Who has had experience with claims...especially for towing boat accident claims ( ain't nottin gunna happen to me on the water...jus the darn road ).
What have you heard...or better yet...what do you know for sure about insurance in Baja. This Mexican insurance thing seems like a can of termites to
me.....Bruce R Leech - 7-4-2006 at 07:38 AM
as a full timer you might want to import your things and then you can deal with our local agents this is what I have done and it works good for me.
or you might try researching some of the on line companies. they have good rates and it is easy to buy. sorry I cant recommend one I'M not to Happy
with the one I have worked with.losfrailes - 7-4-2006 at 11:23 AM
Different strokes for different folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As long as you retain your vehicle registration in the states you can get excellent insurance coverage thru Lewis & Lewis, located in Beverly
Hills, CA. info@mexicanautoinsurance.com
They underwrite for Qualitas, Compania de Seguros, S.A. de C.V. and offer a package of complete coverage in all of Baja and a good share of the
mainland for reasonable rates. I.E., my 99 Suburban, full coverage at $14.999 value costs $220 per year. My boats are not insured.
Qualitas has been johnny on the spot for the one time when a suicide bent cow ran into the front of the suburban, created close to $6000 US damage.
The deductible was $500 US.
[Edited on 7-4-2006 by losfrailes]Al G - 7-4-2006 at 11:38 AM
MEXICAN INSURANCE
Club Vagabundos del Mar provides to its members low-cost Mexican automobile and RV insurance (including trailers and trailer boats while on the
highway), and boat liability insurance while on the water. For convenience and one-stop service members can purchase their insurance directly from
Club Headquarters.
Motorhome policies covering U.S., Canada and all of Mexico; and Marine insurance policies covering U.S., Canada and most of western Mexico are also
available at competitive rates. For both, the Mexican coverage is offered at no extra charge. Call now for a FREE quote on your boat or motorhome.
For current information on limits of coverage and rates, call HQVDM at (800) 47-4-BAJA.
Two more agents not yet mentioned are Discover Baja Travel Club (for members, like Vags) and the supporter of this web site, BajaBound.com (see ad
banner at the top of the pages here).
I have utilized both of them and recieved good customer service from both... although I have never had an accident or claim in the 32 years I have
been driving in Baja.losfrailes - 7-4-2006 at 12:49 PM
A note to consider with Vagabundos del Mar.
In the past they would not cover someone who had their car registered up north but was living full time here. Their available coverage was strictly
for travelers while in Mexico.
This policy might have changed.Al G - 7-4-2006 at 01:20 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by losfrailes
A note to consider with Vagabundos del Mar.
In the past they would not cover someone who had their car registered up north but was living full time here. Their available coverage was strictly
for travelers while in Mexico.
This policy might have changed.
I will call the Vags and find out. I am not living there yet so didn't ask
Brain no worky
Al G - 7-4-2006 at 01:33 PM
Forgot it was the 4th. I left a message and will post when I hear from them. also I will check out our site sponsor as David suggested. Thanks David!Bedman - 7-4-2006 at 11:41 PM
I've used Lewis and Lewis for 7 years straight. Never had an accident (knock, knock, knockin on wood) but, I do know people who have abd they have
been extremely satisfied.
Just received my Re-New in the mail 2 days ago.
Let me make this perfectly clear. I am not an insurance salesman, never have been, no nothing about the insurance business. I am not, in any way shape
or form afilliated with any insurance company and have a difficult enough time just filling out a Sushi order.
Here's a few highlights from my policy and some of the reasons I decided to cover my 34 foot motorhome and the 4 X 4 we tow behind with them.
$200,000.00 CSL.
$25,000.00 medical.
$75,000.00 legal services.
Increase Liability to $300,000.00 for an additional $48.00.
$30,000.00 Uninsured motorist coverage for an additional $18.00.
$30,000.00 to $35,000.00 vehicle cost is $300 per year.
Call around and ask if the other places offer the same coverage for the same $$.
BEDMANbajajudy - 7-5-2006 at 06:43 AM
Something else to check on is: Some of these companies require that you carry US insurance as well to complete your coverage. To keep your vehicle
registered in CA you must show proof of insurance anyway. Once they accepted my Mex Ins but the next time they didnt. I think that the first time,
was a mistake
I just used Qualitas for a tow job and they were very helpful.David K - 7-5-2006 at 07:34 AM
Tourist policies and resident policies are different!
An 'annual' policy like what I have with Discover Baja has a limited number of days it is good for in Mexico... Of course there is no way they know
how many days you are south of the border, the point is they are not for people living in Mexico.
There are policies for residents, so don't worry!Al G - 7-5-2006 at 08:53 AM
Returned call from Vagabundos stated if your vehicle is registered in USA you can live in Baja. I was directed to the forms page. After I read it, it
did not agree with what I was told. http://www.vagabundos.com/PDF%20Forms/NON-TOURIST%20Applicat...
I will not be using The Vags insurance.
I am now looking again for a single policy for coverage in US and Baja.losfrailes - 7-5-2006 at 10:51 AM
Seems like a lot of unnecessary confusion on this issue.
Lewis & Lewis underwrites for Qualitas who does not put a restriction on the time in this country. If you have US registration you can live here
year round, with an underwriter that is very attentive and who represents a company that has an excellent reputation.
Should you have a problem, as some of us do at times, they have adjustors all up and down the peninsula.
They offer not only full coverage for your auto, but also for boat, uninsured motorists, $300,000 Liability Limit, Safe Trip Road Service plus offer a
business use option.
I am not an agent for either of the companies involved, however, at one time I was insured by the company that the Vags recommended. It went belly up
and they had to try to get another. At that time I found that the cost of a policy went from about 300 bucks/annum to over 900 bucks/annum if I lived
in Mexico full time. I decided to look elsewhere! Found Lewis and Lewis by referral and have been insured thru them, with the same Mexican company,
for 9 years now.
You can contact Lewis and Lewis at (310) 657-1112 and get all the answers directly, in english, or contact Qualitas at 01-800-004-9600 and ask for an
english speaking person.Al G - 7-5-2006 at 11:15 AM
Bedman,
Is this US coverage too?
If I read this correctly $366 for 6 months? I assume.
Is there an URL?
I may be dreaming, but I am wishing for what I have with Good Sam (GMAC) That is full coverage, including home owners for my Motorhome, jeep, scooter
and boat.losfrailes - 7-5-2006 at 11:38 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Al G
Bedman,
Is this US coverage too?
If I read this correctly $366 for 6 months? I assume.
Is there an URL?
I may be dreaming, but I am wishing for what I have with Good Sam (GMAC) That is full coverage, including home owners for my Motorhome, jeep, scooter
and boat.
Al, I don't want to jump all over Bedmans response, but the figures he is quoting are the additional item costs for each thing on insurance down here.
And that $300 is probably for a full year.
My suburban, a 99, is now covered at 14.999 for 220/year full coverage. I did not select any of the optional items since they do not apply to me.
However I am reading them from the quote from Lewis and Lewis.
Drop Lewis and Lewis a line, an email, or a call. They will clear it up for you completely.losfrailes - 7-5-2006 at 11:41 AM
Further, just to make it a little easier, here is the url for Lewis and Lewis.
All your answers are there.bajalou - 7-5-2006 at 11:42 AM
I don't think that includes US coverage - sounds like coverage for Mex.losfrailes - 7-5-2006 at 11:46 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
I don't think that includes US coverage - sounds like coverage for Mex.
To my knowledge, there are no Insurance Companies that provide coverage both in the US and the entirety of the Baja Penisula and the mainland.
Also I believe the thread was started to find the cost and availability of insurance here in Mexico.SiReNiTa - 7-5-2006 at 04:31 PM
Hi everybody this is Shari and Sirena checkin in directly from Ontario, love the trees and lakes and sweet corn on the cob. Looks like Lewis and Lewis
won't work out for us full timers as it clearly states this policy is for tourists and not residents. I want to buy a vehicle in San diego or Tj Or
Ensenada and would like to insure it for baja. So let me know anyone if they find anything...goin sailin now, gotta fly....shariAl G - 7-5-2006 at 05:03 PM
Car and boat insurance help needed for us full-timers- who can you recommend or NOT recommend...
Quote:
Originally posted by CasaManzana
Who has had experience with claims...especially for towing boat accident claims ( ain't nottin gunna happen to me on the water...jus the darn road ).
What have you heard...or better yet...what do you know for sure about insurance in Baja. This Mexican insurance thing seems like a can of termites to
me.....
Sorry losfrailes, but I read it differently. The reference to full timer and insurance in Baja led me to believe he traveled back and forth and
needed insurance for both as I do. I also can see moving to Baja with no return maybe.
I did send an email to Lewis&Lewis explaining my position and will post the reply, but maybe I should do it in a new thread if you want.losfrailes - 7-5-2006 at 05:25 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by SiReNiTa
Hi everybody this is Shari and Sirena checkin in directly from Ontario, love the trees and lakes and sweet corn on the cob. Looks like Lewis and Lewis
won't work out for us full timers as it clearly states this policy is for tourists and not residents. I want to buy a vehicle in San diego or Tj Or
Ensenada and would like to insure it for baja. So let me know anyone if they find anything...goin sailin now, gotta fly....shari
If you purchase a vehicle and have it registered in Mexico, I still suggest you contact Qualitas for a quote. They are probably the most standup
insurer in Baja.
If the vehicle you purchase will continue to be registered in the US, you CAN use Lewis and Lewis. They will still underwrite you into Qualitas.
Good Luck, with all the information in this thread you should be able to make a good decision.comitan - 7-5-2006 at 07:34 PM
I have to second frailes on Qualitas they have proven to me that they take care of their claims.Bedman - 7-5-2006 at 07:55 PM
(Al G) This is coverage for Mexico. Specifically Baja, Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Durango, Coahulla, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.
$200,000.00 CSL.
$25,000.00 medical.
$75,000.00 legal services.
$30,000.00 to $35,000.00 vehicle cost is $300 per year. (Lower cost vehicle will cost less, see there web page. http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com/
Increase Liability to $300,000.00 for an additional $48.00.
$30,000.00 Uninsured motorist coverage for an additional $18.00.
I can't answer the question about living FULL TIME in Baja and the L & L insurance. I would recommend you call them directly or visit their
website. It sounds as if Losfrailes has done some research about this aspect and many others.
I do know there are NO restrictions on the number of times you enter Mexico with the L & L policy.
I bring this up only because there are some Annual policies that limit your time in Baja to a max of 6 months and I've heard that some are even less.
(This is Here Say. I can not confirm one way or the other and should be confirmed by the purchaser. Know What your buying.)
If your Vehicle is registered in Mexico you can not purchase a tourist policy for Mexico.
If your Vehicle is registered in U.S.A. you can not purchase a tourist policy for U.S.A.
I am without knowledge of any insurer that will cover Two countries in North America under the same policy.
(Al G) There is only one way (I know of) you can get a motorhome policy that will include Full coverage that includes Homeowners in the U.S.A. is if
you Live in the Motorhome Full time and do not Own a Home. This includes GMAC Good Sam, I am also a member and Maximum coverage included in their
policy is $3,000 on personal items. Then, if you have a break in and someone steals personal items or items that were Not Original Equipment on the
motorhome you are covered. Motorhome policies are not all the same. Ask your agent the tough questions.
(Al G) The boat coverage is available in two forms. Towed and Not Towed. Towed, I believe you include the value in your tow vehicle insurance and list
the boat and motorhome together.
See their website for inclusions and exclusions.
Sirenita, I think Losfrailes is correct on his statement. It only takes a few minutes to confirm.
Losfrailes wrote
" If you purchase a vehicle and have it registered in Mexico, I still suggest you contact Qualitas for a quote. They are probably the most standup
insurer in Baja."
"If the vehicle you purchase will continue to be registered in the US, you CAN use Lewis and Lewis. They will still underwrite you into Qualitas."
All of the above information is from a frail old mans scant memory. His own wife doesn't trust him with the grocery list. Do your own research on any
thing that is important to you.
BEDMANDavid K - 7-5-2006 at 08:54 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Tourist policies and resident policies are different!
An 'annual' policy like what I have with Discover Baja has a limited number of days it is good for in Mexico... Of course there is no way they know
how many days you are south of the border, the point is they are not for people living in Mexico.
There are policies for residents, so don't worry!
Do you have direct experience with this with Mexican agents? Mine has been that if it has foreign plates, they issue a tourist policy.
--Larry
No, I am not a resident of Mexico so my experience as that of being a tourist (or visitor/ traveler) to Mexico. As I said my annual policy cleary
states it is for tourist visits not for long term stays.
I have heard of local agents in Mexico can serve you the best.Keri - 7-6-2006 at 10:39 AM
Hi I wrote this to Lewis andLewis
Hi , Do you have car insurance for people that live in Baja full time but the car is registered and insured in the US with US plates?What would the
price be for an Infiniti Qx4 2000 worth approximately $14,000 or $15,000. Thank you ,K McCarty
this is what they answered
Yes, we do. We offer annual tourist Mexican auto insurance. A tourist is anyone who is a NON Mexican National who?s vehicle is a NON Mexican
registered vehicle.
Plan A covers Baja, Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
Full coverage for a vehicle valued at $14,999 = $220 per year.
I also have a reply from L&L to my question below:
From: Albert Geurin [mailto:albert_geurin@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 4:35 PM
To: info@mexicanautoinsurance.com
Subject: US/Mexico Insurances
Dear Sirs,
I am a full time RV traveler, about 6mo US and 6mo Baja. I feel that I am being charged twice, because I pay Good Sams 12 months and Vagabundos 12
months. For the same insurance.
With the RV industry expanding at a very fast clip and more and more people are wanting a single policy to cover all, there must be an answer. Even if
you use two underwriters and I call in and tell you when I enter and leave Mexico.
sincerely,
Albert Geurin
We offer annual and short term policies. The short term policies are sold by the day and are cost beneficial for travel lasting 15 days or less. The
annual policies are extremely well priced and are about equal to 16 days of a short term. So, while you may not need the policy for the entire year,
the rate is quite competitive, offering the best coverage for the best price. We are an independent agent, so there is no club or membership fee like
you have with Vagabundos. Also, we do not require that you carry US insurance at the time you have your Mexican insurance. So, if you would like to
cancel / suspend your US coverage while you are in Mexico, your Mexican policy would still be in force. Then when you go back to the US, you can
reinstate, if that works to your advantage.
An example of our rates:
Plan A covers Baja, Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.
Liabilty only = $106 per year.
Liability only for short term would be $5.00 per day, plus a $20 fee, and 10% tax. 16 days = $110.00
Full coverage for a vehicle valued at $19,999 = $247 per year.
Full coverage for short term for 16 days, for a vehicle valued at $19,999 = $12.00 per day, plus a $20 fee, and 10% tax = $233.20
If you have further questions, please let us know. If you?d like a quote for your vehicle, please let us know.
I think this is a very good way to go. I do think Good Sams has a suspend feature.
[Edited on 7-6-2006 by Al G]Al G - 7-6-2006 at 11:00 AM
Thanks to all for getting me on the right track.BajaGeoff - 7-6-2006 at 02:58 PM
Hello All,
There are many things to consider:
1. Most Mexican insurance companies offer an annual "tourist" policy that covers for 365 days of the year regarless of the number of times you enter
Mexico. In general, an annual (instead of several daily policies) is the best way to go if you plan on spending more than three weeks in Mexico over a
years time. Additionally, there is also the "90 day annual" tourist policy (What David K has) that covers you for up to 90 days of travel time in
Mexico over a year long period.
2. If you are going to be living full time in Mexico, or plan to be in Mexico more than six months out of the year, you will need to buy a "resident"
policy. In most cases you will be allowed to let your U.S. coverage run out as long as you do not have a lapse in coverage between the U.S. policy and
the Mexican policy. This does depend on the underwriter you choose though.
3. If you are driving an RV with a US policy that covers for theft and physical damage throughout Mexico, all you will need is a supplimental
liability-only policy from a Mexican underwriter to fulfill the insurance requirements should you be involved in an accident.
4. Currently, there is no single insurance policy available that provides coverage on both sides of the border. That would be a great product though!
5. It is also important to consider additional features of a Mexican insurance policy beyond theft/accident/liability coverage. Does it include
roadside assistance and towing service? Does it provide legal aid and bail bond coverage? Is there trip continuation coverage? Does it provide
emergency air evacuation? There are many inexpensive Mexican insurance policies out there, but if a situation arises while in Mexico I would much
rather be over insured than under. Just my opinon. If you are a seasoned Baja traveler with a good grasp on the Spanish language these additional
features are probably not needed and a policy from Lewis and Lewis would probably be a good option in regards to price. Most of our customers really
like having the added features for peace of mind though.
6. Regarding claims, Baja Bound has worked with GE Seguros for almost 4 years now and their claims service has been stellar. I highly recommend GE.
7. Baja Bound can insure cars, motorcycles, RV's and boats while they are in tow. If you do need boat insurance on the water you can visit www.mexadventure.com. Jeff Nordahl from Mexadventure is a competitor of ours but also a friend.....and we often refer him our customers needing
boat insurance on the water.
I hope this helps to answer many of the questions that were raised in this thread. Feel free to contact me through the U2U if you have any additional
questions...bajajudy - 7-6-2006 at 03:05 PM
I highly recommend roadside assistance. One tow and it almost pays for itself...three and you could pay for your insurance for a year.David K - 7-6-2006 at 04:57 PM
