BajaNomad

Mexico insurance

3464james - 8-26-2009 at 03:47 PM

What it the best auto insurance to have while traveling in Baja. We go for two weeks at a time and have had several policys. What do you the members suggest. Additionally, any thoughts on emergency service or who to call if your car breaks down while traveling from Mexicali to Gonzaga?
Last year the rear end blew up on our Ford truck, just south of San Felipe. Towed to the border but the tow truck operator would not take us across. Almost left the vehicle in Mexico. Drove it over after removing the drive shaft and putting in 4 wheel drive. Very melancholy in the PM hours.

Thanks, Jim D.

k-rico - 8-26-2009 at 03:57 PM

Lots of Nomads including me use these folks:

http://www.discoverbaja.com/

They've been in the business of selling Mex car insurance for many years.

David K - 8-26-2009 at 04:12 PM

Also, BajaBound.com insurance, which supports BajaNomad.com (see banner ad at top of every Nomad page)!

grace59 - 8-26-2009 at 06:15 PM

Luckily I've never had to use my Mexican Insurance (knock on wood)...but I've heard positive things about Discover Baja in that their adjusters are very prompt and they come through with their coverage. Anyone out there have an experience to share?

arrowhead - 8-26-2009 at 10:31 PM

Let me give you a little money-saving hint that the auto insurance companies will not tell you.

The cost for 14 days insurance in Mexico is about the same as for a one-year Mexican auto insurance policy. Get a quote for both and you will see.

redhilltown - 8-27-2009 at 12:11 AM

The two weeks plan makes sense or did the original post mean two weeks at a time more than once a year? I always get the 90 day policy through Discover Baja which seems like the best bang for the buck. And thankfully, have never had to use it. Quite simple and easy to do it on line through them.

David K - 8-27-2009 at 07:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by arrowhead
Let me give you a little money-saving hint that the auto insurance companies will not tell you.

The cost for 14 days insurance in Mexico is about the same as for a one-year Mexican auto insurance policy. Get a quote for both and you will see.


Exactly... Figure about $20/ day for a daily policy so 14 days would be $280. I can get a one year long policy for multiple trips during the year for that or less at Dioscover Baja. That is full coverage, legal assistance, and the vehicle will be repaired in the U.S. if desired.

[Edited on 8-27-2009 by David K]

Road side assistance

3464james - 8-27-2009 at 08:05 AM

Thanks for the insurance heads up. Now, are there any recomendations or advice of roadside assistance from Mexicali to Gonzaga?
Jim D.

David K - 8-27-2009 at 08:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 3464james
Thanks for the insurance heads up. Now, are there any recomendations or advice of roadside assistance from Mexicali to Gonzaga?
Jim D.


The Green Angels ( a fleet of trucks from the tourism dept.) patrol paved highways in Baja offering assistance/ repairs for tourists. ... I have not seen them south of San Felipe, so you are on your own... Do not use a vehicle that is in less than great condition to go to Gonzaga. Go slow... allow 3 hours or more for the 50 miles from Puertecitos to Gonzaga.

redhilltown - 8-27-2009 at 09:18 AM

You might try to find some threads on here about "That Road" or similar about traveling between Puertecitos and Gonzaga (there have also been threads about mechanics around Baja). There will be no one to call either way unless you have a sat. phone. Rancho Grande at Gonzaga can do some repairs for tires etc but not sure what else they are set up for. A tow strap and a (GOOD) spare tire a two is a good place to start...or bring a buddy with another truck! For all of its craziness, once the heat lets up it is a fairly well traveled road and someone will come along (just have plenty of water etc etc..but you knew that!)

rocmoc - 8-27-2009 at 09:27 AM

I use Lewis & Lewis.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

toneart - 8-27-2009 at 11:02 AM

Vagabundos has always been my choice. I have never had to file a claim, but talked to those who have. They speak highly of the service.

Bajahowodd - 8-27-2009 at 11:31 AM

Everyone mentioned insurance brokers. It's the insurance companies that matter. Virtually every broker will offer an array of programs offered by the carriers, with different limits, deductibles and additional services. Most brokers have helpful websites that will show you each insurer, and their policy features. Check several of them out before making a decision.

And speaking of the Green Angels, is it my imagination, or are there fewer out there than there used to be?

vacaenbaja - 8-27-2009 at 11:47 AM

I have used International Gateway brokers in Chula Vista for years.
They use one of the top rated insurers in Mexico.
They paid a total loss of my vehicle to a very fair and well researhed value of my car for the going rate in my area.
The east coast going rate was much lower. However there were no cars for sale at that rate to be found here on the West coast. They did the right thing. It does however take
a long time and a lot of back and forth to see these things
through from begining to end.
I have since become a member of Vagabundos and now use the insurance that they offer.