BajaNomad

Mexican Auto Insurance

Iflyfish - 12-6-2006 at 03:09 PM

I am entering Baja through TJ.

We will be in our motor home. We have industrial strengh US insurance, but know we need at least liability in Mexico.

Please advise what is the easiest, least expensive way to deal with this? We may be in Mexico for six weeks to two months?

Thanks,

Iflyfish

TacoFeliz - 12-6-2006 at 03:20 PM

We've had good rates and good coverage from Baja Bound (www.bajabound.com) over the last few years. Set it up and pay online, several different options for longer stays and varying coverage.

Be sure to read the fine print -- some other insurers do not cover problems 'off a paved road' or if the vehicle is only looted or vandalized, not stolen.

DanO - 12-6-2006 at 03:21 PM

If it's two months and you intend to go back again periodically for similar trips, an annual policy would seem to be the most economical and hassle-free. Several are available over the net or by phone or fax. I get mine through Lewis & Lewis. Here's their homepage:

http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com/

BajaWarrior - 12-6-2006 at 03:42 PM

discoverbaja.com is who I use. Based in San Diego. Never a problem.

Good website too.

Iflyfish - 12-6-2006 at 03:46 PM

Thank you very much, exactly the info I wanted. Muchas Gracias!

TacoFeliz: I hope to go to that taco stand. It is in Ensenada right?

Iflyfish

Taco de Baja - 12-6-2006 at 03:51 PM

I also get mine through Lewis & Lewis. http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com

Never had to file a claim, but they have good service on the purchising end :). In fact I just bought 3 days on Sunday, had the policy faxed to me late in the day on Monday.

If you plan on being in Baja more than ~2weeks over a 12 month period, the year policy becomes the cheaper option.

[Edited on 12-6-2006 by Taco de Baja]

CShirk - 12-6-2006 at 04:17 PM

does anyone know if AAA can extend their coverage to baja if you are already with them? I know they make a killer baja map.

toneart - 12-6-2006 at 04:17 PM

www.vagabundos.com

Get their annual, tourist insurance. It is good for a year but restricted to a total of 6 months inside Mexico. I get it year after year. I also belong to the club. They have a very good reputation and have all kinds of services. They exist to serve RVers and boaters. They are well connected. Get their phone number and call them....very friendly and easy to deal with.

They are also a great resource for all Mexico related questions including immigration issues. Their online bulletin board is not as active as the BajaNomad though.

Diver - 12-6-2006 at 04:31 PM

I have found Lewis and Lewis, and Discover Baja to both be reputable agents with the lowest pricing for my needs. The annual policy is most often the cheapest.

DanO - 12-6-2006 at 04:38 PM

Not Feliz, it's Tacos Fenix, next to the hardware store on the corner of Juarez and (if I have the right street) Floresta. Might be off by a block. Just look for the crowd.

BajaNomad - 12-6-2006 at 04:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DanO
Not Feliz, it's Tacos Fenix, next to the hardware store on the corner of Juarez and (if I have the right street) Floresta. Might be off by a block. Just look for the crowd.
Juarez and Espinoza. One block east of the riverbed/bridge. The hardware store is currently painted red.

:coolup:

BajaNomad - 12-6-2006 at 05:02 PM

Oh... and for insurance, I've used DB, L&L, and most recently Baja Bound - which makes it easy to just click and print. No complaints on any of these 3.

Cshirk: Many USA companies have coverage in Mexico, only thing is, Mexico doesn't recognize it if you're in an accident. You'll want coverage from a Mexican insurance company, which these companies mentioned above are providing.

If you don't have a recognized insurance company, then you won't have "proof" of financial responsibility, and are subject to being detained (read: jail) in the interim.

--
Doug



[Edited on 12-7-2006 by BajaNomad]

Crusoe - 12-6-2006 at 05:40 PM

AAA insurance is available for all of Mexico but extreemly expensive when I checked last 5 years ago. Vagabundos is top notch. The best in my book, they get highest marks for helping with any problems and they are a great resource for any info. you could possibly looking for. Good luck.:D

bajalou - 12-6-2006 at 05:54 PM

Are you saying that AAA has a Mexican subsidiary that provides Mex Liability Ins? Or they just cover Collision/Comp?

DanO - 12-6-2006 at 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Quote:
Originally posted by DanO
Not Feliz, it's Tacos Fenix, next to the hardware store on the corner of Juarez and (if I have the right street) Floresta. Might be off by a block. Just look for the crowd.
Juarez and Espinoza. One block east of the riverbed/bridge. The hardware store is currently painted red.

:coolup:


Yessssssssss, that's it. I can almost taste them now . . . .

AAA

MrBillM - 12-6-2006 at 06:01 PM

AAA has sold Mexican Coverage (provided by a Mexican company) for as long as I've been a member. Back in the early 70s I bought it there for a couple of trips, but found that it was too expensive even then.

losfrailes - 12-6-2006 at 06:18 PM

Lewis and Lewis by far. Underwriters for Qualitas who handle claims (first hand experience) efficiently, quickly and fairly.

Cost of annual policy negates need for a monthly, or quarterly policy.

BajaNomad - 12-6-2006 at 07:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Crusoe
AAA insurance is available for all of Mexico but extreemly expensive when I checked last 5 years ago. Vagabundos is top notch. The best in my book, they get highest marks for helping with any problems and they are a great resource for any info. you could possibly looking for. Good luck.:D


Thanks Crusoe and Bill for the correction on how they handle it.

Bedman - 12-6-2006 at 07:28 PM

Lewis and Lewis is by far the best in my book. Just CHECK the coverage amounts. Lewis and Lewis' Legal coverage alone is $50,000.00 Compare that to the others insurers legal coverage that average Two or Three thousand max!! If you have an accident in Mexico, your gonna NEED a LAWYER. If you really think 2 or 3 thou is going to cover the expense.... your just kidding yourself.

Bedman

Iflyfish - 12-7-2006 at 12:56 AM

Great info Nomads. Thank you one and all. I have made my decision. You saved me a lot of time and trouble. Saludos to BajaNomads!!

Iflyfish

larry - 12-7-2006 at 11:46 AM

AAA sells GNP (I believe) Mexican insurance which is available through other agents, including some of those mentioned above, at lower prices. Plus, my experience last year, when I tried to buy from AAA, was that it was unnecessarily complicated and they didnt return several phone calls about it.
I dont think they really like to sell Mexican insurance.

Iflyfish - 12-7-2006 at 12:47 PM

I have been learning more about Mexican Insurance and the differences with that sold in the USofA.

The police in Mexico are Peace Keepers. They are not about the business of establishing responsibility, only maintaining the peace. They essentially are there to keep people from duking it out.

If one has an accident, you call an agent from your insurer and s/he will come and negotiate the situation on your behalf. It is important that one have this sort of advocacy. This system clearly has it's advantages to a foreigner visiting the country.

The devil is in the details like how many agents do they have and where are they located. How long will it take for them to get to the scene? If they aren't there before the cops want to leave, both vehicles can be impounded and you might find youself with some roomates you don't really want for how ever long it takes for your agent to sort things out.

Thank you very much for posting information on this issue. Viva Nomads!!

Iflyfish

BajaGeoff - 12-7-2006 at 12:53 PM

You are correct Larry. AAA does sell GNP, but at an inflated price. You can get the same policy elsewhere at a lower cost. I am also pretty sure you have to visit a AAA office in person to buy it, which is another consideration.

Iflyfish....definitely get a policy that includes not only legal aid, but roadside assistance as well. In the event of a breakdown or collision that renders your RV undriveable, you will save a lot of out-of-pocket expense by having towing and roadside assistance included.

Geoff

Iflyfish - 12-7-2006 at 02:28 PM

Thanks Geoff, will do, not very expensive to add this to the bill.

Iflyfish