BajaNomad - Insurance (or lack of) Coverage in Baja

Insurance (or lack of) Coverage in Baja

Roasty - 6-18-2007 at 06:02 PM

Our truck was covered for liability/theft in Mexico thru Discover Baja Insurance.

8 months later, we requested a quote for a years coverage on our new boat and trailer.

We were quoted the premium, duly paid the charge, and were told that this would be shown as an “endorsement” to the original truck policy.

The following April, the truck policy expired, and was renewed.

The boat and trailer policy was mistakenly (By Discover Baja / Insurance Co.) not added as an “endorsement” to this renewed policy.

At this time we were less than 6 months into the original year of additional coverage purchased for the boat/trailer– or so we thought.

Now we are being told that the boat policy/endorsement was “concurrent coverage” with the truck.
That is to say, the truck policy expires, so do the endorsements.

According to Discover Baja we are being told that we did not buy 12 months of policy (as requested and quoted at the time), as it is a “one time” charge that is not pro-rated.

So if you buy this extra coverage on the same day you purchase the original (truck) policy, it will be the same cost if you do it 10 months later with only 2 months coverage left to go.

Now we have had our boat stolen we are seeing first hand the lack of communication from the insurance company (G E Segundo), and a total “shrugging of shoulders” and “you should have known” attitude from Discover Baja.

Just to confirm, we were never, at any time told that the additional coverage was for anything less than a year.
We paid the full value that we were quoted for coverage.

We have supported Discover Baja, and have recommended them to many friends who have property or travel in Baja.

[Edited on 6-19-2007 by Roasty]

DENNIS - 6-18-2007 at 06:21 PM

Roasty ----

Sounds like your nightmare continues. I feel bad for you.

Bruce R Leech - 6-18-2007 at 06:29 PM

I think I would see a lawyer on that one

Iflyfish - 6-18-2007 at 06:48 PM

I am so sorry amigo :no:

So sad, you tried to do it right and now this!

Grrr :fire:

Iflyfish

woody with a view - 6-18-2007 at 07:00 PM

he makes a case for just riding a bus to the border, getting home and reporting your rig stolen from the local home depot to your u.s. carrier.

:light:

Minnow - 6-18-2007 at 07:30 PM

Though you still need MX coverage for the MX officials,your US policy might cover your loss. My policy covers me for 100 miles into MX. Ensenada falls into that catagory. Good Luck.

Roberto - 6-19-2007 at 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I think I would see a lawyer on that one

Sorry. An endorsement, by definition, cannot outlast the policy it applies to.

Roberto - 6-19-2007 at 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Minnow
Though you still need MX coverage for the MX officials,your US policy might cover your loss. My policy covers me for 100 miles into MX. Ensenada falls into that catagory. Good Luck.

The difference lies in liability. U.S. liability insurance is useless in Mexico, as it is not recognized by that country. Theft, however may be a different story, and what Minnow says may apply to you. It's worth a shot.

[Edited on 6-19-2007 by Roberto]

toneart - 6-19-2007 at 12:04 PM

I may be wrong, but I believe GM Segundo is a Mexican insurance company. Discover Baja is a club that writes the policies as a service. Usually they have more leverage with the insurance company because of the volume of business they send them.

It sounds like Discover Baja(your representative/agent) screwed up in not catching their error. You are probably out of luck with the insurance company, but keep trying with Discover Baja.

Like Roberto said in his post, "an endorsement, by definition, cannot outlast the policy it is applies to".

Sorry for your loss on top of your loss. It is looking like you are a victim of the ole fine print bugaboo. Insurance companies have never been known to be benevolent entities. :fire:

I too have an insurance horror story. I, and most of the victims of the Hurricane John flood in Mulege have still not gotten their settlements. We had flood insurance and the company has acknowledged our claims. When and if I do get paid, I will tell all and name names, but for now I will hold my tongue. By the way, GM Segundos, through Discover Baja were the quickest to pay off and offered the most satisfactory settlements.

David K - 6-19-2007 at 07:36 PM

Because Discover Baja is a club of people who go to Baja that offers discounted auto insurance, the hope is they will do all that can be done to help fellow club members.

An employee typing up a policy could make a mistake or forget to explain that the amendment doesn't 'automatically' get added on to the renewed policy. I would hope that the person who did type it up asked you if you were towing anything and if you would like coverage on the trailer and boat on the trailer... You would maybe then say "I added the boat and trailer 'X' months ago to the last policy"

The agent/ employee would then need to tell you that the boat and trailer must be renewed now, with the new truck policy... Yes, ???

I hope Discover Baja can help!!! The owners are very nice people and will do what ever they can...

[Edited on 6-20-2007 by David K]

Roberto - 6-19-2007 at 07:44 PM

Nice people or not, they screwed up. They should have added all current endorsements to the new policy.
I think the chances of them "making it right" are pretty slim, however. They would have to pay for the loss personally in order to do that.

On the other hand, the person purchasing the policy should have checked it. These surplus line brokers are not exactly known for their competence in writing these policies. Last time I renewed by Lewis & Lewis policy I got a policy for the right period and everything ... starting in 2001 and expiring in 2002!

DiscoverBaja - 6-19-2007 at 10:43 PM

In response to the June 19, 2007 posting by “Roasty” regarding their Mexican insurance policy, Discover Baja would like to state the follow facts regarding the matter:

Last year, “Roasty” purchased a full-coverage annual Mexican insurance policy from Discover Baja for their truck and utility trailer. The policy was effective from April 4, 2006 to April 4, 2007.

On November 17, 2006 “Roasty” contacted Discover Baja to have an “endorsement” added to that policy, to add full coverage for a boat and trailer. As with any insurance policy (whether it be underwritten by an American or Mexican company) when a policy is “endorsed”, the “endorsement” expires when the policy expires.

This fact is always stated on the policy and acknowledged to the purchaser by Discover Baja. “Roasty” was provided a copy of the new policy showing the “endorsement” with the additional coverage and the same expiration date of April 4, 2007.

On April 26, 2007, “Roasty” went to our web site to renew their policy online. Although all of their policies (including the one with the additional coverage for the boat and trailer) were clearly available for review and renewal on the web site, “Roasty” chose to renew the earlier policy that did not include the “endorsement” for additional coverage for the boat and trailer. The policy “Roasty” chose to renew clearly states that it covers only the truck and utility trailer, and does not include any additional coverage (nor any additional charge) for the boat and trailer.

So, contrary to any impressions, Discover Baja staff did not re-write this policy. If “Roasty” had called our office for the renewal, the staff would have clearly explained the coverage and re-written the policy. When members choose to renew a policy online, there is a reasonable assumption that they read the policy and know what they are purchasing.

Discover Baja feels very badly about this situation and has made every effort to be helpful and responsive to “Roasty”. We have provided copies of all the policies and receipts, and have been in communication with our surplus lines broker, who has been dealing with Genworth, the Mexican underwriter, on behalf of “Roasty”.

Because this could become a matter for litigation, Discover Baja will refrain from any further discussion of this particular case on this public forum. We hope all of you will understand that there are two sides to every story. If any of you currently have insurance with Discover Baja, we would welcome any inquiries or questions you may have about your policy (800) 727-2252. We want all of our customers to fully understand their insurance coverage, and we are always glad to answer any questions.

David K - 6-20-2007 at 06:04 AM

Well, that clears up a lot... Thanks Hugh & Carol!

Crusoe - 6-20-2007 at 06:14 AM

Well!!......Whats your take Roasty ??

Crusoe - 6-20-2007 at 07:05 AM

Roasty.....I feel very sad for you! Truly sorry for your loss. I have had over the years alot of small stuff stolen in Baja! One always feels so violated........35 years ago some wheels and tires were removed off my truck, while it was parked in a semi-remote place. An older man, and old Baja hand, whom I respected dearly, told me something that I never forgot. "If you cannot afford to lose it , Do not take it to Baja". I hope the Insurance Company will make good your losses. Best of luck.++C++

bajaguy - 6-20-2007 at 07:30 AM

Roasty....check your u2u.....

woody with a view - 6-20-2007 at 07:42 AM

Quote:

We hope all of you will understand that there are two sides to every story.

maybe, but the truth lies somewhere in between! :!:

jimgrms - 6-20-2007 at 07:44 AM

I have found that insurance co. will do whatever they can to avoid a loss and discover baja as a agent is doing the same thing. they are in buisness to make aprofit not to help people

rob - 6-20-2007 at 08:01 AM

Woody, you mean that truth is an average of the facts?

woody with a view - 6-20-2007 at 08:03 AM

Quote:

Woody, you mean that truth is an average of the facts?

no. i meant there are 3 sides to every story. your's, mine and what really happened...... :lol:

tripledigitken - 6-20-2007 at 08:23 AM

What a sad situation. It points out the downside of business on the internet vs. face to face.

The endorsement probably would have been covered in the renewal had the policy been rewritten over the phone or in person at Discover's office. I also have my policy written with Discover Baja and have been a member since Mexico West days. Carol and Hugh are standup people and i'm sure they do feel very bad over this situation.

Best of luck Roasty.

Ken

David K - 6-20-2007 at 05:45 PM

I am in agreement with Ken, I was a chater member of Tom and Shirley Miller's Mexico West Travel Club and when Shirley sold it, I followed her over to Discover Baja where she helped Hugh and Carol.

It is really sad what happened, but as no people at DB were involved in Roasty's renewing his policy online, and he picked the original (truck, without boat) policy to renew, and never called the toll free number to varify that the endorsement would continue on, as he thought... Well, how could DB be responsible in any way???

But, Hugh and Carol are still trying to help Roasty... That's very nice and what I would expect knowing them!

Roasty, I am not down on you amigo... What happened was horrible and I know you were hoping some comfort would come with an insurance payment... However, the way things happened, no insurance company would have covered you. It is really bad news, and I know I would be steaming at everyone involved that I thought were paid to help.

In fact, I think DB and the Nomads will help as much as possible... Lot's of eyes in Ensenada that will post here if it is seen! I wish for your success in getting it back!

Roberto - 6-20-2007 at 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
It is really sad what happened, but as no people at DB were involved in Roasty's renewing his policy online, and he picked the original (truck, without boat) policy to renew, and never called the toll free number to varify that the endorsement would continue on, as he thought... Well, how could DB be responsible in any way???

Well ... in ANY way? Who do you think puts the website together? What I don't understand, and doesn't make sense is this:

This was an endorsement, right?, and therefore part (an attachment, if you will) to the original policy.

If that's true why would you list the options in such a way that you can pick more than one policy, one to include the endorsements, and one not? At the very least, that's a clumsy presentation of information, one that has apparently cost someone dearly. To say, that they have no responsibility whatsoever is well ... overly optimistic.

David K - 6-20-2007 at 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
... On the other hand, the person purchasing the policy should have checked it. These surplus line brokers are not exactly known for their competence in writing these policies. Last time I renewed by Lewis & Lewis policy I got a policy for the right period and everything ... starting in 2001 and expiring in 2002!

Roberto, you wrote this, yes?

Now I know you like to always contest me, but I was AGREEING with you! :yes:

Roberto - 6-20-2007 at 06:32 PM

I'm just saying that DB is not totally free and clear on this one, and will at least make sure that type of mistake is not possible in the future.

I don't think they are legally responsible, and the person renewing should have checked.

And I don't like or dislike to contest you per se, I just think you're a boob - and like to say so as often as possible. :lol:

[Edited on 6-21-2007 by Roberto]

cabobaja - 6-20-2007 at 06:43 PM

I am confused! What's a boob?? :no:

cabobaja - 6-20-2007 at 06:53 PM

Ok, answered by own question thanks to Webster's:

Boob: simpleton; also: Boor (is this a big pig:bounce

Booboisie: Class of the general public that is composed of boobs.
Booby: An awkward foolish person, dope.
Booby hatch: An insane asylum.

Gee, maybe I'am a boob?

Baja_Girl - 6-20-2007 at 07:00 PM

A boob is the singular form of bosoms. everyone knows that...

...all seriousness aside...whether or not there is a claim against DB or not could end up a triable issue of fact for a jury. The law rests on the notion of "reasonable" - was the information presented so that the Average Reasonable Person, using the website, would understand that he was buying X and not XYZ.
Once DB's liability carrier (Errors & Omissions) determines that there is a triable issue of fact..then they will settle rather than risk a sympathetic jury.

But, this is a sad situation for everyone involved. I have decided not to bring my dog to baja. I couldn't afford to lose her. Nunca. Everything else is replaceable.

Good luck, Roasty, good luck nice people at Discovery Baja.

David K - 6-20-2007 at 07:01 PM

In that case, I am a Baja Boob! :light:

Right on... and I think I would be boring to anyone who doesn't love Baja... I can agree to that... too! :bounce:

How about staying on topic, this thread is about a tragic event and frustration with a service provider.

JZ - 6-20-2007 at 07:01 PM

I would like to know what Roasty paid for the boat insurance. If he asked for 12 month coverage and paid the price a 12 month policy cost (i.e. evidence of what he asked for) he should be covered. At that point the way DB put together the coverage was an error on their part, at the very least from a communication stand point. I would pursue litation against DB for sure if you didn't pay a pro-rated fee.

David K - 6-20-2007 at 07:08 PM

JZ, he never talked to anyone, he picked what to renew online, and he didn't pick a policy that included a boat when he renewed. If he called and spoke to anyone at DB then all questions could have been answered and they would be responsible... Think of it, they want to sell MORE insurance, not less... so they would naturally ask him if there was anything else like a trailer or boat to be included.

I see Roberto's point about making some modifications in the online purchase procedure... (even though he is a boob, too!) :light:

JZ - 6-20-2007 at 07:17 PM

I'm not talking about the renewal sun boob, I'm talking about when the original endorsement for the boat was added.

[Edited on 6-21-2007 by JZ]

Baja_Girl - 6-20-2007 at 07:23 PM

I stick to my original analysis - the point of the website is to sell more insurance with less "man power" hours - its a great idea and makes money for the brokers - but the bottom line will be whether or not "the average person" would have understood what was being purchased...or not.

Now, our lesson as nomads is to read, check, double-check and verify that our policies are what we intended. I am sad for Roasty and the others, but I know now to be very careful.

Thank you, Roasty, for sharing this - and thank you DB people - for sharing, too.

lisa marie

Roberto - 6-20-2007 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JZ
I'm not talking about the renewal sun boob, I'm talking about when the original endorsement for the boat was added.

This is great (not sure Roasty would agree) - the thread has turned into a dissertation on ... boobs. :lol:

Very appropriate - there's certainly a healthy representation available right here.

And, oh yeah, the day that I can make a reservation for every possible stop within 24 hours notice anywhere in Baja ... will truly be a sad day? Is that so difficult to understand? Oops, stupid question.

And another oh yeah - it's pretty difficult to make a reservation (and have any sense of assurance that a place will actually be available) when the only available form of payment is CASH. This is the case in most places in Baja. Come on folks, get a clue - it's Baja, not Las Vegas.

[Edited on 6-21-2007 by Roberto]

bajaguy - 6-20-2007 at 07:49 PM

Before I buy anything on line from now on, I'm going to check with my new-best-friend-attorney-you-know-who,,,,,,,, :bounce:

Roasty - 6-21-2007 at 04:52 PM

Currently travelling, so haven't had a chance to study the posts. Got notification from GE Segundo that they want to settle on the truck - Good news! Got information from our USA coverage that the truck contents (computers/Generators/I-pods - Bose stereo and loads of stuff) - Covered !
The only problem we now seem to have is the boat and trailer. Again, (and yes DB this may go to litigation), we asked for a years coverage in Mexico for our new Boat and trailer. And were duly charged for a years coverage. We did not ask for it to be added to an existing policy, (that had less than a years coverage on it), we asked for a years coverage and were charged for a years coverage. Perhaps the people selling these policies should explain that this is going to be an add-on to an existing policy - and needs to be specifically added back-on when that policy expires.
If that had happened, then the first question would be "Why are you charging me the full year then ?"
I think this practice is misleading, and leaves the buyer thinking they are covered for a period of time, when they are not.
Again, DB have been extremely helpful to us in the past, and we appreciate any assistance in the quick settlement of the truck claim, however we can't afford a $50K hit on the boat and trailer, so stay tuned !

David K - 6-21-2007 at 04:57 PM

Thanks Roasty for sharing the details with us... It can only help others to avoid problems you have experienced.

Roasty - 6-21-2007 at 05:23 PM

Thanks David, it's been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster these last few weeks, and I appreciate all the info and comments received. DB was very helpful to us in the past and we trusted, and put a lot of faith in them to walk us thru the mexican insurance mine-field. Thats the only problem I have, we were newbies to owning a place in Baja and used them for our casa policy and subsequent truck policy. Indeed we thought that by going to a Baja/mexican travel club/specialist and putting all our coverage eggs in one basket - we were playing it safe.
I'm currently offering a $5,000 reward for info leading to the recovery of the boat and trailer. Please U2U positive info to me.
Thanks all.

bajajudy - 6-21-2007 at 05:42 PM

Roasty
Do you happen to have a photo of your rig?

Roasty

bajaguy - 6-21-2007 at 05:48 PM

sent you an earlier u2u....

Roasty - 6-21-2007 at 06:27 PM

My pride and joy...............(talking about the Missus sitting at the front of the boat!)

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x91/larsdorders/Boatnextt...

bajajudy - 6-21-2007 at 07:03 PM

Boy she is a beauty...any name on the stern?
I will keep my eyes open for it but it is probably not headed this way.....good luck and cheers to you.

Pescador - 6-21-2007 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jimgrms
I have found that insurance co. will do whatever they can to avoid a loss and discover baja as a agent is doing the same thing. they are in buisness to make aprofit not to help people

Jim, this is an absolutely ridiculous statement. All insurance companies, whether health, life, property, or liability operate on a written contract and will pay exactly as the contract is written. I have been a Colorado insurance agent for the last 20 years and can honestly report that all companies pay according to their written contract. The problem is that not every client bothers to read their contract and usually files them away in the bottom of the drawer and then gets upset when they hope and pray they are going to be paid for their loss but most of the time they do not have a clue about what the original contract really said. I have insisted that when the contract comes from the company I always deliver and go over the contract with the customer and can say there has never been an misunderstanding in my insurance career.

Pescador - 6-21-2007 at 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roasty
Thanks David, it's been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster these last few weeks, and I appreciate all the info and comments received. DB was very helpful to us in the past and we trusted, and put a lot of faith in them to walk us thru the mexican insurance mine-field. Thats the only problem I have, we were newbies to owning a place in Baja and used them for our casa policy and subsequent truck policy. Indeed we thought that by going to a Baja/mexican travel club/specialist and putting all our coverage eggs in one basket - we were playing it safe.
I'm currently offering a $5,000 reward for info leading to the recovery of the boat and trailer. Please U2U positive info to me.
Thanks all.

Roasty, I admit right up front that I am in over my head in understanding all of the legal ramifications of this deal but will give some general comments. First, it is a good thing that the boat was attached to the truck as that is the only way that it would be covered in Mexico. Did you have any oher insurance like Progressive for coverage in the US? If so you may find that you have some coverage. All Mexican policies that cover boats only cover them when they are attached to the towing vehicle. Secondly, in the US, if you were to talk to the Insurance Commissioner and can prove that you had intent to insure, then you may have recourse or coverage provided that you pay the back premiums due. In Mexico I would be surprised if this same thing is true but it is worth at least checking out.
I know you are frustrated with DB and I think that Hugh and Caroll are great agents but it is important to understand that they are selling or brokering surplus lines and are not directly connected to the company. This is a more tenous relationship than a licensed representative of the company and limits the amount of power they are able to influence with the insurance company.
Finally, when obtaining a policy, be aware that this is a written contract and needs to be reviewed in each and every case. Whenever there are any changes to your policy, make sure that all additions are carefully looked over and checked. I am in the business but we caught an omission with Lewis and Lewis on one of their policies and fortunately we caught it before heading down to Mexico and got it straightened out before leaving Colorado.

DianaT - 6-21-2007 at 07:34 PM

We have renewed our insurance through Discover Baja on line several times. Yes, one does need to be careful which policy they are renewing. We have had policies that cover all of Mexico, ones that cover just Baja and the Northern Mainland state, ones with our trailer and ones with our camper---so we have to be careful to renew the correct one.

I am really sorry to hear about your problems---it is so difficult when something is stolen, such a personal afront. Our truck was stolen in Guatemala a few days after we told our new insurance agent we did not want theft coverage. It was a costly mistake.

Good luck
Diane

Roasty - 6-21-2007 at 08:06 PM

Thanks for the insight guys, but this thing is getting weirder by the minute. We got copies of the "policy" and it turns out that they had two seperate "policies' with two different carriers ?? Firstly "Ace: for a years, yes ....years liability, and then the previously mentioned GE Segundo for theft.
I agree with the concept of sitting down with your insurance broker when you are getting the coverage (we do that with our Farmers broker for our US coverage), but I may be wrong, i don't think the helpful mult-tasking staff at DB do that ? Be that as it may, our fault for not demanding a reading of the specific coverage limitations. But then why cover liability for a year, but only theft for a part of a year? We most certainly were not explained that.

JZ - 6-21-2007 at 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
First, it is a good thing that the boat was attached to the truck as that is the only way that it would be covered in Mexico. All Mexican policies that cover boats only cover them when they are attached to the towing vehicle.

What are you talking about?? That is 100% not true.

JZ - 6-21-2007 at 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roasty
Again, (and yes DB this may go to litigation), we asked for a years coverage in Mexico for our new Boat and trailer. And were duly charged for a years coverage.

That settles it for me. DB is going to lose this one.

David K - 6-21-2007 at 10:14 PM

JZ, are you saying that an endorsement ADDED to the primary policy continues on WITHOUT the primary vehicle's policy???

I recall that his primary policy EXPIRED before he renewed it, and he picked the policy (or a policy) WITHOUT the added coverage to renew!

I think Pescador is correct in that Mexican policies for tourists do NOT cover boats & trailers EXCEPT when they are attached to the primary policy vehicle... :light:

[Edited on 6-22-2007 by David K]

JZ - 6-21-2007 at 10:28 PM

Nice try, but that's not what I said, read more carefully.

I guaratee you that the policy for my boat covers it w/o regard to any vehicle. Do you have a clue how many non-trailerable boats there are in Mexico?? That should give you some hint that it's a false statement. Even for trailable boats it's not true. Maybe certain policies. But that's not what was stated in the post.

[Edited on 6-22-2007 by JZ]

David K - 6-21-2007 at 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JZ
Nice try, but that's not what I said, read more carefully.

I guaratee you that my policy for my boat covers it w/o regard to any vehicle.

This thread is not about YOU or your policy, is it?

JZ - 6-21-2007 at 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by JZ
Nice try, but that's not what I said, read more carefully.

I guaratee you that my policy for my boat covers it w/o regard to any vehicle.

This thread is not about YOU or your policy, is it?

Yeah, just like this web site is not about YOU, sun boob.

[Edited on 6-22-2007 by JZ]

David K - 6-21-2007 at 10:48 PM

Too bad you don't know it, but it is about BAJA... not attacking others for the pleasure of causing problems.

Peace out dude! :wow:

amir - 6-22-2007 at 01:24 AM

Back to the topic of this thread.

Failure of full disclosure.
Unclear policy periods, timing of claims, and delivery of services.
I think Roasty has a case.

Now would be a good time to throw in a few lawyer jokes, just to lighten the mood a little...

--Amir

Pescador - 6-22-2007 at 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JZ

Quote:

What are you talking about?? That is 100% not true.

If you check carefully on your policy you will find that you are only covered for liability on your boat and only covered for theft when the boat is attached to the tow vehicle. I had a boat stolen in Muertos and had to find out the hard way that I was not covered the minute the boat was no longer attached to the vehicle. It was explained to me from Mexico city that they cover boats only as an add on and therefore are covered only when there is either an accident or theft of the vehicle and boat. And guess what, it says that pretty clearly in the policy as well. If you have a policy that covers the boat seperately that is great, but the only way I have found I can do that is with a United States Policy from Progressive. I think a lot of people think that they have boat coverage when in fact it is extremely limited.

Pescador - 6-22-2007 at 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roasty
Thanks for the insight guys, but this thing is getting weirder by the minute. We got copies of the "policy" and it turns out that they had two seperate "policies' with two different carriers ?? Firstly "Ace: for a years, yes ....years liability, and then the previously mentioned GE Segundo for theft.
I agree with the concept of sitting down with your insurance broker when you are getting the coverage (we do that with our Farmers broker for our US coverage), but I may be wrong, i don't think the helpful mult-tasking staff at DB do that ? Be that as it may, our fault for not demanding a reading of the specific coverage limitations. But then why cover liability for a year, but only theft for a part of a year? We most certainly were not explained that.

Roasty, two things. First, you should contact the insurance office in California and find out about the rules of what applies to Surplus Lines Brokers to see what may be applicable in this case. In Colorado you might well be covered due to "intent to cover" but I do not really know about the law in California, but the insurance commisioners office is a regulatory overseeing body that will have a lot of answers to your questions and you should find them quite helpful. Secondly, do you in fact have a United States policy to cover theft on the boat (like Farmer's?) Since the theft occured in Ensanada you may be within the area covered by your US Policy, if you have one.

Roberto - 6-22-2007 at 07:23 AM

Regarding boats:

I have two policies - one covers me while I am towing the boat - and any damage it may cause to others, and is in effect ONLY when attached to the tow vehicle. But, the moment I go down the ramp and the boat is off the trailer (actually, it may not even cover the launching, I'm not sure) that policy is useless, and I have another covering me for that.

JZ - 6-22-2007 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador

Quote:

Originally posted by JZ

Quote:

What are you talking about?? That is 100% not true.

My policy has nothing to do with a tow vehicle.

You said:

"All Mexican policies that cover boats only cover them when they are attached to the towing vehicle"

This statement as read is false. It may be a true statement if you were referring only to policies that cover you when towing a boat. But that's not what you stated. You stated "all" Mexican policies that cover boats.

Pescador - 6-22-2007 at 11:02 AM

My bad, JZ, you are right and I am wrong.
I thought that this thread was about a boat add on to a Mexican auto policy. As of this time, in my small amount of research, I personally know of no auto policy which covers the boat added on except for when the boat is attached and being towed. I asked one of the directors of Seguros in Mexico City if I would be covered with that policy if I stopped in to eat something and someone stole the boat, and they answered that I would not be covered in that case.
Rather than debating individual policies, what I was attempting to alert the Nomads about was the exclusions of their policy concerning coverage on add on boats.
:bounce:

JZ - 6-22-2007 at 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
My bad, JZ, you are right and I am wrong.

Well, it was simply confusion about the scope of your statements; you were right about subject your intended - trailering.

Quote:

I asked one of the directors of Seguros in Mexico City if I would be covered with that policy if I stopped in to eat something and someone stole the boat, and they answered that I would not be covered in that case.

No sh-t! That's scary!

Quote:

Rather than debating individual policies, what I was attempting to alert the Nomads about was the exclusions of their policy concerning coverage on add on boats.
:bounce:

Yeah, what you posted is eye opening for some of us for sure.

Santiago - 6-22-2007 at 01:39 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24468#pid2259...

refer to the above thread regarding Progressive Insurance in Mexico.

oldhippie - 6-23-2007 at 09:39 AM

Roasty, have you checked with your American insurer yet? I totalled a truck 1/2 way between Mexicali and San Felipe (engine fire, and yes it was overloaded with a b-tchin' camper and I was doing 80 on a 105 degree day with the AC on) but anyway Mercury covered it no problem. Even paid to have it towed to San Diego. I'm pretty sure they would have covered theft also.

My Mexican policies are just liability. I figure they'll never pay a claim.

Roasty - 6-23-2007 at 01:26 PM

Yes, and they say we were not covered. The policy for the boat was in the truck - so we are waiting for a copy in order to review the fine print
DB were very good about getting us copies of the Mexican coverage stuff, and as I posted earlier GE Sugundo have stepped up to the plate with an offer for the truck.
Again, I'm offering a $5K reward for recovery of the boat.