Damaged your Car in a Pothole in Mexico City? Here’s How to Claim Compensation from the Government
It’s no secret that Mexico City’s streets are constantly plagued by potholes and sinkholes, a situation that worsens during the rainy season and severely affects traffic. This has led to costly, and sometimes irreparable, damage to private vehicles and their drivers.
Following a massive public outcry on social media, the Mexico City Government has implemented various communication channels for citizens to report urban problems across the 16 boroughs. In this context, authorities have reiterated that if your vehicle is affected by the poor condition of the asphalt, the capital government is obliged to take responsibility for the repair of the damage.
How to Claim Damages for Potholes in Mexico City
If you have unfortunately been a victim of the poor conditions of the capital’s pavement, these are the exact steps you must follow to initiate your claim process:
- Ensure your safety: Stop your car and park in a safe place.
- Locate the defect: Clearly identify the pothole or sinkhole that caused the problem.
- Gather evidence: Take clear photographic evidence of both the pothole and the damage to your vehicle.
- Report the incident: Immediately call Locatel and provide your personal details, contact number, and the exact location of the incident. They will provide you with a folio number that proves the start of the claim process.
- Contact your insurance: Communicate with your insurance company to receive immediate advice and obtain a formal report on the assessment of damages.
- File a formal complaint: If the accident occurred on a primary road, file the complaint with the Ministry of Public Works and Services. If it was on a secondary road, report it directly to the corresponding borough.
- Follow up: Await the resolution of the request to find out if you are eligible for compensation.
Requirements for Receiving Compensation from the Capital Government
For your damage claim to proceed, it is mandatory to have the following valid documentation:
- Official identification and vehicle registration card.
- Evidence of the incident (photographs of the location and the pothole).
- Evidence of vehicle damage.
- Damage assessment issued by the workshop or insurance company of your choice.
- Proof of the vehicle’s prior condition before the accident.
- Official report folio issued by Locatel.
When is Pothole Compensation NOT Applicable?
Although Article 115 of the Mexican Political Constitution states that the government is obliged to cover repairs for non-compliance with street maintenance, there are exceptions where the authority will not intervene:
- Force majeure incidents: Accidents that could not be prevented with good urban maintenance.
- Driver imprudence: If the person behind the wheel was driving at excessive speed or under the influence of any intoxicant, the Government is exempt from responsibility.
- Lack of evidence: If you cannot prove with photographs that the damage was caused specifically by a pothole or sinkhole in Mexico City, the request will be rejected.
Where and How to Report Potholes in Mexico City
If you detect a pothole that poses a risk to drivers, the Mexico City Government has made the following citizen service channels available:
- WhatsApp (Bachetel): Send a message to 55 5658 1111 for quick assistance through the Locatel chatbot.
- Locatel Chat: Access their website and file a report through the Unified Citizen Attention System (SUAC).
- By Phone: Dial *0311 for an operator to directly register the report.
- CDMX App: Through the official application, you can send a photograph of the pothole along with its exact geolocation.
Source: posta.com.mx
