BajaNomad - Some Clarification on DMV Insurance Rules

Some Clarification on DMV Insurance Rules

Al G - 6-25-2007 at 12:28 PM

From the Baja Onion

RE: California Vehicle Licensing Issues- In response to the Erlandson's questions about Ca vehicles. Yes, now if you have a registered car in Ca without US insurance you will receive from the DMV a "Notice of Intent to Suspend". The way to deal with this is to file a DMV form called "AFFIDAVIT OF NON-USE". (This is not the same as another similar form called Planned Non-Operation). You have to send or Fax the Affidavit of Non Use to the address of this program which is State of California DMV, P.O. Box 997405, Sacramento, CA 95899-7405.

Strangely enough, my local DMV would not accept the form from me as a walk in because this is a different state program (The Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program). The affidavit waives your requirement to have auto insurance. But if you drive back the the States you must cancel this Affidavit of Non use and get temporary US insurance. I think you can just call them for the cancellation. Russell and Leslie - Russell Sutter, rjsutter@sonic.net, 7076969064

roundtuit - 6-25-2007 at 05:43 PM

Okay Al--- Personal experence. I spent 6 months in Mex. Cancelled my Ca insurance, but had mex insurance. Recieved " Notice of Intent to Suspend "
on both of my vehicles, one was in my garage in Ca. After a few letters the one in the garage was reinstated at no charge. the one in Mex cost $ 14.00 to reinstate even though we put US insusurance back on before entering states. To make it short, yes file a "AFFIDAVIT OF NON-USE" Was told to call 1-800-777-0133 a couple of weeks before going down for a long period Either they can help or give you another Number.

Al G - 6-25-2007 at 06:12 PM

Thanks..I will post that number on the onion...should help a lot of folks.

Affidavit of Non-Use

CaboRon - 6-30-2007 at 07:10 AM

Al G, Thanks for posting the correct info. Picked up a "Affidavit of Non-Use" form at the AAA office here in Anaheim. Was told to mail it in to... The Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program.... State of California DMV, PO Box 997405, Sacramento, CA 95855-7405 .... Then if I return to the States I must call that number you posted and buy US ins . When I asked for the form [REG 5090 (REV.1/2007) WWW] the clerk knew exactly what I was referring to. Thankyou AAA... :bounce:

CaboRon

CaboRon - 6-30-2007 at 07:11 AM

Rountuit, My appologies, I see that you actually posted the number. CaboRon :rolleyes:

Al G - 6-30-2007 at 11:08 AM

I would like to post an important point about insurence....I retain my insurance in Baja and purchase Mexican liability to satisfy the law of the land....My US insurance is my real protection. Good through out Baja...including workman comp.

CaboRon - 6-30-2007 at 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G
I would like to post an important point about insurence....I retain my insurance in Baja and purchase Mexican liability to satisfy the law of the land....My US insurance is my real protection. Good through out Baja...including workman comp.

I agree this is probably the best way to go ... I simply don't have the resources to maintain US insurance on my old beater. Don't think it will ever go north again after October. I'll feel blessed if it makes it to Todos Santos ... From, One of those fixed income retiries, CaboRon

Al G - 6-30-2007 at 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon

Quote:

Ron...I too, will soon join you in that great status this year...that is why I have been interested in this subject...so I will stop the darn worrying soon. Just did not want everyone to think this is the best/only way to go.

Bajafun777 - 6-30-2007 at 05:38 PM

Al G, what is the name of the insurance you have that covers you throughout BAJA??? 100 miles in is the best I have ever found so I always get Mexican insurance that covers the car and liability. bajafun777

Al G - 6-30-2007 at 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajafun777
Al G, what is the name of the insurance you have that covers you throughout BAJA??? 100 miles in is the best I have ever found so I always get Mexican insurance that covers the car and liability. bajafun777

777...It is GMAC by Good Sams RV insureance....I just tried to call and verify again...I will call again Tomorrow AM when they are open.
This is what I remember, but knowing me I would feel better calling them before I make a fool of myself....

wornout - 6-30-2007 at 09:16 PM

Last October the State of California changed their auto insurance practices. I have an 84 Bronco II that was registered in California with a San Felipe, Baja, Mexico Address. Each year when the registration was due, I would get a one day insurance policy in Mexico, drive my other car to the DMV in El Centro or Brawley, renew, get my new year sticker and go back home. Imperial County does not have smog requirements. This last March all was the same except after I paid, the lady told me I had 30 days to get an insurance company that would electronically notify the State of my coverage. I said no and after filling out a form, mailing it to Sacramento, along with the new sticker, I got my money back. I keep the car 'legally register' in the old country so my drivers license insurance covers me in Baja.

Good bye California, hello South Dakota. Too bad California didn't want this easy money anymore. The car never goes to the old country, this registering is just to keep my drivers license insurance.

South Dakota Rregistration

CaboRon - 7-1-2007 at 08:10 AM

Wornout, How do you register in SD without being a resident? Would like to know. Thanks, CaboRon

BajaWarrior - 7-1-2007 at 08:14 AM

Wornout,

I too have an 84' Bronco ll that is full time in Baja, as well as an 88' Toyota 4x4. I switched both vehicle's to Off Highway Use (Green Sticker) like my ATV's. It gives me current registration, it's only $22 for two years, no smog, no insurance. I own a 20' car hauler, so when they come home for maintenence every two years, I haul them that way.

This works very well for me. We only use the trucks in the desert and the beach. For town, we take the crew cab.

Al G - 7-1-2007 at 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Wornout,

I too have an 84' Bronco ll that is full time in Baja, as well as an 88' Toyota 4x4. I switched both vehicle's to Off Highway Use (Green Sticker) like my ATV's. It gives me current registration, it's only $22 for two years, no smog, no insurance. I own a 20' car hauler, so when they come home for maintenence every two years, I haul them that way.

This works very well for me. We only use the trucks in the desert and the beach. For town, we take the crew cab.

BajaWarrior...I have been under the impression you cannot get liability insurance on a green sticker vehicial...I have a driver license policy for Baja, but have been worried it would do me no good on my Quad?

BajaWarrior - 7-1-2007 at 08:55 AM

I don't carry insurance on my two vehicles or my quads. I don't see why you couldn't get it though....An off highway vehicle could be insured for theft for sure, but not sure about liability.

I'm going to Discover Baja to make a change on my policy tomorrow, I will ask.

Al G - 7-1-2007 at 09:15 AM

Update from my Good Sams...I am very mad at myself now...I spent 4 months in Baja without coverage on my motorhome :mad:

I was covered for towing...but not collision or anything for that matter...except for Mexican policy.
This is how it should work:
1)When I cross the border I call GMAC and They put my policy in "storage"...day counting stops. My credit remains so it is there when I return.
2) I call International Insurance group...1(866) 575-2877 and buy a policy...Not sure yet if they have the same "storage" facility??
I will find out soon.
Since most companies only sell 6 months at a time, this should work well...2 phone calls and you switch back and forth...drawback is you will have a little more money tied up annually.

Today at DMV

nobaddays - 7-2-2007 at 05:57 PM

Went to DMV today to rerigister my Cabo kept jeep. They excepted the non-use paperwork , took my check and said sorry no sticker. I swithed it to PNO status for $17.00 .

Kafka would be proud

CaboRon - 7-2-2007 at 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nobaddays
Went to DMV today to rerigister my Cabo kept jeep. They excepted the non-use paperwork , took my check and said sorry no sticker. I swithed it to PNO status for $17.00 .

It seems CA has provided a vehicle for registering MX cars; but, as sometimes in other countries, it is ruined by petty bureaucrats ..... It is very frustratling to hear these stories........ Well, since I am a native son, I guess I'll be singing "South Dakota Here I Come, Right Back Where I Started From" :no:

Cheap Auto Insurance

CaboRon - 7-2-2007 at 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G
Update from my Good Sams...I am very mad at myself now...I spent 4 months in Baja without coverage on my motorhome :mad:

Al, We can call this the Insurance Placebo Effect . .... By beliving you were covered... you actually had the same peace of mind as if you were covered. If this could be mastered, it could be a convienent and cheap alternative to insurance. I think you're onto something here. :bounce:

CaboRon