BajaNomad

I didn't survive hwy 1

jack - 4-26-2007 at 12:30 PM

This years trip down the Baja was not one of my best. Besides the horrible weather and finding most of my favorite camping spots closed down, or threatening to close down, my worst nightmare happened. I was in a car accident. Just a little south of Maneadero some dipstick in the oncoming lane who was driving faster then he should have (wet road) skidded on a corner and plowed into my Wells Cargo enclosed trailer. The force of the impact was so great that he ripped the wheel right off the axle, ripped the axle right off the trailer, ripped the trailer right off my van (2” ball torn off, hitch bent, trailer coupler cracked and safety chains pulled off). That sent the whole trailer flying about 6' from the road into the ditch, right on top of a boulder, which of course went right through the floor. The trailer had most of my camping gear and my motorcycle in it.

After spending all day with the cops and the insurance adjuster (the other guy didn't have any insurance) I was told they thought they could have the trailer fixed in 5 days (I personally thought it was a wright off). They took the trailer to Ensenada and I headed to Mulege with minimal camping gear to wait out the 5 days and see some friends. After about 2 weeks and many phone calls I realized it was going to take a lot longer to fix the trailer. I headed for the East Cape and Todos Santos where a lot of my friends were. I picked up my wife at the airport and we spent the next month visiting friends and traveling around. Off course I didn't get in any motorcycling which was one of my main reasons for going down.

On the way home we picked up the trailer from a junk yard in Ensenada. Some of their repairs were good but most were just barely adequate. I had to repair the wiring harness in the junk yard to get some signal and brake lights going and I had to tie up the jacks which they didn't fix at all so they wouldn't drag on the road. The good news is that the thing made it all the way back to Canada. I was very lucky as the trailer was in Ensenada for 6 weeks loaded with goodies, and they were all still there when I picked it up.

When something like this happens to you it is very nice to have friends, new and old along the way to help you through it. I would especially like to thank Fred & Florance from Los Barriles and Joe & Corrine from La Rivera. I just cannot thank these guys enough!

Since I have been home I have been after Lewis and Lewis / Qualitas for a little compensation for their shoddy repairs on the trailer. Before I went down I had two new ST trailer tires installed. They were both blown in the accident, but were replaced with a used tire that was 5 years old and a used recapped tire. I also thought it would be nice if they would replace the trailer jacks that are mangled beyond repair. The rest of the not so great repairs I am willing to live with. Since Feb 15th I have sent and received 15 e-mails to and from them. It has been 11 days since my last e-mail to them and have heard nothing back. I have bought insurance from them since 1986 without a single claim. I guess customer loyalty and a good driving record mean nothing. :no:

Taco de Baja - 4-26-2007 at 12:37 PM

Bummer.
Hopefully, they threw the guy who hit you in jail, for not having insurance....But, I doubt it :no:

Iflyfish - 4-26-2007 at 12:43 PM

Bummer, keep us posted on the outcome. Many of us have used Lewis and Lewis, feel free to drop our name if you want! There are many here who shop for insurance when we head south.

Hope next trip the best ever!

Iflyfish

motoged - 4-26-2007 at 01:01 PM

Jack,
So sorry to hear of your nightmare. Such a trip is full of preparations and expectations ....to have that happen puts more than a major damper on enjoying the rest of the trip.

I especially can relate to the disappointment of not having the bike, as fish tacos and good riding are at the top of my "Baja Things To Do List".

Good luck with the insurance guys.....don't settle for less than you think it is all worth.

My last trip down this past December resulted in a dry-bag of gear blowing out of the back of the pick-up somewhere between Orange County and San Diego.....just settled that claim to my satisfaction....small peanuts compared to your situation....

Ged ... in Kamloops, too....and out riding here

:bounce:

lindsay - 4-26-2007 at 01:06 PM

Sorry that had this experience and I know that dealing with an accident can really be a challenge especially when you are headed to destinations further south. When I lived in Mulege, I had a few friends experience similar situations with accidents that happened on their way down and it can be a big headache.

Most importantly though, you are OK and I know that may be cliche to say but a few years ago on my way back to Mulege after picking someone up at the Loreto airport, we came upon a truly horrific accident where a Mexican family's van (8 people total) had flipped over multiple times. We were part of a group of a few other cars that arrived at the accident just after it happened and tried to help. I will never forget what I saw that day and every time I drive that stretch of the highway I think of that family.

So, I know that it's hard to go through all the hassles of an accident but you are still here to post about it and I'm sure that your family and friends are grateful for that!!

Hook - 4-26-2007 at 01:08 PM

Yes, keep us posted on the Lewis/Lewis issue.

I personally think that it makes sense to buy insurance through an intermediary club like the Vagabundos or DB, as the insurer must worry about losing the contract with the whole organization if they dont play fair.

vgabndo - 4-26-2007 at 01:20 PM

I've been carrying annual policies with Lewis and Lewis for many years. Count me as another one who will look elsewhere if these guys don't get on track. Keep us informed please. You might consider sending them the URL of this thread!

I'm glad you're OK, but I doubt it is because of "great" insurance. Their's is an entire industry in dire need of a cranial rectumectomy.

I just had my motorcycle insurance quote (by others) :fire:go UP because my dirt bike doesn't have a car alarm or anti-lock brakes. Sheesh.

Bear with my mexican response

fdt - 4-26-2007 at 04:02 PM

Thank God you are ok, after reading about the accident I can assure you that someone upstairs or somewere was looking out for you and sent that skidding car to the back twards your trailer and not straight at you head on. Maybe I'm getting to be an old mexican but my abuelita would say that it was all because of the fact that having your motrcycle on your trip would not have been safe and the skidding car was there to prevent you from taking it on this trip.
IMHMO you survived hwy 1, check your U2U.
saludos

Hook - 4-26-2007 at 04:13 PM

I say a FREE sticker for Jack, Fernando! Send him one of mine!

HE WALKED THE WALK ON HWY 1!

Capt. George - 4-26-2007 at 04:45 PM

how about all of us using Lewis & Lewis e mail them about this sad situation..I think I'll look into insurance through Discover Bajs...any Nomads using their service?

cap'n g

rhintransit - 4-26-2007 at 04:47 PM

I walked away on Highway One, also. rolled the Explorer twice in July, totalled it (a big fear was that they, yes, Qualitas, would try to repair it) My sympathies on your having to go through the insurance circus after the accident trauma. I got to do it with a head injury.

the Tijuana office will ignore you as much as they can. don't quit. don't stop. don't sign anything.

the way to get a response is to go to the Qualitas website. find their 'contact us' spot. email them, 'can't get a response from Tijuana.' I promptly got a copy of their email to TJ office, and a promise someone would get back to me. I got a response and movement from the Tijuana office almost immediately after than. still had to negotiate back and forth but at least they finally started moving.

if you can't find the site, contact me, I think I still have the address of the main office.

Lewis and Lewis was zip help.

bueno suerte. Roberta/Peachy

Jack Swords - 4-26-2007 at 05:01 PM

Very glad you are safe. This thread could be a good evaluation of insurance companies. We use Vagabundos (boat and annual car) and are awaiting settlement of a minor accident in La Paz (actually less than $500 USD). Yours and other posters were much more serious. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Please let us know as future relationships with these companies depends upon their responses to their clients. Above all, however, is that you were not hurt.

bajaguy - 4-26-2007 at 05:33 PM

I think I will start using BajaBound Insurance (one of the Baja Nomads sponsors - see above). At least Geoff has always responded to my e-mails, and I know where to find him.

TMW - 4-26-2007 at 06:40 PM

I have had a couple of wrecks in Baja so I'll put my two cents in on this. Unless you want the results like Jack got regarding the repairs, haul it across the border and have it fixed in the U.S. The Mexican insurance co will place a dollar figure on it based on their estimate and that is what they will pay, unless you can negociate more. If it's repaired in the U.S. you will pay the difference, but it will be done right. Been there, done that. If you have U.S. insurance it may pay the difference, check with them.

bajalou - 4-26-2007 at 08:03 PM

A friend just had a Chrysler mini-van repaired in Mexicali. He was very pleased with the work. He negotiated repairs for a little less than the insurance payment. (Had a lot of front end damage). Was telling me yesterday how happy he was with the work.

David K - 4-26-2007 at 08:16 PM

Very interested to hear what you get resolved... If you got your Qualitas policy from Lewis & Lewis, then why not ask them to do all this for you? I hope it works out okay. I have Lewis and Lewis in my web site as one of three recommended agents. If they don't help you, I will have no problem removing their link!

Baja Bound supports Baja Nomad so they should be considered, and Geoff is a Nomad and wouldn't want any of his Nomad customers to not be happy! Also, many of us go through Discover Baja Travel Club for annual policies and being a club, I would expect Hugh & Carol Kramer to help with any contact problems.

Back when Ken Cooke couldn't get through on the 800 number to notify the insurance company when his Ranger died near the observatory, the Kramers went into action... made the company get a good number... and since then, no longer use that company!

fdt - 4-26-2007 at 10:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I say a FREE sticker for Jack, Fernando! Send him one of mine!

HE WALKED THE WALK ON HWY 1!

That was what the U2U was for, he earned a free sticker.

rhintransit - 4-27-2007 at 08:24 AM

I want to say, for all my previous postings and dealings on/with Qualitas (Lewis and Lewis) re my accident/settlement, that I am still with them for my remaining car. I had insured both and when the renewal came this year for the surviving vehicle, I did some research and ultimately decided to sign up again.
my experience wasn't the delightful service oriented pleasant and fair one that one definitely does NOT get (either) with companies in the USA. however, the claim was eventually resolved and fairly enough. with the knowledge from accident A, and a low book value vehicle I leave here all year, I feel comfortable with Qualitas. and I know all the Tijuana adjustors by name! the devil you know vs the one you don't in my opinion.

of note I WILL most definitely get medical evacuation insurance this year...anyone have recommendations on who to use for that?

rhintransit - 4-27-2007 at 08:30 AM

ps...Jack, we DID survive Hwy 1. and that's the most important thing. I was quite happy to walk away alive and never looked back. I left the 'stuff' in the back of the car, I left the car in the wrecking yard, it just didn't matter. I was lucky to be alive. and I learned about the kindness of strangers.

'Before you know what kindness really is you must lose things, feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth' Naomi Shihab Nye

keep your perspective...every day is a new adventure and a blessing.

I forwarded this thread to Lewis and Lewis, their response is highlighted below.

vgabndo - 4-27-2007 at 10:03 AM

-----Original Message-----
From: Perry Sims []
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 9:00 AM
To: info@mexicanautoinsurance.com
Subject: You have a chance to help yourselves here.....


You should read this thread. Many many other people (customers) have.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24164

Thank you for sending this. I will forward this to Jim Lewis and his assistant Rachel, who act as claims liasons in our office.

David K - 4-27-2007 at 02:21 PM

Good for you Perry!

TMW - 4-27-2007 at 06:05 PM

Bajalou I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't get a good job done in Mexico. It's just when the insurance company is involved they have their repair shops and if you don't have the time to check them out stuff can get done without much oversight. When things don't go right it becomes a real hassle. When I wrecked my chevy truck it came back looking real good and I thought great job. After a year the tire they put on started cracking on the side wall. The rear wheel oil seals started leaking. The paint started peeling and when I had a spray in bed liner done the guy calls to tell me the truck bed did not have any primer on it. A couple years later I found the rear end gears broke which I think was from the wreck. I felt I got shafted. I hope your friend has better luck. For me I will always kick myself for not bringing the truck back to San Diego and having it done by someone I knew.

Debra - 4-27-2007 at 08:14 PM

Good job Perry, I also use Lewis & Lewis, for years, I know that Bedman and Maryann also use them. Feel free to add my name to the list. Good to put the pressure on, and make sure they know that "we" are watching this situation.

jack - 4-27-2007 at 11:15 PM

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Thanks for the sticker offer Fernando, I e-mailed you my address. Also thanks to vgabndo for taking the time to e-mail the URL for this tread to Lewis & Lewis. It will be interesting to see what their response will be. This Monday I will be contacting them to inquire about their lack of response to the e-mail I sent them 2 weeks ago. I don't think I am being unreasonable with my requests. I do not trust an old used tire and especially a used recapped tire. On my next trip to the Baja I will be buying new tires and I have already replaced the mangled stabilizer jacks. Total cost of these items including tax is $375.00 Canadian. They seem a little on the cheap side especially since they got $167.00 out of me for motorcycle insurance and the motorcycle never left the trailer until I got back home. FYI the trailer was insured with my van, but the contents of the trailer are not covered. The police and insurance adjuster got about $180.00 US out of the guy who hit me for content damage, but in reality I have about double that in damage.

Bedman - 4-28-2007 at 12:34 AM

I'm sitting back and watching all that goes on. I've used Lewis and Lewis for many many years and endorsed them heavily. I've never had a claim (Lucky Me!!, knocking on wood) and will be extremely disapointed IF L and L doesn't perform. If that happens, I'll also change my policies.

With all that said, I have to think about the one claim (that's "1" in 23 years) I have made in the U.S. It took several weeks and many phone calls to get the ball rolling. And after the ball was rolling I was extremely dissatisfied with the final outcome.

Bedman

jack - 5-3-2007 at 11:36 AM

It seems as if my claim is getting screwier by the minute. Now it looks as if the guy who hit me covered the damages. April 10 was the first I heard of that. Now they want me to "deduct part of the deductible from the settlement, May 5th e-mail". I guess it's common practice with Mexican Insurance that you have to pay a deductible if you're in an accident, whether the accident is your fault or not. In my case the deductible is $500 US. I would have gladly paid $500 to return to a trailer that would be in the same condition it was in before the accident.

On thing I've learned from my own experience and from other people and posts in this forum, is that if you want accident repairs done properly and with a lot less hassle you should get them done back in the States or Canada. Even though it most probably will cost you more than Mexican Insurance will pay, it would be worth it. I'm not sure what to do now, I'm just glad were only talking hundreds of dollars and not thousands. I guess that I will e-mail them to find out how much deductible they want toward my claim. That ought to be interesting. For those that are interested here are the last few e-mails between me and Qualitas.

Here is an e-mail sent to me from Qualitas: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 7:28 PM
Good afternoon: The information we have just received from our office in Ensenada is that the damage to the insured was covered directly by the party at fault and Qualitas did not take part in the repair process. The vehicle was picked up before our claims coordinator in that office was able to verify the repair, but if there's still something pending, we would try to get the other party to cover the rest of the damages. Sorry for the delay in responding, but the claims coordinator was unavailable and it wasn't until today that I received this information.

Here is my return e-mail: Monday, April 16, 2007 12:41 PM
Thanks for the reply. After reading your e-mail I am not sure if you are in the process of working on my claim or if you want me restate my case. Since it has been a week since your e-mail and I have heard nothing I will restate my case. As I said in my original e-mails, I am not completely satisfied with the repair process. When I went to pick up the trailer I had to wait for two hours before your adjuster L*** G****** C********** R******** showed up and released it. During that two hour wait I personally repaired the damaged trailer wiring harness for brake, signal and clearance lights. Plus I had to borrow tools from the owners of the storage yard two secure the stabilizer jacks which would have opened and dragged on the road if left as they were. Those things should have been fixed before I arrived and your adjuster did have a look at the trailer before releasing it to me. I will fix some of the other repairs that I am not satisfied with myself, such as doing a little more body work and redoing the patch they put on over the hole in the floor.
But, the tires and the stabilizer jacks are unacceptable.
1: They replaced my two new tires with one used 5 year old tire and a tire that had been recapped. New tires should have been put on. Old tires and especially a recapped tire can not be trusted and could be a safety hazard.
2: There are two stabilizer jacks that were bent beyond repair at the back corners of the trailer. They were just left as is, they should have been replaced.
I have re-enclosed the scanned documents that Lewis and Lewis had requested that I send to you in previous e-mails.

Here is the next e-mail I sent to Qualitas: Monday April 30, 2007
R****, I have not heard from you for 2 weeks. I wonder if you can give me an update on my claim?
Thanks Jack Roberge

Here is Qualitas's return e-mail: Wednesday May 5, 2007
Good afternoon: We have been trying to get the party at fault to cover this additional damages but have not received any answer from them. For us to be able to cover this claim, you would have to participate to a certain degree with your deductible. As mentioned before, this claim was already closed by us since all the damages were going to be covered directly, but if you want us to cover the remaining parts, we would have to deduct part of the deductible from the settlement.

[Edited on 5-3-2007 by jack]

marv sherrill - 5-3-2007 at 05:17 PM

Amazing - your carrier helping is the most important part of your insurance - when I rolled my brand new truck - totalled - back in 1994 - the mexican policy- through Lewis and Lewis - did not compensate me for over 6 months and I was still paying 350 bucks a month for a car I didn't have. Discover Baja will give you the best service. - My friend had his van stolen in Ensenada and received double insurance from his US policy and DB!

David K - 5-3-2007 at 05:27 PM

That's good to hear Marv!

BajaGeoff - 5-14-2007 at 05:16 PM

Baja Bound and Discover Baja both use Genworth Seguros (formerly GE Seguros) as an insurance provider. I have to say that in our 4+ years of working with them they have been amazing with their claims service. We have never had any issues with them. One nice feature of their insurance is that in most cases you can bring your vehicle (or in this case a trailer) back to the U.S. to get repaired. They also settle claims based upon U.S. labor rates so you are not having to pay out of pocket for the repair. I know this situation is a little tougher since the trailer was damaged to the point that it was not drivable...but it sounds like this is getting way too complicated.

In regards to the post by David K.......I post on this forum because we want people to know that there is more to Baja Bound than just a website, and we are more than happy to assist our clients if they have a problem. We are accountable for the insurance we sell and we want people to know that.

Bedman - 5-15-2007 at 12:34 AM

Soo... is the general concensus on Lewis and Lewis, Good, Bad or Average?

Bedman

Bob and Susan - 5-15-2007 at 05:47 AM

actually we kinda like Baja Bound Insurance...and BajaGeoff

these seem to be "real people" who ARE interested in baja for MORE than the money!!!

remember ALL insurance is a "ripoff anyway" (my cinical view:biggrin:)

you're paying...$$$
you're betting you ****will get into a wreck and really trying not to:saint:...
and they're betting you do:coolup:...and "laughing all the way to the bank"!!!:O

just like you bedman...right "up-front" about "beds"
"holy cow" i know more about beds than i EVER thought i would:tumble:

[Edited on 5-15-2007 by Bob and Susan]

Cypress - 5-15-2007 at 05:56 AM

Bob and Susan. Isn't that, "You're betting you will have a wreck and really trying not to."?:)

Bob and Susan - 5-15-2007 at 06:00 AM

oh yea...stupid uh...

elgatoloco - 5-15-2007 at 09:23 AM

We have used Discover Baja for 8 years for our yearly truck/camper coverage. Never had an accident so no claim experience.

We have used BajaBound for the wifey's car when we go to TJ for dinner or to take friends to see the sights. It is easy and quick.

jack - 5-15-2007 at 12:06 PM

I always assumed Mexican Auto Insurance was just a necessary evil and never gave much thought as to whether one insurance company is better or worse than another. It is going on to four months since my accident and my claim is still not resolved. Thank God I haven't returned to work yet as this insurance business is time consuming and I am getting a little tired of it. It is very interesting to hear about the good and bad experiences other Nomads have had with their insurance carriers. It definitely gives you something to think about the next time you go to purchase insurance.

Lewis and Lewis have seen this forum post. They have sent me a photocopy of my first post starting this topic. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. But, it looks like I might finally be getting close to a settlement. I will keep everyone informed as to how it turns out.

bajamigo - 5-16-2007 at 08:22 AM

Good move, vgabndo. I was just about to do the same thing. I'll bet the response will be somewhat different from what Jack experienced.

WeKeepComingBack - 5-21-2007 at 04:42 PM

We have been traveling Baja for over 35 years, and luckly haven't had any accidents (knock-on-wood). We travel with a lot of people every year and have been able to help them out when they have gotten into accidents. Our experience is that most Mexican Auto Insurance companies have been very professional and prompt. Keep the faith.

Insurance? We don't need any ....

CaboRon - 6-6-2007 at 10:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Taco de Baja
Bummer.
Hopefully, they threw the guy who hit you in jail, for not having insurance....But, I doubt it :no:
: I am honestly not clear if MX citizens are required to have auto insurance .... or is that just something that is not enforced. Hope your next trip is much, much safer. CaboRon

jack - 7-1-2007 at 12:07 PM

Lewis & Lewis/Qualitas finally came through. I finally received a settlement check in the mail. What a tiring experience this insurance business is. My first e-mail to Lewis & Lewis was on Feb 15, that was 20 weeks ago. There was a total of 25 e-mails and one express mail letter sent back and forth before I finally received the settlement check. I think a lot of people would have just given up. I was asking for $339.68 US. I had to pay a partial deductible and therefore ended up receiving a check for $235.78 US. I had to pay a partial deductible because the guy who hit me opted to pay for the damages himself, then he could not be contacted when more damage was later discovered. Qualitas came up with a partial deductible formula to cover the extra costs. This seemed fair to me although I had no way of confirming some of their figures and had to just trust them. The total damage to the trailer was $1634.54 US, I don't think a brand new one would have cost much more.

The big question is would I use Lewis & Lewis/Qualitas again. Even though the guy who hit me paid for the original repair, Qualitas should have done a better job on overseeing quality control. The trailer is in no way as good as condition now, as it was before the accident. There are still a lot a scratches and broken or missing parts. Many of the replacement parts they used (such as the rims and fender) are used and most probably came out of the junkyard where the trailer was kept. I am not getting too excited over it because after all, it is just a utility trailer. But I would be quite choked up if my van was damaged and it was repaired in a similar fashion. I figure it took an excessive amount of time and correspondence before this claim was resolved. I will say that Lewis & Lewis were always prompt with replies to any question I asked them and were quite helpful, they were fine. Qualtas on the other hand were very slow responding and had to be coaxed a few times by me and Lewis & Lewis before they replied. I got the impression that they were trying to discourage me into giving up. I don't think I will give Qualitas any more of my business, which unfortunately rules out dealing with Lewis & Lewis.

Who knows if another insurance company would have handled things differently or have been any better. Although I finally got what I wanted the whole experience was way too long,drawn out and frustrating. One thing is for sure, I will definitely check out Baja Bound, Vagabondos and Discover Baja before I purchase insurance for my next trip. Just the other day I heard that there is a Canadian company selling Mexican Auto Insurance. I will most likely purchase my insurance from one of these choices as long as they are not brokers or representatives for Qualitas.

If anyone knows of Canadian insurance companies selling Mexican Auto Insurance can you post contact information.

vacaenbaja - 7-3-2007 at 10:36 PM

Whenever buying insurance in Mexico go with the best not the cheapest. Check the ratings and go with the strongest top three. All insurance companies in Mexico are a pain to deal with. They are insuffurably slow, but the good ones payoff per policy ;so read the fine print completely and carefully. Always repair in the USA when possible,you have rights here with bodyshop work.
I have had good results with Seguros Comercial America.
They have plenty of assets backing them and payed off
to the proper local value of my totaled vehicle.
Even though the results were good it is still a major pain in the but to get things done over the phone on "mexican time" and I know the
language. THe US broakers at times can be useless. They are there just to sell you the policy.
A long time ago I had a satisfactory experience with Seguros de Atlanitico, but I do not know how they rate now.

Sharksbaja - 7-4-2007 at 12:34 AM

I've heard problems with settling claims generated from Hurricane John in Mulege . Seems a few have received nothing and some have got partial reimbursement. I would like to hear from more Mulege claimants regarding payouts, thanx.