Understanding Earthquake Risks for Your Vehicle
Every September, residents in Mexico’s seismic zones along the Gulf of California, central and southern regions face heightened anxiety about a potential significant earthquake. While homeowner insurance is crucial, it’s equally important to review whether your auto insurance covers damages caused by earthquakes and other natural phenomena.
According to the National Seismological Service, Mexico experiences approximately 90 earthquakes annually with a magnitude of 4 on the Richter scale. In 2024, the strongest reached 6.2 on the Richter scale. These events can cause partial or total damage to vehicles, depending on their intensity and circumstances.
Types of Damage Your Car May Sustain During an Earthquake
Eduardo Salinas, Director of Claims for AXA Mexico, explains that vehicles can be affected by debris from building collapses, fallen walls, urban furniture, trees, and broken glass. Pilar Garcia, CEO of rastreator.mx, warns that earthquake-triggered short circuits or gas leaks can also lead to fires, as well as issues stemming from sinkholes.
- Scratches and dents on the car body
- Broken windshields and sunroofs
- Damaged upholstery and headlights
- Punctured tires
- Malfunctions in vehicle systems
- Total loss due to crushing or incineration
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Essential Coverage for Protecting Your Assets
To address these risks, it’s vital that your auto insurance policy includes material damage coverage, typically available in comprehensive policies. Prices vary based on vehicle model, driver’s age and gender, and geographical location.
Inter.mx states that for a 2025 Jetta in Mexico City driven by a 23-year-old man, basic coverage ranges from 4,500 to 7,300 Mexican pesos annually. Meanwhile, comprehensive coverage can cost between 13,000 and 29,000 Mexican pesos annually, depending on the insurer.
The National Commission for Insurance and Bonds advises carefully reviewing policy clauses, as certain specific situations might be excluded even in comprehensive policies.
Steps to Take if Your Vehicle Suffers Damage During an Earthquake
In the event of an earthquake, especially while driving in a large city, traffic and cellular network congestion can hinder communication with your insurance provider. After ensuring your safety, document the damage by taking photos or videos and seek assistance from civil protection or law enforcement to create an official report. This documentation will be crucial when initiating the claim process with your insurer.
Experts agree that if damage to the vehicle results from the collapse of a neighboring property (e.g., a wall or tree), material damage coverage—including natural disasters—should cover the damages, regardless of whether the property owner has liability insurance.
Key Questions and Answers
- What types of damage can earthquakes cause to my vehicle? Earthquake-related damages include scratches, dents, broken glass, malfunctioning systems, punctured tires, and even total loss due to crushing or incineration.
- What insurance coverage do I need to protect my vehicle from earthquake damage? Ensure your auto insurance policy includes material damage coverage, typically available in comprehensive policies.
- How do I file a claim if my vehicle is damaged during an earthquake? Document the damage with photos or videos, seek assistance from civil protection or law enforcement for an official report, and initiate the claim process with your insurer.
- Will my insurance cover earthquake damage if it’s caused by a neighboring property’s collapse? Yes, material damage coverage—including natural disasters—should cover such damages regardless of the neighboring property owner’s liability insurance.
