BajaNomad - 1st government checkpoint?

1st government checkpoint?

Aventurera - 2-2-2008 at 07:32 PM

Sorry, guys, but I'm full of questions, and you are quite good with the answers!

I made a reservation for a rental car that says that the car can be driven into Mexico no further than the "first government checkpoint". I've driven to Ensenada several times, and I don't remember ever having stopped at any government checkpoints, so does that mean it's past Ensenada? :?:

I will have Mexican insurance from the rental car company, but I'm assuming it's invalid beyond that checkpoint, which is why I want to be sure about where it is!

[Edited on 2-3-2008 by Aventurera]

Alan - 2-2-2008 at 07:45 PM

For many years, many years ago, the first checkpoint was at Maneadero and a Tourist Card was required beyond that point. North of there was considered the free-zone for stays of less than 72 hrs without a TC. Nowadays the first place "your papers" are checked is typically Guererro Negro. However I imagine your rental car company has Maneadero in mind.

awfulart - 2-2-2008 at 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aventurera
Sorry, guys, but I'm full of questions, and you are quite good with the answers!

I made a reservation for a rental car that says that the car can be driven into Mexico no further than the "first government checkpoint". I've driven to Ensenada several times, and I don't remember ever having stopped at any government checkpoints, so does that mean it's past Ensenada? :?:

Make sure you have Liability Insurance with a Mexican Insurance Company. The rental car company may or may not provide it. You will of course need evidence of the coverage with you just in case it is needed.

Art

DENNIS - 2-2-2008 at 08:16 PM

Sounds like an archaic regulation. These days, government checkpoints, such as army roadblocks, come and go. Long ago, there was a migracion checkpoint just south of Maneadero but it's been gone for years.
Best you find out what they mean so you don't lose protection.

Aventurera - 2-2-2008 at 08:29 PM

Oh, no, Dennis -- "prefiero pedir perdon que pedir permiso!"

I have it in writing on my reservation confirmation that it's the first government checkpoint, so wherever that first official, permanent checkpoint is is what I'm going by!

bancoduo - 2-2-2008 at 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aventurera
Oh, no, Dennis -- "prefiero pedir perdon que pedir permiso!"

I have it in writing on my reservation confirmation that it's the first government checkpoint, so wherever that first official, permanent checkpoint is is what I'm going by!

You need clarifaction, tell them you want to talk to a supervisor. Theoreticly the first checkpoint is migracion 20' into Mexico. Car rental agencies tend to be at the lower end of the food chain. Especially the small ones in San Diego owned by "camel jockeys". BUYER BEWARE! :cool:

mtgoat666 - 2-2-2008 at 09:15 PM

Quote:

I will have Mexican insurance from the rental car company, but I'm assuming it's invalid beyond that checkpoint, which is why I want to be sure about where it is!

[Edited on 2-3-2008 by Aventurera]

tell them to clarify the contract, or write in your own definition of "first govt checkpoint" at time of signing. don't ask internet fools for contract law advice re a muddy contract. :lol:

mtgoat666 - 2-2-2008 at 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

I will have Mexican insurance from the rental car company, but I'm assuming it's invalid beyond that checkpoint, which is why I want to be sure about where it is!

[Edited on 2-3-2008 by Aventurera]

tell them to clarify the contract, or write in your own definition of "first govt checkpoint" at time of signing. don't ask internet fools for contract law advice re a muddy contract. :lol:

btw, the fist govt checkpoint is about 200 feet into mexico --- the border guards

Aventurera - 2-2-2008 at 10:27 PM

Okay, so I called Advantage (that's the car rental place), and I asked for clarification. The guy said that he thought the first checkpoint was about "20 minutes" after crossing the border. I asked if he could be more specific, and he said, "Well, it doesn't really matter because we're not going to know how far you go. Just don't get into an accident."

And, mtgoat666, I really wasn't asking for contract advice...I just figured someone would know where that first government checkpoint is...and if the first poster was correct, it's at Guerrero Negro.

[Edited on 2-3-2008 by Aventurera]

DianaT - 2-2-2008 at 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aventurera
Just don't get into an accident."

[Edited on 2-3-2008 by Aventurera]

Now that was sage advice. :lol:

losfrailes - 2-3-2008 at 07:39 AM

The checkpoint that was south of Maneadero has been moved quite a long ways south of there. Its at the top of the long hill norht of the winery at Santo Tomas. It is the first military checkpoint, ergo 'government checkpoint'.

However the advice of Advantage, 'we are not going to check', is good advice. Just don't get into an accident.

bancoduo - 2-3-2008 at 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aventurera
I asked if he could be more specific, and he said, "Well, it doesn't really matter because we're not going to know how far you go.

Ask him if the GPS tracking device they install in there cars will be turned off for your trip :lol:

DENNIS - 2-3-2008 at 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by losfrailes
The checkpoint that was south of Maneadero has been moved quite a long ways south of there. Its at the top of the long hill norht of the winery at Santo Tomas. It is the first military checkpoint, ergo 'government checkpoint'.

However the advice of Advantage, 'we are not going to check', is good advice. Just don't get into an accident.

The old one in Maneadero was Migracion. The one above Sto. Tomas is army. They have different jobs, different objectives.
Since we're including army checkpoints, I think the one by Playas would be the first. Last week, I went north through Tecate and they had one on that road as well.
Good advice, "Dont get into an accident." I wonder why more drivers don't take that advice? If they did, they wouldn't even need insurance. It's all so simple.

Rental Car

awfulart - 2-3-2008 at 10:09 AM

If you decide to do this, read the contract before you sign and make sure it is clear about Mexico. In addition, a physical damage waiver should be looked at. If the vehicle is stolen or damaged, who pays? :?:

And, again I repeat the need for Liability Insurance is of prime importance!

vandenberg - 2-3-2008 at 10:14 AM

Prime importance is where your coverage ends :?:

Mexican jails not to be taken too lightly in case of an accident without the proper coverage.
Better get some definite answer to where your coverage ends. :saint:

Aventurera - 2-4-2008 at 11:41 PM

Update: called Advantage again tonight and talked to someone else. He says they allow the car up to 75 miles into Mexico, which he says is just south of Ensenada.

I asked him what exactly it says on the insurance contract, and he said it says up to "the first government checkpoint." :bounce:

Either way, it seems that I'm fine. I'll triple check when I sign all the paperwork.

David K - 2-5-2008 at 09:59 AM

The first government checkpoint (migra) is at the state border near Guerrero Negro. It used to me 10 miles south of Ensenada... that was a long time ago.