BajaNomad - BEWARE OF COSTCO AUTO INSURANCE!

BEWARE OF COSTCO AUTO INSURANCE!

Udo - 4-25-2010 at 09:12 AM

I just found this on a recent post on the RV in Mexico blog.
This is highly important, and one gets what one pays for,

Buyer beware!

To: From: RVjmelton@aol.com
Date sent: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:29:13 -0400
Subject: Re: My accident update from Joy Melton Sorry, sent wrong format
Send reply to:

March 24, 2010: It was a beautiful day. Sunny and cool for driving. I was with Ed and Jan
Biller, and Marge Nielsen and Charlie Miller. We had been in Mexico since early February for
the Mexican Connection Rally (Ed and Jan were Wagonmasters) and then decided to travel
south. We had been as far as Mazatlan, and were slowly heading back home. Leaving Las
Glorias, we were headed to Huatabampito to check out the beach.
We turned off Hwy 15 before Novajoa and headed to the beach on the typical two lane
secondary road. It was about noon and the kids were walking home from school or getting off
the bus. I enjoyed the waving greetings as we went by. The other thing I noted and planned
to mention to the gang when we arrived was that this road was the first that reminded me of
the Baja: curved, narrow, and few shoulders. There were the memorials along the road, but
again, more than usual, as in the Baja.
It was a slow, easy drive on flat road, and I was just coming out of a curve (I was third in line)
when I saw the black car pull out to pass. He was swerving and I knew immediately he was
out of control. I knew instantly he was going to hit the car he was passing or me. There was
no way to tell which way he would go. Within a moment, I found out. I had already decided to
hold on to keep my rig upright. I was going too slow to hit the gas to get around him. He hit
me head-on on the driver´s side. The impact was incredible. Apparently, the front tires blew
out and the engine dropped off. I did not lose consciousness, but it was like a whirlwind
inside the coach. When I came to a stop about 30' down the road, I turned to the right and
both dogs were up front with me. Sparkle was hysterical, but Tag thought it was a party. I was
talking to the dogs when I heard Charlie on the CB say, "Joy´s off the road. I´m going back."
At that moment, I knew I was OK. It was wonderful to hear.
Ed and Jan reached me first and I was yelling for them to get the dogs out. I smelled gas and
worried about an explosion. I then checked myself out. I knew I was bleeding from the face.
We think I hit the steering wheel as it was broken, or the dash. It was a small wound just over
the left eye at the bridge of my nose. My neck was fine, but when I turned, my low back was
painful. Didn´t seem like more than muscular pain.
Jan got the dogs out and Marge took them to her rig. Then, I wanted out. Thank goodness
for driver´s doors. I was able to open it and kept asking to be taken out, but people were
reluctant because of not wanting to injure me more. The ambulance arrived within a few
minutes as Ed had borrowed a phone and reached the officials. Finally, a man whom I later
found out was Marco, pulled me out from the back by my legs, and it was uncomfortable, but
not really bad.
I was taken by ambulance to Santa Fe Hospital in Huatabampo, Sonora where I was kept
under police guard initially. ( I will only mention this once. I was told there were deaths and
sadly, the three people in the car lost their lives.) I believe my Winnebago Adventurer saved
my life. The "cage" is so well built, it withstood a tremendous force and gave way, but also
kept me safe.
I was taken by ambulance to another facility for x-rays and then to Novojoa the next day by
ambulance for CT-scan of the neck and back. The neck was fine, but I was told at that time I
had a 10% compression fracture of the lumbar spine at L-1. I was taken back to Santa Fe
Hospital and the doctor said I would need bed rest and after a week I should be able to
tolerate riding in a car to the US. I was allowed to stay at the RV Park / Motel that we were
headed to at the time of the accident. The owner, Enrique, was at the hospital within minutes
of me, and told me not to worry, he had received permission to have the MH and car towed to
his property and he would protect it. (He was just one of the many angels who helped me
during this experience. I have used first names only so as not to infringe on anyone´s privacy,
except for my four Escapee friends without whose help I could have had a totally different
experience following the accident.)
Within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital, Nyra and Ramon arrived. She walked right in and
said she had heard that an American woman had an accident and she wanted to know what
she could do to help as she spoke both Spanish and English. She and her husband had
moved to Hautabampo from California seven months previously as she wanted a slower life
for her family. She was incredible. She became our interpreter when dealing with the officials,
and the District Attorney asked her to interpret for all of us when they took our statements.
Ramon later removed all my personal items from the MH and took four truck loads to store at
their home as they have a casita that is not being used. This was all done under the expert
guidance from Marge and Jan, who directed him on what to keep or let go (particularly dishes
which were almost all broken, for the most part). I, of course, being optimistic and way off
base, told them I´d be back in a month to pick up things. (We´ll get to that point later.)
Lynn is a retired RN from Canada who came over daily to give me my pain shots and other
meds, and when we finally could get me up, put on her swimsuit, jumped in the shower with
me and gave me a shower. I first met her husband Gary when we couldn´t get me off the
toilet early on, so Lynn went to get him. He walked into the bathroom, said Hi, picked me up,
got me to the bed, and walked out. At least I think he said, Hi.
I received a walker from another Canadian couple (Garry and Sue) who heard about the
accident and offered it to me. Later, they said to pass it on when I no longer need it. It is here
by me right now and was key to getting me up on my own.
Mario was a local who was a friend of the owner of the ambulance company, and he made
arrangements for the transfers they did, for the cost of gas and tips for the drivers.
Jose, the District Attorney, turned out to be a caring, wonderful, fair and impartial man.
Because I could not get to the court house, he arranged the final hearing at the motel. He
was courteous and kind. He was particularly taken by Tag and told everyone about my "street
dog."
The maids at the motel were very helpful on a daily basis. I had a room with a patio that was
blocked off so the dogs could go in and out.
First, last and always were my four friends I was traveling with. From the moment of hearing
Charlie´s voice on the CB, I knew I was going to be OK. They handled my money, paid the
bills, got cash as I needed it, contacted every agency to check on what to do, held my hand
when I cried, and were there for me throughout the ordeal.
When it came time to get me out of Mexico once we were allowed to leave the country, a
woman from Yucca Valley who has a home in Huatabampito offered to drive me home.
Nancy was terrific in helping me and the dogs through four days on the road, including six
hours sitting at the border at Nogales. She said I was terrific, too, until my meds wore off, and
then I was a hand full.
Once I arrived in Long Beach, I was seen by an excellent orthopaedist. I should know. I
worked for him for over 30 years. Unfortunately, x-rays showed a 70% compression fracture,
with a much longer healing time than I had anticipated.
Since then, I was in a rehabilitation facility for 10 days. Sparkle and I are now reunited in an
assisted living apartment in downtown Long Beach. Ken and Sue Pace came up and helped
us move in; Sue, of course, making lists and getting all the essentials we needed to start.
(They are now on their way to Italy.) The facility is across the street from my mother´s condo
where Tag is staying with her two small dogs. Sparkle spent a week at a vet and is down to
37 pounds. She is on a special diet and has almost as many pills as me, and is coming along
fine. Tag is still having a party. He was brought over tonight by Sparkle´s dog walker for a
short visit while Sparkle was out.
So, here is where we are now. From the beginning, we talked about what we did, what we
might have done, and what we will do in the future.
One thing is that I had my passport, both registrations for the vehicles, Mexican visa permit,
vehicle permits, insurance policies and driver´s license setting in a basket on the engine
hump. All loose. Easy to get to if I was stopped at inspections. DON´T DO THAT. On impact,
it was like a whirlwind in the rig. Ed and the others had to dig through all kinds of papers and
stuff to find everything. In the future, make a copy of things and put the originals and a set of
copies in a file and secure it where it can be easily obtained. All of those items were
requested by various agencies over and over again.
I was lucky in that I decided keep full coverage in addition to a driver´s license policy which is
liability only. Apparently, insurance is not required of Mexicans as it is of foreigners. So, at
least I had my own insurance. Now, comes the rub.
It has been one month since the injury. There was an adjuster there within a few hours of the
accident. I was also represented by an attorney at the hearing. Guess what. Neither one of
them spoke a word of English. They were reluctant to communicate with me and frankly I left
that country not knowing where I stood. A month later, I still don´t. After several calls to the
insurance agency which sold the policy on behalf of Costco, late last week I finally got a call
from the insurance company, Qualitas, and finally got an email address. We are now
corresponding, but I do not yet know if the MH will be totaled. In the opinion of those there at
the time, it cannot be fixed. It saved my life, but it cannot be put back together to do it again.
I will be posting the results of my experience with the insurance company which, so far, is a
disaster. But, I´ll refrain from more comment until I know more... in English. I will be informing
Costco that if they are going to sell insurance to Americans, it is imperative they use a
company who will be providing English speaking people to assist and represent them.
About 15 years ago, on the advice of my friend Lana, I purchased a long term care policy. I
am very lucky to have that now. After three months, it will pick up most of my needs for the
next several months. One of the smarter things I have done for myself.
I let my travel policy go because I didn´t renew. Don´t let that happen. As it turned out, I did
not require emergency high level transport, but it would have been much easier to deal with
had I had that policy. I will have it going out on the road again.
I thank all of you who have sent cards and emailed me. It means so very much. What I have
written is from my memory. My friends have another view from where they were and can offer
suggestions for all of us on the road. I gave only my view, which for many days, was flat on
my back in bed. Had it not been for the wonderful people I share my life with, it would not
have this happy ending. I am alive, I am going to be well, and I will be back on the road as
soon as possible.

Joy, Sparkle and Tag Along
117 E 8th St, #401
Long Beach, CA 90813

[Edited on 4-25-2010 by udowinkler]

longlegsinlapaz - 4-25-2010 at 09:46 AM

Yet ANOTHER reason NOT to use Qualitas Insurance (QualitLESS InsuraNOT)! :no:

Do a search here on BN for other less than satisfactory Qualitas experiences! :fire:

woody with a view - 4-25-2010 at 09:52 AM

Quote:

There was an adjuster there within a few hours of the accident. I was also represented by an attorney at the hearing. Guess what. Neither one of them spoke a word of English. They were reluctant to communicate with me and frankly I left that country not knowing where I stood. A month later, I still don´t. After several calls to the insurance agency which sold the policy on behalf of Costco, late last week I finally got a call from the insurance company, Qualitas, and finally got an email address. We are now corresponding, but I do not yet know if the MH will be totaled.

what's the problem? they let the dude leave the country after 3 deaths! so it is taking a little time to get payments? i don't see a problem.

[Edited on 4-25-2010 by woody in ob]

Bajahowodd - 4-25-2010 at 10:03 AM

I'm with you. Woody. Seems like the major beef is that a Mexican Insurance Company did not provide English speaking personnel in Mexico. Geez.

comitan - 4-25-2010 at 02:02 PM

As for Qualitas I have been with them probably 6-7 years, one claim someone backed into me, got their Plate Number, Qualitas claim adjuster spoke English and got the claim settled fast and to my satisfaction.

Wiley

Timo1 - 4-25-2010 at 02:06 PM

Who under-writes Bajabound ins. ???
Thats who I've used and will stick with

irenemm - 4-25-2010 at 04:06 PM

this has only been a month? Mexican time that is nothing. I have this insurance and have had it for about 3 years now. hope i never have to use it.
But a month in Mexican time is nothing. If you have done any business with any business you know it is nothing. If you bring the white form they wanted a pink if you bring the pink one now they want a yellow standing on it's side face up. Hey if they pay the claim that is what counts.
if they don't pay then maybe I will consider to change.

[Edited on 4-25-2010 by irenemm]

rhintransit - 4-25-2010 at 04:25 PM

I have Qualitas through Lewis and Lewis. one totaled vehicle...see previous threads, the insurance subject has been well covered in the past. the service was slow but eventually they settled for what my stateside insurance said they would have paid. it's a strange land and we are strangers in it, unless we speak the language.

comitan - 4-25-2010 at 04:32 PM

Irene Very well said, if your willing to jump through the hoops you will make it in Mexico, If not you should probably go home like many have done and yes some from this forum.

mtgoat666 - 4-25-2010 at 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob

what's the problem? they let the dude leave the country after 3 deaths! so it is taking a little time to get payments? i don't see a problem.

[Edited on 4-25-2010 by woody in ob]

the dude never once expressed remorse or sadness for the 3 who died, just complained about his insurance payment being slow, whined about his aches and pains.
re costco, he is probably one of those overweight people you see at costco who stand around like vultures waiting for free samples, running over the little kids so they can scarf up ALL the food as soon as it is set out

bajabass - 4-25-2010 at 05:05 PM

I too use Lewis&Lewis, for 10 years, and never a claim, thank God. Is there a much better company at competetive rates?

comitan - 4-25-2010 at 05:13 PM

Goat I think he was a she! :rolleyes:

woody with a view - 4-25-2010 at 05:13 PM

costco is dirt cheap!

Bajahowodd - 4-25-2010 at 05:16 PM

Nevertheless, the most important thing to consider is your broker. They can easily become intermediaries and hasten the outcome. Any broker that ignores their clients and leaves them to the vagaries of dealing with the carrier should be avoided.

bajaguy - 4-25-2010 at 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Nevertheless, the most important thing to consider is your broker. They can easily become intermediaries and hasten the outcome. Any broker that ignores their clients and leaves them to the vagaries of dealing with the carrier should be avoided.

And that is why I use Geoff at Bajabound!!!!!!!

doradodan - 4-25-2010 at 06:47 PM

u don't know what your talking about goat, just looking for a fight, put#

Osprey - 4-25-2010 at 07:03 PM

We are crossing into the very mudgy area of commerce where the lines get blurred by price versus contract services. Easier done when you're buying a wheelbarrow online than a serious promise for a promise. Is price the only consideration? Do you have any idea what the policy guarantees? Do you have any idea, when you buy online, how the provisions of reimbursement, indemnity and repair and replacement apply to you in the U.S., in Mexico, to a covered vehicle driven by a named insured driver? Before you begin to lambast the insurors you should take one small step back to maybe admit just how deep you went into the quality pool, how much time you spent to learn about what coverages you meant to buy, what coverages are available and last but not least what your responsibilities are once you have the contract.

[Edited on 4-26-2010 by Osprey]

comitan - 4-25-2010 at 07:19 PM

And now you know!!!!!

sancho - 4-25-2010 at 10:31 PM

It is difficult to find much hard facts as to how
the different Mex Insurance Co's respond in
the case of a claim, there aren't many examples
to draw on. I did read of the owner of Lewis
and Lewis paying someone out of his own
pocket for a claim which had a problem.
I do believe the Mex Adjuster can be the
most important person. A guy on the mainland,driving a Motorhome
towing a car which was hit by a guy on a
motorcycle, the Mex Adjuster tried to deny the
claim because there was no one DRIVING the
the towed vehicle. Don't know how many readers
remember the tale from Kitto, a few yrs. back,
about his Legal Aid not showing up for 4 days
in Ensenada and him actually being transferred
to a prison east of Ensenada, at which time the Legal
Aid did show up

irenemm - 4-26-2010 at 12:09 AM

Comitan
I have lived in Mexico for 30 years and we have run a very successful business. This is just fact how things are here. Maybe not in La Paz but in Baja north it is the fact.
BTW this is home.
Irene

Pescador - 4-26-2010 at 06:10 AM

Osprey's post is right on target for what happens and Bajahowodd is a little off center. Policies sold from a Mexican company by a United States business whether it is Lewis and Lewis or Costco is done by what is called Surplus Lines Brokerage. It is not regulated by the department of Insurance in the state in which you buy the insurance so the expectation that a broker would have much influence over claims decisions is a mis-statement at best and probably dangerous if you think that they will exercise a whole lot of influence. Normally brokers have a license agreement with the various insurance companies that they sell and they also carry a liability policy for errors and omissions and the whole process is covered by the state insurance commissioner in the state in which you buy those policies. When it comes to surplus lines brokerage, the controls imposed by the state are different and while some companies selling surplus lines are very large and have some influence, you should not expect it to go along the lines of how you might interact with your State Farm or Progressive agent.
The part that Osprey touched on is perhaps the most important part of purchasing a policy. It is important that you know exactly what is covered and for how much. I have listened to discussios for years on this forumn as well as others, and it usually goes to how the sales person had a pleasant tone to their voice or how nice the receptionist was, or even worse, how much the policy cost. You need to know what your liability limits are, how the legal fees are covered and for how much, how repairs are handled and whether or not you can have your car repaired in the United States, what happens if you are hit by a non-insured motorist (like that never happens in Mexico), how much medical is covered for you and any victims, are other drivers covered and what qualifications are enforced, if you are towing a boat or trailer you need to know how it is covered, and finally any exclusions or riders issued that would good to know about.
Bajahowodd is right on the fact that you need to deal with a reputable agent because they should specialize in finding the policy that comes closest to your needs, but the responsibility is yours to ask all of the relevant questions and not make the erroneous assumption that a Mexican auto policy is just like an American policy only cheaper. I have a problem with the idea of buying a policy from Costco because you get none of the services of a broker which may be your major link to getting the right policy in the first place, and providing some limited help in the event that you find yourself in the maze of trying to find out how to get through the confusion of a claim.

Osprey - 4-26-2010 at 06:37 AM

Right on Pescador, good advice. The slippery slope on buying habits is that we are getting more comfortable buying online. Some services like legal/realty/medical are and should stay, face to face transactions. Insurors have set the trap -- they know you won't, on your own, read the contract, the conditions, the exclusions. They aren't really glad for that because that causes misunderstandings when claims arise that are costly for all parties to the claim. If and when the online buyer is denied part of a claim he can only say "I didn't know about that provision. I thought I was paying for that protection. Somebody should have given me constructive notice about the contract beyond the online purchase, beyond sending me contract agreements online or in the mail. Both parties lose, both are at fault. The insuror loses a client, the client feels cheated. The insured didn't pay a premium for that kind of protection, now says, "had I known, I would have sought that coverage from you or others and paid the premium for it". Sometimes the insureds understanding or lack of info about available coverages feels cheated but learns too late no one will indemnify him for the kinds of protection he thought was available. Ya just gotta be told, ya just gotta ask questions.

Woooosh - 4-26-2010 at 09:47 AM

So is the verdict still out on CostCo insurance? Bonita West is the actual insurer. (now that I have two active policies of course)

comitan - 4-26-2010 at 09:55 AM

The verdict is just don't have an accident. If you read and understand the info on this thread and follow it you can't go wrong but then again it is insurance.
:lol:

Pescador - 4-26-2010 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
So is the verdict still out on CostCo insurance? Bonita West is the actual insurer. (now that I have two active policies of course)

No, Bonita West is not the insurer but should be the broker of record, the insurer is Qualitas Insurance which is a Mexican Insurance Company. Big, Huge difference here. I have heard some positive reports about Bonita West so buying from Costco is nothing more than an effective way to market the policies, but if you are going to have a contact person to go to, it should be the broker. So the insurance marketed by Costco still has a broker and a Mexican Insurance company and the confusion comes from assuming that Costco is somehow in the insurance business.

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2010 at 12:18 PM

Re: comments by both Pescador and Osprey- Quite spot on. My comment about the broker was rooted in the fact that if one has an accident, it is the broker that is called first to report the claim. Obviously, the broker has no authority to settle a claim. But, if they have a good working relationship with the insurance carrier, they can be very helpful in moving things along/ run a little interference, if the client is having a problem. That's one of the factors lacking in the US when people buy direct from a carrier over the internet.

KurtG - 4-26-2010 at 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
So is the verdict still out on CostCo insurance? Bonita West is the actual insurer. (now that I have two active policies of course)

I'm a Bonita West/Costco customer and it seemed very clear to me from day one that I was not buying from Costco but simply getting a discount from Bonita West for being a Costco member. The link on Costco's website took me to Bonita West's website and it seemed quite clear to me who the broker was.

woody with a view - 4-26-2010 at 12:32 PM

i have bonita west on speed dial, if needed.....

Getting what You Pay For

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2010 at 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtG

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
So is the verdict still out on CostCo insurance? Bonita West is the actual insurer. (now that I have two active policies of course)

Fundamentally, Mexican insurers charge a certain rate for certain coverage. The broker that provides the customer receives a commission from the carrier. That's how the broker earns a living. Given that Costco doesn't do anything for nothing, I have to assume that Bonita West and Costco have some form of fee splitting arrangement. So, although I've not done any price comparisons, I just find it difficult to believe that given that there are more pieces of the pie to be shared, that customers buying from Costco/ Bonita West, are actually paying lower rates for the same coverage from the same insurer that also works with brokers like Lewis & Lewis, BajaBound or MexAdventure. :?:

woody with a view - 4-26-2010 at 04:44 PM

my coverage thru bonita is 1/2 the cost of bajabound. and i get $4000/person medical which is exactly double what bajabound offered me last year. other than that the coverage was the same.

David K - 4-26-2010 at 04:50 PM

Does 'Bonita' sponsor this web site we all use and enjoy for free?

BajaBound.com does and they are Baja Nomads, too... That, and being able to talk to them about any problem should be worth a little more than a Costco special... yes?

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2010 at 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
my coverage thru bonita is 1/2 the cost of bajabound. and i get $4000/person medical which is exactly double what bajabound offered me last year. other than that the coverage was the same.

Woody- I do not doubt what you are saying. But just consider if somehow there's a catch. I don't know. What i do know is that something is too good to be true, ........

It would really be helpful if BajaGeoff jumped in here to explain what's going on. Seriously. Even if it meant having to admit the inability to match the rates that Bonita West offers. As I mentioned in prior posts, there really is just only so much money to go around.

Maybe Bonita West is a tax shelter :lol:

Pescador - 4-26-2010 at 07:28 PM

Woody, you need to do an exact comparison between the coverages which I have done numerous times over the years and when you compare the amount of liability limits, the amount of legal, the amounts of medical, etc, there is normally a big price difference. The way that insurance is marketed in the US is to make it all look the same, but when you actually compare the nitty-gritty details, you will find a significant difference. First is the declared values of whatever is covered. You do not want to skimp here, declare as close to actual value as possible. Now look at the CSL which is the Civil Liability Limit. You want at least $300,000 Civil Liability which is usually $5,000 per person, $25,000 per acciden for Medical Payments. Then check the Legal Service Clause, as my last policy had $75,000 per incident but the previous policy had unlimited legal Service. Then check the Per Unit Deductible in terms of accident, which is normally $500 per unit or $1,000 total. Theft is normally covered at $1,000 per unit which is double the normal deductible. My current policy states that labor per hour for body work is $38 per hour and Mechanical and Frame or $50 per hour.
If you have not done so, you need to take a minute or two and actually review your policy and see what the coverages are. One example I remember from a few years back on this site was someone challenging me that he had good coverage and paid a lot less than I did for the exact same policy, but when we did a good comparison he found he only had $100,000 CSL instead of the $500,000 I had at the time. He also had a $5,000 legal Services limit, wheras I had unlimited. So you really need to educate yourself a little and check the actual comparisons. A good broker should also be able to do the same thing but oftentimes they have settled on a particular line of insurance and can only justify why it is the best and they do not want to give you an actual comparison. When I was an active broker for Health Insurance policies, I refused to only represent one or two companies because I felt it important to be able to show the differences in coverage between the various companies, which all sold for the same price whether they used me or someone else, but it was the service I provided that made my brokerage valuable.

monoloco - 4-27-2010 at 01:53 PM

I carry a Qualitas policy through Costco, last week I hit a wounded cow in the middle of the road at 5:30AM damaging the front of my truck. I called Qualitas and they made an appointment to send an adjuster, I met him today and he had me fill out an accident report, took a few photos and gave me a repair order for a body shop. The adjuster was courteous and professional, the whole thing took about a half hour. He only asked to see my driver's license and didn't ask for any immigration docs. or anything else, I can't imagine how it could have been any easier. Now it's between me and the body shop I guess.

woody with a view - 4-27-2010 at 05:08 PM

thanks for taking the time to write it all up Pescador. this info should be stuck on the announcements page.

if i remember right the 100k was the same for both. deductibles were the same. i don't remember the legal amounts. legal "I. The professional services received of a judicial nature by the Insured in dealing with the penal or administrative problem that occurred. The Company shall pay for the professional services as a maximum an amount equivalent to 2,000 Dlls.

II. The expenses inherent to the criminal trail as a direct result of the accident. For the expenses incurred in the penal process of the accident as a whole, the Company shall pay as a maximum an amount equivalent to 750 Dlls.

III.In the event that the Judicial Authority were to establish an amount for the provisional freedom of the driver and the release of the automotive unit, the Company agrees to submit a surety bond for a combined single limit per event up to a maximum, amount of 25,000 Dlls. In every instance, the Insured agrees to comply with the requirements that for this purpose the Company needs.

IV.In the event that the Judicial Authority establishes an amount for obtaining the provisional freedom of the driver and the release a the vehicle, the Company shall cover the amount of premium for said bond, up to a maximum amount equivalent to 6,000 Dlls and the Estado de México to a maximum amount equivalent to 8,700 Dlls.

2. The obligation of the Company to pay the legal fees, is circumscribed to the limits of the amounts that appear in item 1 of this coverage. Said limits of the amounts issued shall be automatically reinstated when they are reduced due to any payment made by the Company during the term of the policy."

i'm still trying to find out what is the deal with their covering a non insured motorist. i'll post details tomorrow (they're closed now).

[Edited on 4-28-2010 by woody in ob]

woody with a view - 4-28-2010 at 04:45 PM

full coverage is insured against uninsured motorists.

all in all, it seems like good coverage for the price! let's hope none of us ever need to use it!

Bajahowodd - 4-28-2010 at 04:53 PM

Full coverage is not actually a definitive term. If it was, then there would be a more level playing field in the marketplace. Historically, California can be looked at as the petri dish when it comes to uninsured motorist coverage. fact is that most, if not all insurance companies lobbied for compulsory insurance because back in the day, so many people drove around uninsured that the insurance companies were paying incredible amounts of money to settle claims under their uninsured motorist coverage, with less than a snowball's chance in Hades of recovering a buck from the uninsured offender.

woody with a view - 4-28-2010 at 05:02 PM

that's full vs. liability.

sharktooth - 5-4-2010 at 06:00 AM

My 2 cents on buying your Mexican insurance

Buy direct from the Mexican insurance brokers such as bajabound, mexadventure.com, discover baja or other brokers whose ONLY line of business is Mexican insurance. The direct brokers have direct access to the Mexican claims departments, and can easily assist you if a claim goes off the rails. (some brokers are better than others)

- AVOID big box shops who sell Mexican insurance such as COSTCO, AAA, GEICO, etc...

The big box shops may have non-licensed people selling Mexican insurance who tend to know nothing about Mexican insurance. If you need claims help, you will get lost in a labrynth of people who don't know how to help you....it can be impossible to speak to someone in charge.

(FYI - COSTCO is not a Mexican insurance broker - they have a contract with a Mexican insurance broker who provides the insurance to COSTCO)

Mexican insurance can be complicated - so cut out the middlemen and buy direct from the US brokers and businesses whose only line of business is Mexican insurance and Mexican travel.

I must disclose that I work for Adventure Mexican Insurance - I am not posting this as an advertisement for our company. I have just heard complaints from many customers who used these big box shops in the past, and they received horrible claims service.

Some people feel safer buying Mexican insurance through BIG names like COSTCO and AAA - but my experience is that the big name stores don't have the time or ability to help you when you have a complicated claim that that needs immediate attention.

Hope that helps

charchilp - 5-8-2010 at 08:17 AM

As for Qualitas I have been with them probably 6-7 years, one claim someone backed into me, got their Plate Number, Qualitas claim adjuster spoke English and got the claim settled fast and to my satisfaction.

Cheap SEO

monoloco - 5-8-2010 at 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I carry a Qualitas policy through Costco, last week I hit a wounded cow in the middle of the road at 5:30AM damaging the front of my truck. I called Qualitas and they made an appointment to send an adjuster, I met him today and he had me fill out an accident report, took a few photos and gave me a repair order for a body shop. The adjuster was courteous and professional, the whole thing took about a half hour. He only asked to see my driver's license and didn't ask for any immigration docs. or anything else, I can't imagine how it could have been any easier. Now it's between me and the body shop I guess.

Update: I went to the body shop in La Paz and they are going to repair the damage and replace my front bumper and oil cooler using all OEM parts. I have no complaints regarding the service I have received from Qualitas.

woody with a view - 5-8-2010 at 10:15 AM

sounds good! congrats!

KurtG - 5-8-2010 at 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sharktooth
My 2 cents on buying your Mexican insurance

Buy direct from the Mexican insurance brokers such as bajabound, mexadventure.com, discover baja or other brokers whose ONLY line of business is Mexican insurance. The direct brokers have direct access to the Mexican claims departments, and can easily assist you if a claim goes off the rails. (some brokers are better than others)

- AVOID big box shops who sell Mexican insurance such as COSTCO, AAA, GEICO, etc...

The big box shops may have non-licensed people selling Mexican insurance who tend to know nothing about Mexican insurance. If you need claims help, you will get lost in a labrynth of people who don't know how to help you....it can be impossible to speak to someone in charge.

(FYI - COSTCO is not a Mexican insurance broker - they have a contract with a Mexican insurance broker who provides the insurance to COSTCO)

Mexican insurance can be complicated - so cut out the middlemen and buy direct from the US brokers and businesses whose only line of business is Mexican insurance and Mexican travel.

I must disclose that I work for Adventure Mexican Insurance - I am not posting this as an advertisement for our company. I have just heard complaints from many customers who used these big box shops in the past, and they received horrible claims service.

Some people feel safer buying Mexican insurance through BIG names like COSTCO and AAA - but my experience is that the big name stores don't have the time or ability to help you when you have a complicated claim that that needs immediate attention.

Hope that helps

Can you explain the difference between buying from your brokerage and buying from Bonita West. Sounds to me like Bonita West meets your definition of a "broker." The only difference I see is that I get a discount from Bonita West for being a Costco member. You point out that Costco is not selling the insurance and then make it sound like customers are placing their claims through Costco which is not the case. You mention AAA and I have known people who had trouble with a claim there but they didn't work with the Mexican adjuster but waited to get back to the US thinking that they could place the claim through AAA which, of course, is not the case. I don't expect any help from Costco in the claim department, I'm aware of from whom I am buying the insurance and that a claim needs to be done in Mexico with Qualitas.

Udo - 5-8-2010 at 02:26 PM

Talk about a hijack!
someone highlighted all the "INSURANCE" words within this thread. :mad:

David K - 9-16-2010 at 03:11 PM

bump for oldjack

ArvadaGeorge - 9-16-2010 at 04:50 PM

Quote:

So what happened? Did they get s reasonable settlement ?

]Originally posted by Udo
I just found this on a recent post on the RV in Mexico blog.
This is highly important, and one gets what one pays for,

Buyer beware!

To: From: RVjmelton@aol.com
Date sent: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:29:13 -0400
Subject: Re: My accident update from Joy Melton Sorry, sent wrong format
Send reply to:

March 24, 2010: It was a beautiful day. Sunny and cool for driving. I was with Ed and Jan
Biller, and Marge Nielsen and Charlie Miller. We had been in Mexico since early February for
the Mexican Connection Rally (Ed and Jan were Wagonmasters) and then decided to travel
south. We had been as far as Mazatlan, and were slowly heading back home. Leaving Las
Glorias, we were headed to Huatabampito to check out the beach.
We turned off Hwy 15 before Novajoa and headed to the beach on the typical two lane
secondary road. It was about noon and the kids were walking home from school or getting off
the bus. I enjoyed the waving greetings as we went by. The other thing I noted and planned
to mention to the gang when we arrived was that this road was the first that reminded me of
the Baja: curved, narrow, and few shoulders. There were the memorials along the road, but
again, more than usual, as in the Baja.
It was a slow, easy drive on flat road, and I was just coming out of a curve (I was third in line)
when I saw the black car pull out to pass. He was swerving and I knew immediately he was
out of control. I knew instantly he was going to hit the car he was passing or me. There was
no way to tell which way he would go. Within a moment, I found out. I had already decided to
hold on to keep my rig upright. I was going too slow to hit the gas to get around him. He hit
me head-on on the driver´s side. The impact was incredible. Apparently, the front tires blew
out and the engine dropped off. I did not lose consciousness, but it was like a whirlwind
inside the coach. When I came to a stop about 30' down the road, I turned to the right and
both dogs were up front with me. Sparkle was hysterical, but Tag thought it was a party. I was
talking to the dogs when I heard Charlie on the CB say, "Joy´s off the road. I´m going back."
At that moment, I knew I was OK. It was wonderful to hear.
Ed and Jan reached me first and I was yelling for them to get the dogs out. I smelled gas and
worried about an explosion. I then checked myself out. I knew I was bleeding from the face.
We think I hit the steering wheel as it was broken, or the dash. It was a small wound just over
the left eye at the bridge of my nose. My neck was fine, but when I turned, my low back was
painful. Didn´t seem like more than muscular pain.
Jan got the dogs out and Marge took them to her rig. Then, I wanted out. Thank goodness
for driver´s doors. I was able to open it and kept asking to be taken out, but people were
reluctant because of not wanting to injure me more. The ambulance arrived within a few
minutes as Ed had borrowed a phone and reached the officials. Finally, a man whom I later
found out was Marco, pulled me out from the back by my legs, and it was uncomfortable, but
not really bad.
I was taken by ambulance to Santa Fe Hospital in Huatabampo, Sonora where I was kept
under police guard initially. ( I will only mention this once. I was told there were deaths and
sadly, the three people in the car lost their lives.) I believe my Winnebago Adventurer saved
my life. The "cage" is so well built, it withstood a tremendous force and gave way, but also
kept me safe.
I was taken by ambulance to another facility for x-rays and then to Novojoa the next day by
ambulance for CT-scan of the neck and back. The neck was fine, but I was told at that time I
had a 10% compression fracture of the lumbar spine at L-1. I was taken back to Santa Fe
Hospital and the doctor said I would need bed rest and after a week I should be able to
tolerate riding in a car to the US. I was allowed to stay at the RV Park / Motel that we were
headed to at the time of the accident. The owner, Enrique, was at the hospital within minutes
of me, and told me not to worry, he had received permission to have the MH and car towed to
his property and he would protect it. (He was just one of the many angels who helped me
during this experience. I have used first names only so as not to infringe on anyone´s privacy,
except for my four Escapee friends without whose help I could have had a totally different
experience following the accident.)
Within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital, Nyra and Ramon arrived. She walked right in and
said she had heard that an American woman had an accident and she wanted to know what
she could do to help as she spoke both Spanish and English. She and her husband had
moved to Hautabampo from California seven months previously as she wanted a slower life
for her family. She was incredible. She became our interpreter when dealing with the officials,
and the District Attorney asked her to interpret for all of us when they took our statements.
Ramon later removed all my personal items from the MH and took four truck loads to store at
their home as they have a casita that is not being used. This was all done under the expert
guidance from Marge and Jan, who directed him on what to keep or let go (particularly dishes
which were almost all broken, for the most part). I, of course, being optimistic and way off
base, told them I´d be back in a month to pick up things. (We´ll get to that point later.)
Lynn is a retired RN from Canada who came over daily to give me my pain shots and other
meds, and when we finally could get me up, put on her swimsuit, jumped in the shower with
me and gave me a shower. I first met her husband Gary when we couldn´t get me off the
toilet early on, so Lynn went to get him. He walked into the bathroom, said Hi, picked me up,
got me to the bed, and walked out. At least I think he said, Hi.
I received a walker from another Canadian couple (Garry and Sue) who heard about the
accident and offered it to me. Later, they said to pass it on when I no longer need it. It is here
by me right now and was key to getting me up on my own.
Mario was a local who was a friend of the owner of the ambulance company, and he made
arrangements for the transfers they did, for the cost of gas and tips for the drivers.
Jose, the District Attorney, turned out to be a caring, wonderful, fair and impartial man.
Because I could not get to the court house, he arranged the final hearing at the motel. He
was courteous and kind. He was particularly taken by Tag and told everyone about my "street
dog."
The maids at the motel were very helpful on a daily basis. I had a room with a patio that was
blocked off so the dogs could go in and out.
First, last and always were my four friends I was traveling with. From the moment of hearing
Charlie´s voice on the CB, I knew I was going to be OK. They handled my money, paid the
bills, got cash as I needed it, contacted every agency to check on what to do, held my hand
when I cried, and were there for me throughout the ordeal.
When it came time to get me out of Mexico once we were allowed to leave the country, a
woman from Yucca Valley who has a home in Huatabampito offered to drive me home.
Nancy was terrific in helping me and the dogs through four days on the road, including six
hours sitting at the border at Nogales. She said I was terrific, too, until my meds wore off, and
then I was a hand full.
Once I arrived in Long Beach, I was seen by an excellent orthopaedist. I should know. I
worked for him for over 30 years. Unfortunately, x-rays showed a 70% compression fracture,
with a much longer healing time than I had anticipated.
Since then, I was in a rehabilitation facility for 10 days. Sparkle and I are now reunited in an
assisted living apartment in downtown Long Beach. Ken and Sue Pace came up and helped
us move in; Sue, of course, making lists and getting all the essentials we needed to start.
(They are now on their way to Italy.) The facility is across the street from my mother´s condo
where Tag is staying with her two small dogs. Sparkle spent a week at a vet and is down to
37 pounds. She is on a special diet and has almost as many pills as me, and is coming along
fine. Tag is still having a party. He was brought over tonight by Sparkle´s dog walker for a
short visit while Sparkle was out.
So, here is where we are now. From the beginning, we talked about what we did, what we
might have done, and what we will do in the future.
One thing is that I had my passport, both registrations for the vehicles, Mexican visa permit,
vehicle permits, insurance policies and driver´s license setting in a basket on the engine
hump. All loose. Easy to get to if I was stopped at inspections. DON´T DO THAT. On impact,
it was like a whirlwind in the rig. Ed and the others had to dig through all kinds of papers and
stuff to find everything. In the future, make a copy of things and put the originals and a set of
copies in a file and secure it where it can be easily obtained. All of those items were
requested by various agencies over and over again.
I was lucky in that I decided keep full coverage in addition to a driver´s license policy which is
liability only. Apparently, insurance is not required of Mexicans as it is of foreigners. So, at
least I had my own insurance. Now, comes the rub.
It has been one month since the injury. There was an adjuster there within a few hours of the
accident. I was also represented by an attorney at the hearing. Guess what. Neither one of
them spoke a word of English. They were reluctant to communicate with me and frankly I left
that country not knowing where I stood. A month later, I still don´t. After several calls to the
insurance agency which sold the policy on behalf of Costco, late last week I finally got a call
from the insurance company, Qualitas, and finally got an email address. We are now
corresponding, but I do not yet know if the MH will be totaled. In the opinion of those there at
the time, it cannot be fixed. It saved my life, but it cannot be put back together to do it again.
I will be posting the results of my experience with the insurance company which, so far, is a
disaster. But, I´ll refrain from more comment until I know more... in English. I will be informing
Costco that if they are going to sell insurance to Americans, it is imperative they use a
company who will be providing English speaking people to assist and represent them.
About 15 years ago, on the advice of my friend Lana, I purchased a long term care policy. I
am very lucky to have that now. After three months, it will pick up most of my needs for the
next several months. One of the smarter things I have done for myself.
I let my travel policy go because I didn´t renew. Don´t let that happen. As it turned out, I did
not require emergency high level transport, but it would have been much easier to deal with
had I had that policy. I will have it going out on the road again.
I thank all of you who have sent cards and emailed me. It means so very much. What I have
written is from my memory. My friends have another view from where they were and can offer
suggestions for all of us on the road. I gave only my view, which for many days, was flat on
my back in bed. Had it not been for the wonderful people I share my life with, it would not
have this happy ending. I am alive, I am going to be well, and I will be back on the road as
soon as possible.

Joy, Sparkle and Tag Along
117 E 8th St, #401
Long Beach, CA 90813

[Edited on 4-25-2010 by udowinkler]

mtgoat666 - 9-16-2010 at 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
I just found this on a recent post on the RV in Mexico blog.
This is highly important, and one gets what one pays for,

Buyer beware!

To: From: RVjmelton@aol.com
Date sent: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:29:13 -0400
Subject: Re: My accident update from Joy Melton Sorry, sent wrong format
Send reply to:

March 24, 2010: It was a beautiful day. Sunny and cool for driving. I was with Ed and Jan
Biller, and Marge Nielsen and Charlie Miller. We had been in Mexico since early February for
the Mexican Connection Rally (Ed and Jan were Wagonmasters) and then decided to travel
south. We had been as far as Mazatlan, and were slowly heading back home. Leaving Las
Glorias, we were headed to Huatabampito to check out the beach.
We turned off Hwy 15 before Novajoa and headed to the beach on the typical two lane
secondary road. It was about noon and the kids were walking home from school or getting off
the bus. I enjoyed the waving greetings as we went by. The other thing I noted and planned
to mention to the gang when we arrived was that this road was the first that reminded me of
the Baja: curved, narrow, and few shoulders. There were the memorials along the road, but
again, more than usual, as in the Baja.
It was a slow, easy drive on flat road, and I was just coming out of a curve (I was third in line)
when I saw the black car pull out to pass. He was swerving and I knew immediately he was
out of control. I knew instantly he was going to hit the car he was passing or me. There was
no way to tell which way he would go. Within a moment, I found out. I had already decided to
hold on to keep my rig upright. I was going too slow to hit the gas to get around him. He hit
me head-on on the driver´s side. The impact was incredible. Apparently, the front tires blew
out and the engine dropped off. I did not lose consciousness, but it was like a whirlwind
inside the coach. When I came to a stop about 30' down the road, I turned to the right and
both dogs were up front with me. Sparkle was hysterical, but Tag thought it was a party. I was
talking to the dogs when I heard Charlie on the CB say, "Joy´s off the road. I´m going back."
At that moment, I knew I was OK. It was wonderful to hear.
Ed and Jan reached me first and I was yelling for them to get the dogs out. I smelled gas and
worried about an explosion. I then checked myself out. I knew I was bleeding from the face.
We think I hit the steering wheel as it was broken, or the dash. It was a small wound just over
the left eye at the bridge of my nose. My neck was fine, but when I turned, my low back was
painful. Didn´t seem like more than muscular pain.
Jan got the dogs out and Marge took them to her rig. Then, I wanted out. Thank goodness
for driver´s doors. I was able to open it and kept asking to be taken out, but people were
reluctant because of not wanting to injure me more. The ambulance arrived within a few
minutes as Ed had borrowed a phone and reached the officials. Finally, a man whom I later
found out was Marco, pulled me out from the back by my legs, and it was uncomfortable, but
not really bad.
I was taken by ambulance to Santa Fe Hospital in Huatabampo, Sonora where I was kept
under police guard initially. ( I will only mention this once. I was told there were deaths and
sadly, the three people in the car lost their lives.) I believe my Winnebago Adventurer saved
my life. The "cage" is so well built, it withstood a tremendous force and gave way, but also
kept me safe.
I was taken by ambulance to another facility for x-rays and then to Novojoa the next day by
ambulance for CT-scan of the neck and back. The neck was fine, but I was told at that time I
had a 10% compression fracture of the lumbar spine at L-1. I was taken back to Santa Fe
Hospital and the doctor said I would need bed rest and after a week I should be able to
tolerate riding in a car to the US. I was allowed to stay at the RV Park / Motel that we were
headed to at the time of the accident. The owner, Enrique, was at the hospital within minutes
of me, and told me not to worry, he had received permission to have the MH and car towed to
his property and he would protect it. (He was just one of the many angels who helped me
during this experience. I have used first names only so as not to infringe on anyone´s privacy,
except for my four Escapee friends without whose help I could have had a totally different
experience following the accident.)
Within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital, Nyra and Ramon arrived. She walked right in and
said she had heard that an American woman had an accident and she wanted to know what
she could do to help as she spoke both Spanish and English. She and her husband had
moved to Hautabampo from California seven months previously as she wanted a slower life
for her family. She was incredible. She became our interpreter when dealing with the officials,
and the District Attorney asked her to interpret for all of us when they took our statements.
Ramon later removed all my personal items from the MH and took four truck loads to store at
their home as they have a casita that is not being used. This was all done under the expert
guidance from Marge and Jan, who directed him on what to keep or let go (particularly dishes
which were almost all broken, for the most part). I, of course, being optimistic and way off
base, told them I´d be back in a month to pick up things. (We´ll get to that point later.)
Lynn is a retired RN from Canada who came over daily to give me my pain shots and other
meds, and when we finally could get me up, put on her swimsuit, jumped in the shower with
me and gave me a shower. I first met her husband Gary when we couldn´t get me off the
toilet early on, so Lynn went to get him. He walked into the bathroom, said Hi, picked me up,
got me to the bed, and walked out. At least I think he said, Hi.
I received a walker from another Canadian couple (Garry and Sue) who heard about the
accident and offered it to me. Later, they said to pass it on when I no longer need it. It is here
by me right now and was key to getting me up on my own.
Mario was a local who was a friend of the owner of the ambulance company, and he made
arrangements for the transfers they did, for the cost of gas and tips for the drivers.
Jose, the District Attorney, turned out to be a caring, wonderful, fair and impartial man.
Because I could not get to the court house, he arranged the final hearing at the motel. He
was courteous and kind. He was particularly taken by Tag and told everyone about my "street
dog."
The maids at the motel were very helpful on a daily basis. I had a room with a patio that was
blocked off so the dogs could go in and out.
First, last and always were my four friends I was traveling with. From the moment of hearing
Charlie´s voice on the CB, I knew I was going to be OK. They handled my money, paid the
bills, got cash as I needed it, contacted every agency to check on what to do, held my hand
when I cried, and were there for me throughout the ordeal.
When it came time to get me out of Mexico once we were allowed to leave the country, a
woman from Yucca Valley who has a home in Huatabampito offered to drive me home.
Nancy was terrific in helping me and the dogs through four days on the road, including six
hours sitting at the border at Nogales. She said I was terrific, too, until my meds wore off, and
then I was a hand full.
Once I arrived in Long Beach, I was seen by an excellent orthopaedist. I should know. I
worked for him for over 30 years. Unfortunately, x-rays showed a 70% compression fracture,
with a much longer healing time than I had anticipated.
Since then, I was in a rehabilitation facility for 10 days. Sparkle and I are now reunited in an
assisted living apartment in downtown Long Beach. Ken and Sue Pace came up and helped
us move in; Sue, of course, making lists and getting all the essentials we needed to start.
(They are now on their way to Italy.) The facility is across the street from my mother´s condo
where Tag is staying with her two small dogs. Sparkle spent a week at a vet and is down to
37 pounds. She is on a special diet and has almost as many pills as me, and is coming along
fine. Tag is still having a party. He was brought over tonight by Sparkle´s dog walker for a
short visit while Sparkle was out.
So, here is where we are now. From the beginning, we talked about what we did, what we
might have done, and what we will do in the future.
One thing is that I had my passport, both registrations for the vehicles, Mexican visa permit,
vehicle permits, insurance policies and driver´s license setting in a basket on the engine
hump. All loose. Easy to get to if I was stopped at inspections. DON´T DO THAT. On impact,
it was like a whirlwind in the rig. Ed and the others had to dig through all kinds of papers and
stuff to find everything. In the future, make a copy of things and put the originals and a set of
copies in a file and secure it where it can be easily obtained. All of those items were
requested by various agencies over and over again.
I was lucky in that I decided keep full coverage in addition to a driver´s license policy which is
liability only. Apparently, insurance is not required of Mexicans as it is of foreigners. So, at
least I had my own insurance. Now, comes the rub.
It has been one month since the injury. There was an adjuster there within a few hours of the
accident. I was also represented by an attorney at the hearing. Guess what. Neither one of
them spoke a word of English. They were reluctant to communicate with me and frankly I left
that country not knowing where I stood. A month later, I still don´t. After several calls to the
insurance agency which sold the policy on behalf of Costco, late last week I finally got a call
from the insurance company, Qualitas, and finally got an email address. We are now
corresponding, but I do not yet know if the MH will be totaled. In the opinion of those there at
the time, it cannot be fixed. It saved my life, but it cannot be put back together to do it again.
I will be posting the results of my experience with the insurance company which, so far, is a
disaster. But, I´ll refrain from more comment until I know more... in English. I will be informing
Costco that if they are going to sell insurance to Americans, it is imperative they use a
company who will be providing English speaking people to assist and represent them.
About 15 years ago, on the advice of my friend Lana, I purchased a long term care policy. I
am very lucky to have that now. After three months, it will pick up most of my needs for the
next several months. One of the smarter things I have done for myself.
I let my travel policy go because I didn´t renew. Don´t let that happen. As it turned out, I did
not require emergency high level transport, but it would have been much easier to deal with
had I had that policy. I will have it going out on the road again.
I thank all of you who have sent cards and emailed me. It means so very much. What I have
written is from my memory. My friends have another view from where they were and can offer
suggestions for all of us on the road. I gave only my view, which for many days, was flat on
my back in bed. Had it not been for the wonderful people I share my life with, it would not
have this happy ending. I am alive, I am going to be well, and I will be back on the road as
soon as possible.

Joy, Sparkle and Tag Along
117 E 8th St, #401
Long Beach, CA 90813

[Edited on 4-25-2010 by udowinkler]

that story is way too long to read. anybody have an abstract? people need to learn to write shorter blah, blah, blahs.

i hate long winded posts.

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 9-16-2010 at 06:54 PM

Hola, DAMN !!!! what do my fellow nomads recommend ? i get all the stuff from vagabundos including their legal policy and i also buy celia diaz every year and am contemplating buying a medevac type of policy this year.

what would be the consesus as far as auto and other major medical type of coverage and/or flyout coverage ?

it's always an after thought but i think it's time to think ahead and would appreciate any feedback as to what companies will do their best for us and what to buy in advance.

even the people that go to mexico on cruises or 5 day/4 nite fishing packages are probably not aware of what to do or what to have in the way of coverage if there is a health problem in mexico. at least, i wasn't advised at all except for " YOU'LL HAVE A GREAT TIME " but if you have a heart attack, you're out of luck and big bucks.

i look forward to your responses,

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

Udo - 9-16-2010 at 07:42 PM

I did not write the long post...I only forwarded what someone else posted.
This is still highly informative for people traveling Baja.
BTW...I buy a yearly policy with medical and evac from Discover Baja for each of the vehicles I drive to Baja. I am sure you are aware that there are two policies available...one for all of Mexico, and one for the Northern part of Mexico

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
I just found this on a recent post on the RV in Mexico blog.
This is highly important, and one gets what one pays for,

Buyer beware!

To: From: RVjmelton@aol.com
Date sent: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:29:13 -0400
Subject: Re: My accident update from Joy Melton Sorry, sent wrong format
Send reply to:

March 24, 2010: It was a beautiful day. Sunny and cool for driving. I was with Ed and Jan
Biller, and Marge Nielsen and Charlie Miller. We had been in Mexico since early February for
the Mexican Connection Rally (Ed and Jan were Wagonmasters) and then decided to travel
south. We had been as far as Mazatlan, and were slowly heading back home. Leaving Las
Glorias, we were headed to Huatabampito to check out the beach.
We turned off Hwy 15 before Novajoa and headed to the beach on the typical two lane
secondary road. It was about noon and the kids were walking home from school or getting off
the bus. I enjoyed the waving greetings as we went by. The other thing I noted and planned
to mention to the gang when we arrived was that this road was the first that reminded me of
the Baja: curved, narrow, and few shoulders. There were the memorials along the road, but
again, more than usual, as in the Baja.
It was a slow, easy drive on flat road, and I was just coming out of a curve (I was third in line)
when I saw the black car pull out to pass. He was swerving and I knew immediately he was
out of control. I knew instantly he was going to hit the car he was passing or me. There was
no way to tell which way he would go. Within a moment, I found out. I had already decided to
hold on to keep my rig upright. I was going too slow to hit the gas to get around him. He hit
me head-on on the driver´s side. The impact was incredible. Apparently, the front tires blew
out and the engine dropped off. I did not lose consciousness, but it was like a whirlwind
inside the coach. When I came to a stop about 30' down the road, I turned to the right and
both dogs were up front with me. Sparkle was hysterical, but Tag thought it was a party. I was
talking to the dogs when I heard Charlie on the CB say, "Joy´s off the road. I´m going back."
At that moment, I knew I was OK. It was wonderful to hear.
Ed and Jan reached me first and I was yelling for them to get the dogs out. I smelled gas and
worried about an explosion. I then checked myself out. I knew I was bleeding from the face.
We think I hit the steering wheel as it was broken, or the dash. It was a small wound just over
the left eye at the bridge of my nose. My neck was fine, but when I turned, my low back was
painful. Didn´t seem like more than muscular pain.
Jan got the dogs out and Marge took them to her rig. Then, I wanted out. Thank goodness
for driver´s doors. I was able to open it and kept asking to be taken out, but people were
reluctant because of not wanting to injure me more. The ambulance arrived within a few
minutes as Ed had borrowed a phone and reached the officials. Finally, a man whom I later
found out was Marco, pulled me out from the back by my legs, and it was uncomfortable, but
not really bad.
I was taken by ambulance to Santa Fe Hospital in Huatabampo, Sonora where I was kept
under police guard initially. ( I will only mention this once. I was told there were deaths and
sadly, the three people in the car lost their lives.) I believe my Winnebago Adventurer saved
my life. The "cage" is so well built, it withstood a tremendous force and gave way, but also
kept me safe.
I was taken by ambulance to another facility for x-rays and then to Novojoa the next day by
ambulance for CT-scan of the neck and back. The neck was fine, but I was told at that time I
had a 10% compression fracture of the lumbar spine at L-1. I was taken back to Santa Fe
Hospital and the doctor said I would need bed rest and after a week I should be able to
tolerate riding in a car to the US. I was allowed to stay at the RV Park / Motel that we were
headed to at the time of the accident. The owner, Enrique, was at the hospital within minutes
of me, and told me not to worry, he had received permission to have the MH and car towed to
his property and he would protect it. (He was just one of the many angels who helped me
during this experience. I have used first names only so as not to infringe on anyone´s privacy,
except for my four Escapee friends without whose help I could have had a totally different
experience following the accident.)
Within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital, Nyra and Ramon arrived. She walked right in and
said she had heard that an American woman had an accident and she wanted to know what
she could do to help as she spoke both Spanish and English. She and her husband had
moved to Hautabampo from California seven months previously as she wanted a slower life
for her family. She was incredible. She became our interpreter when dealing with the officials,
and the District Attorney asked her to interpret for all of us when they took our statements.
Ramon later removed all my personal items from the MH and took four truck loads to store at
their home as they have a casita that is not being used. This was all done under the expert
guidance from Marge and Jan, who directed him on what to keep or let go (particularly dishes
which were almost all broken, for the most part). I, of course, being optimistic and way off
base, told them I´d be back in a month to pick up things. (We´ll get to that point later.)
Lynn is a retired RN from Canada who came over daily to give me my pain shots and other
meds, and when we finally could get me up, put on her swimsuit, jumped in the shower with
me and gave me a shower. I first met her husband Gary when we couldn´t get me off the
toilet early on, so Lynn went to get him. He walked into the bathroom, said Hi, picked me up,
got me to the bed, and walked out. At least I think he said, Hi.
I received a walker from another Canadian couple (Garry and Sue) who heard about the
accident and offered it to me. Later, they said to pass it on when I no longer need it. It is here
by me right now and was key to getting me up on my own.
Mario was a local who was a friend of the owner of the ambulance company, and he made
arrangements for the transfers they did, for the cost of gas and tips for the drivers.
Jose, the District Attorney, turned out to be a caring, wonderful, fair and impartial man.
Because I could not get to the court house, he arranged the final hearing at the motel. He
was courteous and kind. He was particularly taken by Tag and told everyone about my "street
dog."
The maids at the motel were very helpful on a daily basis. I had a room with a patio that was
blocked off so the dogs could go in and out.
First, last and always were my four friends I was traveling with. From the moment of hearing
Charlie´s voice on the CB, I knew I was going to be OK. They handled my money, paid the
bills, got cash as I needed it, contacted every agency to check on what to do, held my hand
when I cried, and were there for me throughout the ordeal.
When it came time to get me out of Mexico once we were allowed to leave the country, a
woman from Yucca Valley who has a home in Huatabampito offered to drive me home.
Nancy was terrific in helping me and the dogs through four days on the road, including six
hours sitting at the border at Nogales. She said I was terrific, too, until my meds wore off, and
then I was a hand full.
Once I arrived in Long Beach, I was seen by an excellent orthopaedist. I should know. I
worked for him for over 30 years. Unfortunately, x-rays showed a 70% compression fracture,
with a much longer healing time than I had anticipated.
Since then, I was in a rehabilitation facility for 10 days. Sparkle and I are now reunited in an
assisted living apartment in downtown Long Beach. Ken and Sue Pace came up and helped
us move in; Sue, of course, making lists and getting all the essentials we needed to start.
(They are now on their way to Italy.) The facility is across the street from my mother´s condo
where Tag is staying with her two small dogs. Sparkle spent a week at a vet and is down to
37 pounds. She is on a special diet and has almost as many pills as me, and is coming along
fine. Tag is still having a party. He was brought over tonight by Sparkle´s dog walker for a
short visit while Sparkle was out.
So, here is where we are now. From the beginning, we talked about what we did, what we
might have done, and what we will do in the future.
One thing is that I had my passport, both registrations for the vehicles, Mexican visa permit,
vehicle permits, insurance policies and driver´s license setting in a basket on the engine
hump. All loose. Easy to get to if I was stopped at inspections. DON´T DO THAT. On impact,
it was like a whirlwind in the rig. Ed and the others had to dig through all kinds of papers and
stuff to find everything. In the future, make a copy of things and put the originals and a set of
copies in a file and secure it where it can be easily obtained. All of those items were
requested by various agencies over and over again.
I was lucky in that I decided keep full coverage in addition to a driver´s license policy which is
liability only. Apparently, insurance is not required of Mexicans as it is of foreigners. So, at
least I had my own insurance. Now, comes the rub.
It has been one month since the injury. There was an adjuster there within a few hours of the
accident. I was also represented by an attorney at the hearing. Guess what. Neither one of
them spoke a word of English. They were reluctant to communicate with me and frankly I left
that country not knowing where I stood. A month later, I still don´t. After several calls to the
insurance agency which sold the policy on behalf of Costco, late last week I finally got a call
from the insurance company, Qualitas, and finally got an email address. We are now
corresponding, but I do not yet know if the MH will be totaled. In the opinion of those there at
the time, it cannot be fixed. It saved my life, but it cannot be put back together to do it again.
I will be posting the results of my experience with the insurance company which, so far, is a
disaster. But, I´ll refrain from more comment until I know more... in English. I will be informing
Costco that if they are going to sell insurance to Americans, it is imperative they use a
company who will be providing English speaking people to assist and represent them.
About 15 years ago, on the advice of my friend Lana, I purchased a long term care policy. I
am very lucky to have that now. After three months, it will pick up most of my needs for the
next several months. One of the smarter things I have done for myself.
I let my travel policy go because I didn´t renew. Don´t let that happen. As it turned out, I did
not require emergency high level transport, but it would have been much easier to deal with
had I had that policy. I will have it going out on the road again.
I thank all of you who have sent cards and emailed me. It means so very much. What I have
written is from my memory. My friends have another view from where they were and can offer
suggestions for all of us on the road. I gave only my view, which for many days, was flat on
my back in bed. Had it not been for the wonderful people I share my life with, it would not
have this happy ending. I am alive, I am going to be well, and I will be back on the road as
soon as possible.

Joy, Sparkle and Tag Along
117 E 8th St, #401
Long Beach, CA 90813

[Edited on 4-25-2010 by udowinkler]

that story is way too long to read. anybody have an abstract? people need to learn to write shorter blah, blah, blahs.

i hate long winded posts.

[Edited on 9-17-2010 by Udo]

vacaenbaja - 9-16-2010 at 07:58 PM

English speaking adjusters would be nice but have little to do with how long anything takes. I have had to use my insurance several times and it
is a just long process. I speak spanish well enough to know that language
is not the major barrier to prompt service. As the saying goes time does not fly in
Mexico, it strolls. Things down there take a long time. Most paper work
still is not highly automated. Just be well insured with a insurance company that has suffient funds backing it and a good rating. Like tires there are
many cheaper brands, but you can't go wrong with a good brand that will
serve you well when things are worst.

woody with a view - 9-17-2010 at 05:29 AM

doesn't Qualitas (or any other co.) have the SAME coverage for all of it's brokers? or can the brokers pick and choose the coverage they offer out of the entire Qualitas package?

Qualitas & Jim Lewis

bajadave1 - 9-17-2010 at 05:48 AM

In defense of Lewis & Lewis, I totaled my truck near the airport at San Jose. The adjuster from qualitas was there in 30 minutes and spoke good english. We knew the vehicle was a complete loss within days. Turned the keys over to the insurance Co. and then the waiting started. took a couple of months, The hold up was the fact that my check had to be sent from the mainland. I got tired of waiting for the Los Cabos office to do ANYTHING! I called Jim Lewis in So Cal, and he took care of expediting things for me. he held Qualitas's feet to the fire, and the check showed up in just a few days. I highly recomend Lewis & Lewis.
This was 2 yrs. ago.

Dave

Phil S - 9-17-2010 at 07:38 AM

Here's something to consider. Many years ago, while I was wintering in Baja, a company that did many things who had been writing with a Mexican company for years that I had purchased the coverage from, tried to contact me (by using my address on my policy?) to advise me that the Mexican insurance company had gone bankrupt!!!!! And that I had NO coverage from that date. When I had gotten home I found this out. YIKES!!!! I immediately called Lewis & Lewis (I'd been advised by numerous American friends that lived down there year round of Lewis & Lewis)
I knew insurance, having been an indepedant agent for a number of years, and talked with the son of the owner. I was pleased to learn that that was ALL they did. sold insurance. Was knowledgeble about what they sold. We discussed coverage, I placed my order. Many years no claims. I am a loyal customer of Lewis & Lewis. I am happy with my coverage, and the company. I would hope none of you would ever have to chose insurance for price alone. "you do get what you pay for". I had found that most of the 'potential' customers I did business with in those insurance days, hadn't a clue what to ask for when they came into my office. I explained all coverages they had on their existing policy, and compared it with the companies I represented. In most cases they had policies that had limited coverage. I wa able to increase their limits of liability, offered them smaller deductibles, increased their limits on their "uninsured motorists" portion of the policy for close to what they were paying or a few dollars more. And when the policy was issued. I'd bet close to 80% never opened the envelop when the policy arrived in the mail, to read the policy. check the coverage or call back with questions. Trust your agent. but read your policy. READ YOUR POLICY. Wonder how many of my fellow Nomads will go and get out their insurance policy, and read it for the first time. Wonder how many might call their agent and discuss raising some limits. Wonder how many Nomads think their basic Mexican physical damage insurance portion automatically covers "everything"?And yes, I carry $500,000.00 limits on liability because the increased premium is such a great deal over $300,000.00 limit. And we don't get the choice of choosing who we might be running into or force off the road. It's alway a worse case we plan for. Ex: forcing a bus load of American tourists off the road. Hitting a Pemex tanker truck causing it to explode lets say in downtown Ensenada. It's not hitting a cow, or a Mexican poor family. It's your obligation to financially have sufficient coverage to take care of whomever you injure should it ever happen. God forbid!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edited on 9-17-2010 by Phil S]

wessongroup - 9-17-2010 at 08:02 AM

Yes I have coverage from a Mexican insurance Company, and feel about as comfortable with them as I do with ANY insurance Company...

They are business's... they make money... it's their job...

And as we saw in the last little financial hiccup... we saw how close they, the "Insurance Company's" follow exposure to risk ....... they don't have worry about it or going out of business in the States and/or paying claims in may cases ... buy more ... aaaaahhhhhhh give me a brake.. rather have a root canal without anesthetic than deal with an insurance company... over a CLAIM .. yeah, I've heard it before "your in good hands with ---------" "we are here to help"

Pay your money and take your chances... they are run much the same...

Best hope you have, being poor... and not getting into an accident ... well, seems one of those is already being taken care of....