Being in an automobile accident in Mexico is a far more serious situation than having an accident at home-especially for a visiting American, as Mr. Bill Kitto readily tells us. Bill published his first-hand account of his accident and his subsequent week in the hands of the Mexican authorities in an effort to ensure all Americans driving in Mexico go prepared with all the essentials.
Mexican car insurance is an important resource to possess, for reasons that become obvious as you browse his true story. Additionally, this was not the first time Mr. K. traveled to Mexico when he was involved in an accident in Southern Mexico, as he was driving a truck that belonged to his friend.
Bill is a very cautious driver and, since the road conditions were getting very bad because of a rain storm that was moving in, he was at the wheel. This meant he was dependent on the coverage of his friend’s Mexican insurance being adequate.
Bill and his friend were traveling at a cautious 30 MPH hour when they rounded a corner to find a Mexican military hurtling towards them partly on their side of the road. Unable to avoid the crash, the two vehicles impacted head-on left, sending the personnel scattered down an embankment and Bill and his friend into the cliff wall on the opposite side.
The Mexican police came very quickly. While his friend was left standing on the side of the road, Bill, who was injured, was taken hastily to another location that was not know to either Bill or his friend. You are guilty until proven innocent in Mexico, unlike in the US.
Because he did not know if his friend had Mexican car insurance, Bill was put in a Mexican jail cell, not knowing what would happen to him and with no contact with anyone outside.
Hours later, guards return to take him back to the accident scene where he is at least able to reunite with his friend and his friend’s Mexican car insurance policy. In the U.S., this might mean problem solved, but in Mexico, there is much more to go through.
The whole story is lengthier, more detailed and more than a little uncomfortable for Bill. During a week in the hospital, Bill tried very hard to make sure his injuries would keep him out of the Mexican jail. With legal representatives that had low ethics and technology that was a muddled mess, Bill was at the mercy of the local authorities and paying his way out seemed futile.
Much of the time, Bill was not sure if he could get free of this mess or if he would be able to afford the ‘fines’ to get out. Eventually, Bill was able to regain his liberty but it cost him in excess of $28,000 US. Fortunately for Bill, he was able to get the money to buy his freedom. This is not the case, though, for many Americans. They just don’t have access to that much money.
Because of the mountains of red tape and the corrupt officials he dealt with, Bill is not sure if he will ever see any of his money back. Using the lessons he learned from his experience, Bill works to educate Americans planning to travel in Mexico.
Carry a cell or satellite phone-and learn how to dial in Mexico
Remain in contact with family in the states that can help you secure funds if needed and contact Mexican insurance companies as needed (because your ability will be limited)
And above all else-
BE CERTAIN YOU HAVE GOOD COVERAGE MEXICO CAR INSURANCE- It needs to cover ALL personal injury and property damage that you are deemed to have caused.
Make sure the Mexican car insurance is from a reputable company.
Always carry proof of Mexican Insurance in your car, which is easy to reach whenever needed! (Also if you are separated from your car, don’t forget to carry your Mexico car insurance ID cards)
Bill Kitto’s long and trying ordeal proved one thing to him-money makes the Mexican world go round. Down there, they care little about where that money comes from, but whether you can pay the tab or not is what determines your innocence and ultimate freedom.
Since fast access to $30,000 or better is a pipe-dream for most of us, the best way to protect yourself when driving in Mexico is to have an excellent Mexican automobile insurance policy to back you with high enough limits.