What happens if my vehicle is stolen while I am in Mexico?

Just like in the U.S., vehicle thefts can and do occur in Mexico. More than likely, you will get through your trip without having anything like this happen. If it does happen, though, make sure that you understand the terms of your Mexico car insurance company policy.

The first thing that you should do upon realizing that your vehicle has been stolen is to call the insurance company and visit the local authorities. This must be done in person - you cannot handle this part of the situation by telephone. File a theft report with the police, then call your Mexico car insurance provider who will send out a claim adjustor (24/7). Write down your claim number and ask in particular the name of your insurance company claims person. (Not necessarily the claims adjuster who meets you near the scene) Make sure that you have all of the information about your policy - including the policy number, name of insured, name of driver and address where the accident occurred - handy. You will also need to provide the make, model, type, year, color and license plate number of the stolen vehicle.

In case of total theft, the owner of the vehicle or the person who had possession must file a Theft report in person with the proper law enforcement authorities.

IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT, YOUR CAR IS STOLEN, OR IF YOU REQUIRE LEGAL ASSISTANCE OR TRAVELER'S ASSISTANCE SERVICES, PLEASE CALL THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS:

1. Remain calm. In the event of an accident, do not leave the scene. Telephone your Mexico car insurer.
2. When you report the accident or theft, you will be asked to provide the following information:
• Policy number * Name of the insured
• Name of the driver
• Make, year, type, model, color and license plate.
• Place and/or address where the accident occurred
• Telephone number, if possible to reach you by phone.
• If the vehicle is moved from the accident scene, after the initial report, you must call again to report the location

DO NOT REACH ANY VERBAL AGREEMENTS OR SIGN ANY WRITTEN AGREEMENTS. DO NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY. ALLOW YOUR INSURER TO HANDLE THE ACCIDENT. PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION WILL ALLOW THEIR ADJUSTERS TO ACT QUICKLY AND OFFER YOU BETTER SERVICE.

TOTAL THEFT COVERAGE

1. Original invoice, ownership papers or certificate, duly endorsed over to your Mexico car insurance provider.
2. Copy of personal identification, bearing photograph and signature (in the case of individuals).
3. Copy of personal identification, bearing photograph and signature, along with a photocopy of the power of attorney (in the case of corporate entities).
4. Duplicate keys.
5. A certified copy, with original seals, of the complaint filed with the Public Prosecutor (Ministerio Público) corresponding to the location in which the theft occurred, indicating the motor number, serial number, and demonstrating ownership of the vehicle.
6. The original of the report filed with the Federal Highway Police and the local police corresponding to the location in which the theft occurred.
7. Report on the theft of the vehicle filed with the Highway Patrol Border Division, duly stamped and including the case or investigation number.