BajaNomad

Mex auto insurance - Visitors Permit needed?

Doug/Vamonos - 10-4-2010 at 02:59 PM

Hi. I've heard several different answers about mex insurance and possibly an accident not being covered if the insured does not have legal status in Mexico, in this case legal status would be a valid visitors permit. Does anyone know the facts? I am insured through the vags and don't recall the company. I quit getting visitors permits when I settled down in Bahia de los Angeles and no longer went to Baja Sur. If I am in an accident will I be without insurance if I don't have that permit and my stay exceeds four days (or whatever the regs are that require the permit)? Have you heard of this actually happening to someone - where they were left high and dry? Thanks.

David K - 10-4-2010 at 03:04 PM

1) You should call Vags or read the policy.

2) Not from my experience and hearing from Baja Nomad sponsor BajaBound.com insurance. Paid policy holder are not denied coverage if they don't have a tourist card... The entire border area of Mexico does not require you to have one for limited stays, anyway.

3) If you are a part time resident with property that remains in Mexico when you are back in the states... you no longer are a 'tourist' and would require a different visa then a Tourist Card (FMM)... you are supposed to have an FM-3 or FM-2.

David K - 10-4-2010 at 03:13 PM

BajaGeoff posted this in a thread called 'FMT/Car Insurance' by jodiego earlier this year when that question was asked last: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=44018#pid4902...

BajaGeoff

Senior Nomad




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posted on 2-11-2010 at 11:56 AM



Somehow I missed this post last week...I apologize for chiming in so late.

Anyways, I sent an email to our contact at HDI Seguros. They said that coverage is still valid even if the driver does not have an FM-T.

And I do have that in writing.

Even still, the $20 and 15 minutes I spend to get an FM-T is worth it in my opinion.




Geoff Hill
Mexican Auto Insurance

[Edited on 10-4-2010 by David K]

Doug/Vamonos - 10-4-2010 at 04:33 PM

Thanks David. That was a good thread. I'll read my policy again tomorrow.

sancho - 10-4-2010 at 04:51 PM

My annual policy last yr., stated tourist card
required for more than 72 hr. for policy to be
valid. This yrs. policy
did not mention that. However, I stick with the
72 hr. rule. I've read other policies which
say 'in the country legally' for the policy to
be valid.
Opinions differ on this, sometimes you can get
a different interpretation on the need for an
fmm from each Mex Imm Office. Personally
I would never give any Authority, Mex Ins Co.
or otherwise, leverage over me, that is giving them
opportunity to invalidate my Policy.
I do not believe Mex Ins Co's are your FRIEND,
some people on this board have personal friendships
with the Brokers. You deal with the Mex Ins Co's
directly in the event of a claim, the US Brokers
may have SOME infulence, but not as much
as some may claim. To safeguard yourself, get a180 day fmm
or get a free 7 day fmm

David K - 10-4-2010 at 04:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
My annual policy last yr., stated tourist card
required for more than 72 hr. for policy to be
valid. This yrs. policy
did not mention that. However, I stick with the
72 hr. rule. I've read other policies which
say 'in the country legally' for the policy to
be valid.
Opinions differ on this, sometimes you can get
a different interpretation on the need for an
fmm from each Mex Imm Office. Personally
I would never give any Authority, Mex Ins Co.
or otherwise, leverage over me, that is giving them
opportunity to invalidate my Policy.
I do not believe Mex Ins Co's are your FRIEND,
some people on this board have personal friendships
with the Brokers. You deal with the Mex Ins Co's
directly in the event of a claim, the US Brokers
may have SOME infulence, but not as much
as some may claim. To safeguard yourself, get a180 day fmm
or get a free 7 day fmm


Wise words Sancho!

DavidE - 10-4-2010 at 05:44 PM

My advice is to avoid dick tracy traps. While overnighting in mexico you have an accident. You are delayed in departing beyond 72 hours, the ministerio publico can if he wishes make a case of it (you are illegal and therefore some "rights" are henceforth suspended).