BajaNomad - Truck in baja - CA DMV?

Truck in baja - CA DMV?

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 12:12 PM

Hi Fellow Nomads,

Drove '94 Ford F150 to baja in July and plan on leaving it there permanently. Called AAA (CA) to cancel insurance.

What paperwork do I need to file with DMV?

Truck's smog is good for another 1 1/2 years and registration is good for almost a year. Once registration expires I will look to the South Dakota thing or whatever makes sense at that time. Right now just trying to avoid any penalty fees from CA DMV for not having insurance on a CA registered vehicle.

Sorry for rehashing car question but I couldn't find answer in search function. Or maybe I didn't look hard enough...

Regards,
pacside

dtbushpilot - 12-5-2009 at 12:28 PM

Do you have MX insurance coverage? Some or most tourist type policies require stateside coverage to be in effect.....dt

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
Do you have MX insurance coverage? Some or most tourist type policies require stateside coverage to be in effect.....dt

Yes I have an annual mx insurance policy through Lewis & Lewis. Don't know what difference tourist policy is vs. just regular mx insurance policy. I had no idea stateside coverage was required. Anyone else want to weigh in?

pacside

Bob and Susan - 12-5-2009 at 01:20 PM

you cant cancel the insurance for california

if you do the dmv cancels the plate

no plate = no registration
even if the reg is paid and you have a sticker

then its a pain...
calling the dmv ins dept
fax proof of ins
and another fee
and a trip to the dmv in california 10 days after its cleared up

the truck can stay home

DENNIS - 12-5-2009 at 01:35 PM

As long as you know it's not coming back with you behind the wheel, cancel the insurance and get a non-op on the vehicle. Down here, the vehicle doesn't need stateside insurance. Wont affect you at all. In fact, you can insure your drivers license here without mention of your vehicle.

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
you cant cancel the insurance for california

if you do the dmv cancels the plate

no plate = no registration
even if the reg is paid and you have a sticker

then its a pain...
calling the dmv ins dept
fax proof of ins
and another fee
and a trip to the dmv in california 10 days after its cleared up

the truck can stay home

truck left home and isn't coming back. it has a new home now in BCS. what to do?

if you mean figuratively then i guess i'm in that boat of having to drive it up north to get it smogged every 2 years and keeping minimal CA insurance?

what do others do in this situation?

thanks for the heads up.

pacside

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
As long as you know it's not coming back with you behind the wheel, cancel the insurance and get a non-op on the vehicle. Down here, the vehicle doesn't need stateside insurance. Wont affect you at all. In fact, you can insure your drivers license here without mention of your vehicle.

So you're saying insure my CA drivers license and that covers me driving the truck without mention of the truck? I imagine this is different insurance than I currently have with Lewis & Lewis. What insurance agent/co do you recommend to insure drivers lic? Does esposo need to get insurance for his drivers lic as well?

What about keeping registration current? Is that why folks do the S Dakota thing?

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

pacside

fandango - 12-5-2009 at 01:50 PM

pacside, check your u2u.

monoloco - 12-5-2009 at 01:55 PM

I can't believe that California requires you to maintain coverage on a vehicle that is not in the U.S.. I live in Oregon for half the year and we simply suspend our insurance when we cross the border and reinstate it when we cross back. How can they require you to maintain coverage that is invalid for the country you are in? I reinstate the insurance coverage on the car we leave in Baja just long enough to reregister the vehicle then suspend it.

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I can't believe that California requires you to maintain coverage on a vehicle that is not in the U.S.. I live in Oregon for half the year and we simply suspend our insurance when we cross the border and reinstate it when we cross back. How can they require you to maintain coverage that is invalid for the country you are in? I reinstate the insurance coverage on the car we leave in Baja just long enough to reregister the vehicle then suspend it.

I think my insurance company AAA (CA) submits records electronically to DMV on insurance coverage. So if you stop and start the insurance who knows maybe they would cancel the plate. Sounds like you found a good work around for your situation.
pacside

DENNIS - 12-5-2009 at 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside
So you're saying insure my CA drivers license and that covers me driving the truck without mention of the truck? I imagine this is different insurance than I currently have with Lewis & Lewis. What insurance agent/co do you recommend to insure drivers lic? Does esposo need to get insurance for his drivers lic as well?

What about keeping registration current? Is that why folks do the S Dakota thing?

DL insurance is another liability policy written for non-residents. Locals, without a stateside mailing address can't buy it. My address has been Postal Annex forever.

Lewis & Lewis probably sell the policy as well so, check with them.
My agent is Isabel Gonzales here in Punta Banda and the underwriter is MAPFRE. You can get a lot of info from Google and probably a contact for Isabel as well. Let me know if you can't and I'll dig it out.

The policy allows you to drive any foreign, currently plated car. Doesn't cover Mexican plates.

Yes...that's one reason we do the SD thing along with no-smog requirment.

bajalou - 12-5-2009 at 02:00 PM

monoloco - you're Ore. insurance is different than CA, AZ and NV that I'm familiar with. If you don't want to believe it, that's OK, believe what ever you want.

DENNIS - 12-5-2009 at 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside

So if you stop and start the insurance who knows maybe they would cancel the plate.

I don't know what that means. The plate will be in Mexico. It's not just going to disappear from your truck.
You're really looking too far into this issue.

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside

So if you stop and start the insurance who knows maybe they would cancel the plate.

I don't know what that means. The plate will be in Mexico. It's not just going to disappear from your truck.
You're really looking too far into this issue.

I'm referring to Bob and Susan's reply above. They state that the plate would be cancelled possibly if insurance is cancelled in CA. In which case to get the registration renewed in CA (if one chooses to go that route) you would have to go through the hassle of faxing in proof of insurance etc.

I'm actually looking for most simple solution and try to avoid at all cost trying to make things more difficult than they need to be. Thanks for your help DENNIS.

monoloco - 12-5-2009 at 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
monoloco - you're Ore. insurance is different than CA, AZ and NV that I'm familiar with. If you don't want to believe it, that's OK, believe what ever you want.

You can't suspend insurance coverage on a vehicle that is out of service?

Bob and Susan - 12-5-2009 at 02:20 PM

to drive the vehcile it has to registered

no ins in calif = no registration
and you have to prove it

they cancel the plate
i know this

been there done that

no current registration = no ins in baja

insure the truck
smog the truck
register the truck
or
move to south dakota

again if you let the ins lapse
the dmv cancels the plate
then you need to prove ins to the dmv ins dept
and pay them a fee
then go a week later to dmv to reinstate the plate
and pay them another fee

its a pain

Woooosh - 12-5-2009 at 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside

Quote:

Maybe 20% of the cars I see driven by latinos in South Bay San Diego have expired CA plates. Not a problem crossing the border. You take your chances with a traffic stop and ticket (the fine would be a small fraction of your current insurance/registration costs). Live on the edge in the rare event you will take it north at all. JMHO

If you're gonna live in Mexico- drive like one. :saint:

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 02:40 PM

Bob and Susan,

I feel your pain. I realize you speak from personal experience. Thanks for the helpful info and warnings.

The CA DMV has a "Statement of Facts" form. Some have been successful in renewing their CA registration annually by completing the form stating truck is in mx, showing CA DMV proof of mx insurance and also stating truck will not be back in california. I will try this and let everyone know how it goes.

pacside

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 02:45 PM

Quote:

What about all those folks who say a gringo driving a ca plated car with expired registration is a target? i don't want to have "ticket me" written all over the side of the car...although that is better than other things written on side of a car :rolleyes:

pacside

chernefitter - 12-5-2009 at 02:45 PM

Have you discussed this move with AAA? I use them for all registration needs so call or even better go in and tell them your circumstances. Keep us posted if you find out please. Fitter.

Bob and Susan - 12-5-2009 at 02:46 PM

did that too

worked for 2 years

then they changed the rule

read the statement of facts

mexico doesnt count

i even asked for a special exemption
no no no

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
did that too

worked for 2 years

then they changed the rule

read the statement of facts

mexico doesnt count

i even asked for a special exemption
no no no

Bob and Susan,

Knowing you guys I'm sure you looked into every possible solution. Thanks. Now I understand why people do the S. Dakota thing.

What is lowest possible ins coverage to meet CA DMV's requirements in order to renew vehicle every year? Any company you would recommend? I would have to weigh this vs. cost, expense of bringing vehicle up north for smog vs. SD registration. It is getting clearer to me why people do what they do. Alot depends on if you are close enough to border and whether it is convenient to drive car NOB. My truck is close to tip of BCS so driving NOB isn't a feasible option.
pacside

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chernefitter
Have you discussed this move with AAA? I use them for all registration needs so call or even better go in and tell them your circumstances. Keep us posted if you find out please. Fitter.

The 800 person at AAA just warned me that the information will be transmittedelectronically to DMV and there will be fines from the DMV for having a registered vehicle in CA w/o ins. The person was very unhelpful and couldn't answer any of my questions.

An individual rep in person might be more helpful but not sure what they could do. I think this is a DMV issue.

pacside

dtbushpilot - 12-5-2009 at 03:12 PM

pacside, Should your tags expire on your CA plates I would be reluctant to drive it on the highway in BCS. There have been federal cops setting up radar traps on the highway between Los Barilles and San Jose and when they pull you over they check for current registration and tags, especially the gringos. I've heard a few recent stories of impoundment threats and significant mordita paid. Saw them today just South of BV, glad I wasn't speeding, can't believe I wasn't (a first for me)....dt

bajalou - 12-5-2009 at 03:18 PM

Check on SD. You can have a Calif address for their registration and the fees are very reasonable.

http://www.claycountysd.org/ - treasurers office

(605) 677-7123

Get the scoop from them.

roundtuit - 12-5-2009 at 03:18 PM

Go to DMV CA on the internet and look up AFFIDAVIT OF NON-USE. That is probably your way out as it is registered and smoged The form is available to down laod. Give one to DMV, one to your insurance company, and a copy for yourself Most insurance agents are not even aware of this form
Hope this helps your problem :light:

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 03:21 PM

good info dtbushpilot...thanks. i plan on having current reg and tags one way or the other.

on another point. since my truck isn't of huge value i carry mx liability insurance only. I do not think ca ins is required to make mx liab ins valid.

pacside

karenintx - 12-5-2009 at 03:28 PM

It is true that the Federales are setting up radar traps all around the SJD & CSL area.

I too have heard stories and actually witnessed a mardita being paid to a Federale at the SJD airport. Even heard a story of one Federale telling the person "I will run a check on you to see if you have any speeding or DUI tickets in the USA." I dought this can be done...haven't seen a computer in one of their cars yet!

Heck Costco will tell you they can't look up your membership in the USA and their are far better orginzed than the Federales.

.

pacside - 12-5-2009 at 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by roundtuit
Go to DMV CA on the internet and look up AFFIDAVIT OF NON-USE. That is probably your way out as it is registered and smoged The form is available to down laod. Give one to DMV, one to your insurance company, and a copy for yourself Most insurance agents are not even aware of this form
Hope this helps your problem :light:

Thanks roundtuit. Yes I think this form will suffice until reg expires so as not to incur DMV fines for non compliance re ins.

pacside

Alan - 12-5-2009 at 10:40 PM

Quote:

[quoteThe CA DMV has a "Statement of Facts" form. Some have been successful in renewing their CA registration annually by completing the form stating truck is in mx, showing CA DMV proof of mx insurance and also stating truck will not be back in california. I will try this and let everyone know how it goes.

pacside

Please let me know if this is successful. I'll be leaving my Jeep in La Paz as "I've been told" that they will exempt the smog if the vehicle is in MX. My concern was wondering if they would accept a Mx insurance company as proof of insurance. My alternative was just going to be a absolute minimal policy from a US carrier

LaTijereta - 12-5-2009 at 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alan
[quoteThe CA DMV has a "Statement of Facts" form. Some have been successful in renewing their CA registration annually by completing the form stating truck is in mx, showing CA DMV proof of mx insurance and also stating truck will not be back in california. I will try this and let everyone know how it goes.

pacside

Up until this year CA allowed for Mexican Insurance as proof the vehical was out of the country..but they now require a policy for CA operation (even though the vehical is out of state).. I made two trips to the DMV office with paperwork in hand> no luck
Going forward I am looking into the SD DMV registration to get "current tags" on the truck we keep in Loreto.

Alan - 12-6-2009 at 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaTijereta

Up until this year CA allowed for Mexican Insurance as proof the vehical was out of the country..but they now require a policy for CA operation (even though the vehical is out of state).. I made two trips to the DMV office with paperwork in hand> no luck
Going forward I am looking into the SD DMV registration to get "current tags" on the truck we keep in Loreto.

Can you confirm if they are still exempting a smog cert for BCS? I really don't want to have to drive the Jeep from La Paz to SD every two years. :lol:

LaTijereta - 12-6-2009 at 08:49 AM

The CA DMV has a "Statement of Facts" form will exempt you from smog testing..there is a box for "non operational" in CA.

No need for the drive back..

Alan - 12-6-2009 at 08:52 AM

Thanks. Looks like if CA won't accept a Mx policy I'll just have to consider a bare minimum CA policy as part of my annual registration costs :lol:

LaTijereta - 12-6-2009 at 08:58 AM

Check these guys out if want a simple policy for CA

http://www.wawanesa.com/

They were under $100 for the year for liability only

mulegejim - 12-6-2009 at 09:47 AM

Not sure about the insurance issue - I leave a truck in Mulege and keep CA insurance as once in a great while I drive it up here. The last time the smog check was due I got to talking with with a rep at AAA and was able to file a statement that the truck was in Mexico. I did not have to bring it to CA for the smog check and was issued the registration, including the license plate tag, and was on my way. The agent at AAA told me as long as the truck was some distance for the border, I didn't ask how far, they could issue the registration without the smog certificate - which they did.

Bob and Susan - 12-6-2009 at 09:52 AM

jim
that was the old rule

i was in the dmv this summer and addressed this problem

mexico and nevada dont count

mulegejim - 12-6-2009 at 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
jim
that was the old rule

i was in the dmv this summer and addressed this problem

mexico and nevada dont count

When I was there last December Mexico, Arizona and I believe Nevada did not count, however, the agent at AAA said if the truck was far enough into Mexico they could issue the tag - previously I had just paid the reg. fee and did not get a tag because of no smog, that way there was no penalty for late reg. I will be renewing the reg. soon so I'll post on how it goes this year.

[Edited on 12-6-2009 by mulegejim]

[Edited on 12-6-2009 by mulegejim]

maspacifico - 12-6-2009 at 04:53 PM

I just went through the smog thing. I thought I had sent the Statement of Fact with my renewal and they sent it back saying I needed the smog cert. I sent it back again with the form hoping I had forgotten to send it the first time. I got it back with my tags a couple weeks later. My advice is not to talk to anyone....just send it in. How are they going to know where the car is? Unfortunately the Mexican insurance thing won't work anymore because the DMV has to get the proof of policy sent by computer from the insuring company. That's why our beach car is sportin' the Great Faces, Great Places plates! What a hassle.

BajaGringo - 12-6-2009 at 05:20 PM

It's easier just keeping a Baja plated vehicle IMHO...

mulegejim - 1-13-2010 at 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pacside
Bob and Susan,

I feel your pain. I realize you speak from personal experience. Thanks for the helpful info and warnings.

The CA DMV has a "Statement of Facts" form. Some have been successful in renewing their CA registration annually by completing the form stating truck is in mx, showing CA DMV proof of mx insurance and also stating truck will not be back in california. I will try this and let everyone know how it goes.

pacside

I just renewed the registration at the Auto Club in San Clemente, CA on my 1993 PU. The truck is in Mulege and would have required a smog check. I filled out a statement of fact that the truck was in Mulege, paid the registration fee and walked out with the sticker for the plate. I was not asked for Mexican insurance or anything. The agent told me if the vehicle is far enough into Mexico you are not required to bring it back to California for a smog test. This is the second time I have done this.

Juan del Rio - 1-13-2010 at 09:32 PM

I too just got my renewal sticker from the CA DMV direct through the mail. I do the statement of fact, provide a current, AAA insurance statement for the vehicle (800 miles South of the border), map of the location where I keep the 1989 Surburban, copy of my Mexican Insurance, a copy of my paid Mexican property tax with stamp and water bill with stamp. I have done this every year since 2002.
Thanks for the heads up on the AAA office option!

Bob and Susan - 1-14-2010 at 06:48 AM

i guess it's time for AAA insurance

the map is a GREAT idea!!! :light:

mulegejim - 1-14-2010 at 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
i guess it's time for AAA insurance

the map is a GREAT idea!!! :light:

I don't even have AAA Insurance - I am just an Auto Club member. The office I went to in San Clemente did not even ask for documentation - I did have my FM-3 with me but did not have to show it. Different offices may be different so it never hurts to be prepared. You could even get a free Baja map at the AAA office to show them where the vehicle is located if they ask. I should have asked how far into Mexico the vehicle needs to be, however, the agent did say something about more than a days drive - whatever that would be. Jim

[Edited on 1-14-2010 by mulegejim]

[Edited on 1-14-2010 by mulegejim]

Alan - 1-14-2010 at 08:13 AM

What a great thread! So many of us that try to follow the laws of our host country get so frustrated by our inability to get a straight answer on what is actually required. It always ends up being the current interpretation of the specific person we are dealing with at that moment. Following this thread it looks like it isn't that much different in our home country. :lol:

fandango - 1-14-2010 at 12:38 PM

mulegejim: i have done exactly what you have done for the past 6 years for the truck i leave in baja.

i have used AAA and mail in to the DMV with the "statement of facts", and a copy of my mexican insurance policy.

when this thread started i called the DMV to clarify since i have done this for so long. the agent says that it is NOT possible to exempt a car from smog that is in mexico or baja. this agent felt that it was just a mistake on the clerks part that i was able to get a tag. at least 6 times? i did not give her my plate number in case she was able to flag my truck.
so, although the rule is NO, it is possible.

i think AAA is the way to go from now on. i'm due to renew in march.

pacside: good luck, i hope it works for you.

mulegejim - 1-14-2010 at 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
mulegejim: i have done exactly what you have done for the past 6 years for the truck i leave in baja.

i have used AAA and mail in to the DMV with the "statement of facts", and a copy of my mexican insurance policy.

when this thread started i called the DMV to clarify since i have done this for so long. the agent says that it is NOT possible to exempt a car from smog that is in mexico or baja. this agent felt that it was just a mistake on the clerks part that i was able to get a tag. at least 6 times? i did not give her my plate number in case she was able to flag my truck.
so, although the rule is NO, it is possible.

i think AAA is the way to go from now on. i'm due to renew in march.

pacside: good luck, i hope it works for you.

Not sure why you would call if you were already getting what you wanted - hope DMV doesn't put out some kind of notice to AAA telling them to stop the the procedure.

Targeting Expired Registration

MrBillM - 1-14-2010 at 02:14 PM

I can't say about anyplace other than the San Felipe area, BUT in that area, driving with expired tags on your plate is a COP MAGNET. They have discovered what a lucrative target that is.

Nothing a good Scanner and Ink-Jet printer can't solve, though. Sometimes it takes a little work with the Color Balances, but not that much.

Until you get pulled over for something else and are asked for registration. Then it's time for the "Can't we take care of this right here ?" query.

Debra - 1-14-2010 at 03:15 PM

Interesting thread.

All the rules are of course differ State to State. I'm in Washington where we don't yet have the smog rules.

What I do (to same some money., I still drive back and forth for extended stays), is just before I cross the border (while buying pesos) I call my ins. company (Geicko) and drop my coverage to liabilty only, it's dirt cheap, then when I cross back I just give them a call to reinstate..........it's just as if your rig is parked in your garage at home, my Mx ins. takes over at the border, and yes, Geicko knows what I'm doing, it was them that suggested it in the first place.

bombero - 1-15-2010 at 08:40 AM

To keep a my car in Baja registered with current Calif Tags: I went to DMV, showed them my Mexican Insurance and proof of a Baja address that is more than 300 miles south of the border. I then have to tell them that no smog is required and ask them to refer to __Sec 27.150__ of the Calif Veh Registration Manual that covers this. Then I sign a statements of facts saying the vehicle is never to be driven on Calif roads and pay the fees. DMV issues a registration with the Baja address and sends renewals to the Baja address. I have to repeat the process every time the smog is due. If you fail to receive a notice of renewal in Baja, just go to DMV prior to being late. Good Luck

Alan - 1-15-2010 at 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bombero
To keep a my car in Baja registered with current Calif Tags: I went to DMV, showed them my Mexican Insurance and proof of a Baja address that is more than 300 miles south of the border. I then have to tell them that no smog is required and ask them to refer to __Sec 27.150__ of the Calif Veh Registration Manual that covers this. Then I sign a statements of facts saying the vehicle is never to be driven on Calif roads and pay the fees. DMV issues a registration with the Baja address and sends renewals to the Baja address. I have to repeat the process every time the smog is due. If you fail to receive a notice of renewal in Baja, just go to DMV prior to being late. Good Luck

Finally a reasonable answer! It is nice to see this coming from our CA DMV. Now if I can just find that one DMV employee :lol:

fandango - 3-15-2010 at 10:44 AM

i registered my baja truck at AAA this morning.

i presented the renewal form, copy of mex insurance, statement of facts.
paid and left with registration and new tag.

CP - 3-15-2010 at 12:56 PM

Have something a little different going on with the CA DMV - maybe someone has had similar experience? We did not receive a renewal notice for 2010. I did not notice until my tags were past due. Had my sis in MI call (we have no phone) and all they would tell her was that the DMV was notified that my vehicle had been registered out of state and so they cancelled my reg. They gave her a Sacramento number to call and she has not been able to get through yet to see what we need to do. We got our 2009 tags A-OK with Mex ins only and the statement of fact that we are 800 miles sotb - and reading these posts here I don't think that caused the problem. I can only imagine someone up there put in a wrong tag # for the out of state reg. Anyways, waiting to here what I need to do to get back in good graces. Anybody gone through this?

monoloco - 3-15-2010 at 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I can't say about anyplace other than the San Felipe area, BUT in that area, driving with expired tags on your plate is a COP MAGNET. They have discovered what a lucrative target that is.

Nothing a good Scanner and Ink-Jet printer can't solve, though. Sometimes it takes a little work with the Color Balances, but not that much.

Until you get pulled over for something else and are asked for registration. Then it's time for the "Can't we take care of this right here ?" query.

What's the best ink that doesn't fade or run when it gets wet?

slimshady - 3-16-2010 at 06:28 PM

I recently did the license plate conversion. I have a 1982 Toyota FJ60 that was once registered in CA. I left it in Baja with the intent of not ever bringing it back I was tired of renting autos which run about 500 a week.

I then had the vehicle registered in another state.

You first need to get your vehicle down to Baja.
Have it insured by Lewis and Lewis or some other company.
What ever method you use to aquire another states plates is good enough for me as long as the plates are registered in your name and advise the insurance compnay of the change. You can call that guy in the gringo gazette that will charge a couple of hundred bucks if you don't have the nerve to call one of the South Dakota county Treasures office.

I went to AAA and they told me to sign a release of liability form with the old CA vehicle information.

The CA DMV continued to send me registration renewals. After waiting 30 minutes in DMV Phone hell, I got ahold of someone and told them that I registered my vehicle out of state at my second residence. Thats all they need to know. However you live in CA and keep a second car at that out of state address for when you go there. That's it say nothing more.

They said I should have filled out the "Statement of facts" form and send it the Sacramento registration office.

MitchMan - 3-17-2010 at 09:23 AM

A couple of concerns that I have about all this is in order for CA DMV to "continue valid regisitration" after you get your tags is the DMV must get electronically notified by your US California Insurer confirming your valid US California coverage on the Calif regstered car. You may be able to get your tags at AAA, but if you do not have US Califonia Insurance coverage, then the DMV will not receive Electronic notification and that therefore may render your Ca registration invalid, in fact, even though you have current registration tags.

I am OK with that, except for one thing. It is my understanding that in order for your mexican insurance company to cover a claim, you must have a "valid current USA registration". If the Mexican insurer discovers that your Ca registration has been suspended or invalidated because there was never an electronic notification of valid California insurance coverage because you never got such coverage in the first place, then the Mexican insurer may well have a basis for denying your claim even though you are in possession of current Ca registration tags.

fandango - 3-17-2010 at 09:51 AM

mitchman: if that were to occur, wouldn't i be notified by the DMV that my registration was invalid? would i have a penalty to register the next year?

i can't remember if the renewal form says proof of insurance or proof of california insurance, but i do provide proof of insurance.

The BEST Ink ?

MrBillM - 3-17-2010 at 10:45 AM

No Idea.

I've always simply used one of my HP printers, standard paper and covered with a quality Clear Tape. Double-Back tape on the back. Fading IS a problem so you need to change the tag often. At a cost of pennies, it's a minor inconvenience.

The biggest challenge is getting the colors right. It takes a few attempts with whatever photo program you're using, but once there, you could crank out hundreds if you wanted to.

This year is the toughest of the five. RED is hard to get right and fades quicker.

But, it works.

monoloco - 3-17-2010 at 12:51 PM

Yeah, I found that the red fades in a couple of weeks.

La Tijereta is correct

Fred-o - 3-17-2010 at 04:25 PM

If you need cheap CA liability insurance go to www.wawanesa.com. My wife has it as her car is registered there, CA.

Check it out on Google for references and opinions. You still need to go through all the smog crap every two years or so.
They only sell policies on line and debit your checking account.

MitchMan - 3-17-2010 at 06:25 PM

Fandango,
Good point, one would expect that if the DMV didn't get notified by a US auto insurance carrier (in the event you do not have US coverage) and thereby invalidates your registration (in spite of your being in possession of ostensibly current registration tags), that the DMV would notify you of their invalidating your registration.

The fact that the DMV doesn't/didn't notify you doesn't, in and of itself, mean that you have a valid registration. Their notifying you of their cancelation of your registration is not a requirement for them. They can cancel your registration even if they don't notify you.

pacside - 5-25-2010 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
i registered my baja truck at AAA this morning.

i presented the renewal form, copy of mex insurance, statement of facts.
paid and left with registration and new tag.

Ditto for me this morning. Took all of 2 minutes.

I was considering paying for and providing CA liability insurance but I thought I would try with the mx insurance first. The AAA lady said mx insurance will suffice as they will notify DMV that I provided "proof of insurance"...I assume she meant they do not specify it is MX insurance just that I provided proof. My concern was that if I didn't have CA liab insurance then my registration would be invalidated as a previous poster mentioned.

My DMV renewal notice said I was required to provide smog certificate and liability insurance. AAA accepted the statement of facts stating vehicle was out of CA (thus no smog required) and mx insurance as liability ins. So at this point not sure why folks go the South Dakota route if they are able to just pay the CA fees. Are South Dakota renewal fees less expensive? I paid $147usd for CA dmv reg renewal. Also, a bare bones CA liability insurance quote from Wawanesa was $147 per year but as stated previously I did not purchase it as it seems at this point it wasn't needed. By the way is $147 a fair price for minimum CA liability insurance in case I do need to buy this in the future?

Oh one more thing, I cancelled my CA insurance on this vehicle that is in Baja several months ago and still received my renewal notice but it did request I provide proof of liability insurance. So using deductive reasoning I assume they received the electronic communication from my CA insurance company of the cancellation but did not invalidate my registration but did require proof of liab ins for new tags.

Hope this info helps.

pacside

bajalou - 5-25-2010 at 05:54 PM

SD it would probably be 30-40 bucks and no worries about canceling because of no Insurance or smog cert.

fandango - 5-25-2010 at 05:59 PM

glad it went well pacside. and really glad you didn't buy the calif liability.

my truck is a 1981 and the calif registration fee was 92.00, which i thought was a tad high. my mex liability is 108.00. i would also like to know what the s. dakota registration fee is. is that fee based on the year of the vehicle?

what year is your mex car?

on edit: i see bajalou answered regarding the fee. thats a substantial savings.
bajalou: how do they set the fee? by value, year?

[Edited on 5-26-2010 by fandango]

pacside - 5-25-2010 at 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
glad it went well pacside. and really glad you didn't buy the calif liability.

my truck is a 1981 and the calif registration fee was 92.00, which i thought was a tad high. my mex liability is 108.00. i would also like to know what the s. dakota registration fee is. is that fee based on the year of the vehicle?

what year is your mex car?

on edit: i see bajalou answered regarding the fee. thats a substantial savings.
bajalou: how do they set the fee? by value, year?

[Edited on 5-26-2010 by fandango]

Thanks fandango and thanks for explaining your experience...it really did help me in this process.

My car in baja is a 1994 Ford F150. My mx insurance price is about the same...maybe a bit more than yours..i can't remember and don't have it in front of me.

For about $100 more a year I'm ok having CA current tags (as opposed to SD tags) as it matches my CA drivers license...although not sure that really matters.

pacside

bajalou - 5-25-2010 at 07:36 PM

They have a schedule by year and model - expect that translates to estimated value. My 93 Bronco is $40.50 a year. My 86 Bronco II is about $30 I think (don't have the renewal right here).

On a side note - I was stopped for speeding a couple days ago (42 in a 35) and the officer didn't even comment on my AZ drivers license and SD registration using a Calif address. After we talked about the fact I knew the speed limits and tried to adhere, he just told me to keep it down and have a good day. Oh - this happened in NM.

slimshady - 5-25-2010 at 09:46 PM

In dealing with CA DMV and AAA it is fine but be prepared that they may not give you tags. Better to be secure in registering in another state at a thrid of the cost that CA charges without the smog check requirement. Since CA refuses to work with us and our baja lifestyles then I feel I should not give them a penny and waste my time trying to figure out to maybe not pay them. Just register it of state.

El Camote - 5-26-2010 at 08:53 AM

FWIW, I believe S.D. does go by vehicle weight, to some degree, to set their fees. I looked into registering a moho there and it was close to or higher than CA

pacside - 5-26-2010 at 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by slimshady
In dealing with CA DMV and AAA it is fine but be prepared that they may not give you tags. Better to be secure in registering in another state at a thrid of the cost that CA charges without the smog check requirement. Since CA refuses to work with us and our baja lifestyles then I feel I should not give them a penny and waste my time trying to figure out to maybe not pay them. Just register it of state.

Good point slimshady. This was my first encounter with AAA and renewing a baja vehicle. Had I encountered what you did I was prepared to go the SD route.

CA Vehicle Reg Renewal Update

pacside - 9-7-2011 at 05:03 PM

Thought I'd give you all an update on this years experience.

Baja based Ford F-150 '94 beater required registration renewal. This is what I did last year and was successful; went to local AAA office, completed affidavit of it being out of state and checking box it was in MX thus exempting it from smog requirement, paid renewal fee, showed proof of mx auto insurance and out the door with tags and updated registration.

Fast forward to this year; went into same AAA office. Lady says 'this is a company vehicle, AAA can no longer renew company vehicles. She said she could change from company to personal but would need to see my title. For some dumb reason my title is in the glove compartment of the vehicle in Baja. She said I'd have to go to the DMV to do all this without title.

Doing errands and saw another AAA office on my way to the DMV. Thought I'll try again...explained my situation to the counter guy (friendlier, spoke Spanish and very clued in), he said he could change the title to my personal name (I had all my paperwork proving truck was mine with company info etc) for a small fee, had me complete the affidavit of truck being out of state BUT said don't check box that it is in MX. Paid my renewal fee and left with new tags and renewed registration. A week later I received an updated title in my name. As I was leaving the AAA office I said here is my MX auto insurance as you need to provide this to the DMV. Counter guy said no not necessary when changing title...I pressed him knowing DMV needed proof of insurance. I knew this would be a problem.

Received a notice from DMV a couple weeks ago (renewed in June) titled "NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUSPEND" due to no record of insurance

.

In bold it says "Unless acceptable evidence of liability insurance is provided by the date shown above, the Department will suspend registration pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 4000.38.

It then lists various acceptable evidence of liability insurance with #5 saying "A copy of a Mexico resident insurance policy (only valid for coverage of residents of Mexico with the registered owner address being in Mexico).

Well I have liability coverage through Bajabound which I think is only tourist coverage so I don't think this would qualify.

Any suggestions on companies that offer inexpensive liability only coverage in CA? Or should I try to submit my MX insurance and see if that works? Don't think I should as the AAA counter guy seemed to feel that I don't need to (and shouldn't) check that it is in MX to avoid the smog certificate only that it is NOT in CA.

I think it may be time for that other option (one of the Dakota states...can't remember which one but I know there is a ton of info on this forum to go that route).

Thanks for any suggestions on liability only policies. This is due by Sep 19th to the DMV.

pacside

J.P. - 9-7-2011 at 07:46 PM

I went through the drill. Ca.Regsteration with a Ensenada physical adress. the said I would recive no comunications with Ca. Much to my suprise last week hanging on my gate with the Telnor bill was the Ca.renewal notice. mailed Aug.3 arrived Ensenada Aug.17 on my gate Aug.30 best part no smog req. :cool:

BajaDanD - 9-7-2011 at 08:41 PM

I live in Prescott Az. here you dont need smog cert. and you can register your vehicle for 5 years
Used to live in Calif. DMV was always a hassel.
Here I just bought 2 vehicles last month registered them both with no smog and no proof of Ins. Took about 20 minutes at the MVD
They are talking about starting to require Smog sometime in the near future but I hope not.
AZ is a little closer then SD

[Edited on 9-8-2011 by BajaDanD]

mulegejim - 9-7-2011 at 08:42 PM

Quote:

I leave a CA registered truck in Mulege - for renewal I go to the local Auto Club and fill out a statement of fact and am issued the registration tag with no smog check. I bring my Mexican insurance papers and my FM-3 - I have never had anyone even look at them though. I have been led to believe that using the statement of fact depends on how far from the US border the truck is kept. I do maintain CA insurance on the truck and have driven the truck north several times over the years it has been in Mulege. Hope this helps, Jim

CP - 9-8-2011 at 11:27 AM

Last year going through this the CA DMV said I needed to change my residence address to MX to get out of the CA Insurance and Smog requirement. It worked fine. Mailing address remained in CA.
Prior to that last year, they accepted the statement of fact for two years.
This was all via US mail.
PS: I quoted the section/paragraph # from the DMV reg book (I found PDFed online) on the Statement of Fact that said the MX residence address says no Ca ins and smog required. That made it less of a clerk-knowledge chance of issue.

[Edited on 9-8-2011 by CP]