you can contact Guardian Insurance MX for a personalized quote.