Imagine that you’re cruising along Mexico’s scenic coast when you hit a pothole. Suddenly, you become all too aware that you’re in a foreign land, you don’t speak the language, and you don’t know how to change a tire.

Thank goodness you’re educating yourself on emergency road assistance and help support before setting out on your Mexican adventure. Well done!

If you find yourself in an emergency situation on the road in Mexico, you’re not on your own. Here are some resources for your toolbox that will help get you back on the road in no time.

Contact Your Mexican Vehicle Insurance Provider

First and foremost, every American or Canadian driving in Mexico needs Mexican vehicle insurance. Mexican vehicle insurance is an entirely separate plan from your American car insurance.

We recommend obtaining Mexican vehicle insurance online before you go to Mexico. This will help you select the coverage you’ll need to keep you safe and your vehicle protected.

If you’re stuck on the side of the road in Mexico, your Mexican insurance provider will have resources to help you out. With a vast network of local mechanics, towing companies, and emergency services in Mexico, calling your insurance provider is often your safest bet. Best of all, they can help you file vehicle insurance claims so you can get the process – and your car – rolling at the same time.

Call the Green Angels

We always recommend calling your Mexican insurance provider first, but if you have a Mexican insurance policy that The Green Angels, or Angeles Verdes, is a roadside assistance program funded by the Mexican government. You can contact them from any phone in Mexico by dialing 078. All the dispatchers for the Green Angels are bilingual.

If you don’t have a phone handy, put your hood up. The Green Angels patrol Mexican federal highways and toll roads from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. If they see you with your hood up, they’ll stop to help.

The Green Angels are trained in auto mechanics, CPR and first aid. They can help you change your tire, oil, or gas, or perform life saving services until emergency services arrive. They also have access to resources such as towing, and extensive knowledge of local destinations. While the service is free, you will have to pay for any materials, such as oil, tires, batteries, and parts, or services like towing.

Unfortunately, if you need the Green Angels after hours, you may be stranded for a while until they’re able to come. Additionally, the Green Angels only serve federal highways and toll roads. If you’re not on one of these roads, you should refer to your Mexican vehicle insurance provider. The Green Angels do not assist in filing vehicle insurance claims.

Filing Vehicle Insurance Claims for Roadside Assistance

Most of our policies provide roadside assistance in Mexico, but check your policy declaration page or vehicle ID cards to make sure it is included in your program. Avocado Insurance makes filing vehicle claims easy. We approach the claims process in a proactive and collaborative manner. You can call your bilingual claims adjuster 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

First, we’ll make sure you’re safe and that help is on the way. We pride ourselves on our expansive network of auto experts.

Next, we’ll walk you through the claims process depending on your Mexican vehicle insurance plan. You can access the contact information for our claims department here.

Note: Be sure to file your claim while you’re still in Mexico to ensure coverage.