I've got a 2001 Suburban with a 6 inch lift that's been badly damaged and is now in La Paz. Not driveable, probably more than $5,000 worth of repairs,
including to the custom suspension.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to ensure that the insurance (ACE Seguros) totals the car, if that's what it needs, or makes sure the vehicle is
fully repaired. I showed pics to my body shop guy here in LA and he says there's probably some damage to the frame.
The insurance company is saying they want to take it to their mechanic who they have a contract with. If I want to pick the shop, they will give me a
check for the estimate.
Any advice or experience would be appreciated.... I've considered finding a La Paz insurance attorney to help navigate it.
I'd have to pay to have the SUV trucked/towed back to the states at my own cost, I believe, if I want to have it repaired up here. I'm guessing that
would cost a couple of grand.
[Edited on 3-8-2010 by joel]BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 3-8-2010 at 02:21 PM
Hola joel,
sorry to hear of your accident and repair problems.
a friend of mine in los barriles had trouble with his newer diesel pickup and as they couldn't find the problem, a sulfer sensor, he had it trucked to
the states from la paz in an enclosed big rig. it cost him $ 1,800.00 U.S. but recovered most of the monies from gmc.
please post your resolution as i was always curious how accidents and repairs are handled in baja and if i have enough insurance coverage for most
situations.
best of luck to you,
BIEN SALUD, DA RATjoel - 3-8-2010 at 07:25 PM
The car was finally released today from the impound lot. Lawyers for both their insurance and my insurance had to come to an agreement about fault. I
was supposed to be there to sign a document releasing the car to my insurance company, but my friends on site were able to give their consent (they
have a notarized letter to drive the car in Mexico).
Now it seems the car goes to a body shop under contract with the insurance company, where they will do a full (I hope) assessment of the
damage/repairs and provide an estimate. I'm told I can have their repair shop do the work or take a check and have the work done somewhere else.
I'm going to try to find an independent adjuster who can confirm the insurance company's estimate -- anyone know someone who does this?joel - 3-9-2010 at 12:27 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by BAJA.DESERT.RAT
a friend of mine in los barriles had trouble with his newer diesel pickup and as they couldn't find the problem, a sulfer sensor, he had it trucked to
the states from la paz in an enclosed big rig.
This is starting to seem like a better option. Do you have any idea of who he arranged the trucking through and if there were any paperwork issues
with someone else trucking his vehicle through Mexico and the border?Bajahowodd - 3-9-2010 at 02:01 PM
Most US insurance companies have contracted rates with repair shops. They offer the same option- repair it at our shop, and pay only your deductible,
or take it somewhere else, and we'll only pay what we have to pay at our contract shop. So, methinks the greater concern should be whether you trust
Mexican auto body repair shops.
