In my belief system there are no coincidences or accidents, just learning experiences...something that only that person or event can teach you. I had one of those learning experiences on August 30, 2006.
When I started escaping the heat of Arizona summers last year, my friends were quick to point out all the presumed negatives about Mexico.
"You will be robbed, pillage, raped. etc." "Banditos will jump out of the bushes at you." "Police will put you in jail at the slightest provocation they only want your money (doesn't everyone?):" "You have no rights in Mexico (you do but they may be different than your rights in the U.S.)." And on and on. So what's so different in Mexico? Just watch the U.S. news or papers...same ol', same ol'.
But I digress.
An older truck carrying the usual three workers in the back connected with my car as I was entering the carretera near the bypass to Guadalajara. I thank God no one was hurt. The police were there in seconds and I immediately phoned my insurance carrier. My car was driveable so we all went to the police outpost in Riberas del Pilar. My adjuster arrived there and all the information was exchanged. Both vehicles were towed to Guadalajara since that is where my insurance company has their repairs done. Apparently, I could have been ticketed for the accident and the other driver for having no insurance...a lengthy, complicated process. A little monetary consideration averted all that due process.
This all happened on Wednesday. By Friday I had had conversations with my insurance carrier, San Xavier Mexico Insurance (obtained through Mexicobob.com), who informed me that the parts for my Toyota Highlander were not available in Mexico and it would take a long time to import them from the U.S. Since I was planning to leave in mid-September to return to Arizona with my two cats and two passengers, I needed the car right away. My alternative was to transfer the claim to their adjuster in Texas.
On Tuesday I went to Guadalajara to pick up my car. Now I had all sorts of visions about what the repair shop would be like. I imagined a questionable little repair place in the "big city." It is in the middle of the city, but Cellini's is a very impressive, modern, reputable body shop, jammed full of vehicles (that's the business to be in in Mexico!). I met with the owner, who does speak English, my insurance adjuster, who does not, and a translator. My car was in pieces so it was impossible to take it then. After much back and frothing, the insurance company agreed to have the car towed to Texas. Of course this was not acceptable to me because I needed the car to travel to Arizona. We finally agreed that I would pay 600 pesos directly to Cellini's to have my car "patched up" but safe to drive back to the border. I did this and picked it up the next day. It's not pretty, but it works fine. Now, I'll have it repaired in the U.S. and the insurance company will cover that repair.
This one week experience has taught me that the Mexican people I came in contact with are decent cooperative human beings and, although the final outcome is not yet "final," I have every confidence that it will all be ok manaña.
Word of advice: if you are in an accident, stay with your vehicle. ride in the tow truck if necessary. It will allay your fears about where your vehicle is.
Should you wish to contact me about this experience, my telephone number is 376-766-5734 or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
