Mexico Roadside Assistance - Green Angels
Roadside assistance in Mexico is provided by Green Angels since 1960 when it was founded. Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes) is the Mexican version of AAA in the USA. Unlike in the US where AAA is a private organization, in Mexico, Green Angels is a government run organization and falls under the Ministry of Tourism. The one difference is that Green Angles focuses primarily on highways.
Amongst its many objectives, Green Angels objective is to ensure a pleasant travel experience for tourists on Mexican highways. With a team of almost 700 employees, they travel 22 million kilometers a year on 205 highways.
When you need assistance with your vehicle on the highway, dial 078 or 911. 911 works better from cell phones. Your call is routed to a dispatch center with state of the art equipment. From the dispatch center, the agent closest to you is contacted to give you support. Note that Green Angels services goes beyond providing assistance to vehicles. Tourists can also call for help. Cyclists on long rides with issues are known to make use of this service.
Type of Service Provided by Green Angels
Green Angels service are pretty much free - depending on what is needed. Changing tires or getting you towed to the nearest shop is free. However, if you need parts and a bigger mechanical job, you will need to pay the shop you have been towed to. Green Angel drivers are auto mechanics and thus know quite a bit about cars. They're also able to change items like engine belts on the spot.
How To Contact Green Angels
Green Angels can be contacted by dialing 078 or 911 from your phone. 078 can sometimes have a trouble connecting to the dispatch center, espeically when the call is made from a cell phone. For this reason, it is recommended to call 911 instead.Due to pandemic, as of early 2021, road side assistance is currently provided only Friday through Sunday. Full service Monday to Sunday will be restored soon. However, you may still call the head office for other questions. +52 30026300 or 911.
Insurance Option for Roadside Assistance
Given the reduced days Green Angels provides service, another option is to get Mexican Insurance which provides roadside assistance. Note that US auto insurance does not cover driving in Mexico. And since US visitors to Mexico will need auto insurance, might as well get one that includes roadside assistance at no extra cost. Baja Shield offers such policies.
Mexican Insurance Roadside Coverage Includes:
- Towing of up to $1000
- Jumpstart vehicle when battery dies
- Lockout assistance for when you lock your keys in the car
- Flat tire (inflation or installation of spare). In case the tire needs replacement, the cost is covered by the policyholder, not the insurance company.
- Free gas of up to 10 liters should you run out of gas. If more gas is needed, the policyholder would pay for any additional.
The policies typically have a number to call on the front of the policy.
Tips Before Embarking On Your Drive Through Mexico
Mexico is a big country. Your trip through Mexico may be a couple of hours, or several days. The following recommendations are best practice before going on a long drive.- Check Tire pressure
- Radiator coolant
- Secure and test the battery
- Plan ahead for maintenance.
Interview with Green Angels Representative
Below video was conducted with a representative of the Green Angeles. The representative provides insightful information and advisories about traveling in Mexico.
<Green Angels Community Service
In addition to Green Angels regular job of patrolling the highways and providing assistance, Green Angels also participate in community events to educate the public on their service and when to call them.
