BajaNomad - Insurance for US-plated vehicles, northbound

Insurance for US-plated vehicles, northbound

bajajazz - 10-28-2010 at 12:04 PM

I need temporary auto insurance for pickup and travel trailer for 30 days beginning 31 October, '10, to cover travel from San Ysidro to Albuquerque and return. Both vehicles registered and current in South Dakota and covered by Qualitas with Mexican Insurance. They won't write on vehicles with US plates. Anyone know of a company that'll oblige?

DENNIS - 10-28-2010 at 12:10 PM

This lady has been touted often here and I just bought a two day policy from her.

Elena Bretts

Lives and works in Ensenada.

646-178 5715

bajajazz - 10-28-2010 at 12:14 PM

Thanks, Dennis. I'm not getting any response at that phone number, however.

DENNIS - 10-28-2010 at 12:22 PM

OK....I just called her on that number and it works for me. She says, if the line is busy you'll be sent to voice mail and she's been really busy.

She gave me another number for you to try as well as the first one:

01-646- 1120496

The 01 has to begin the other number as well.

DavidE - 10-28-2010 at 12:33 PM

"The Gecko" does everything but stand on its head to insure me coming out of Mexico.

GEICO could insure your rig via their website. They will send a special email to you that you you print out that is proof of insurance. Pay with a VISA credit or debit card.

It's fast and easy...

bajajazz - 10-28-2010 at 02:21 PM

Thanks, David. I tried Geico but they won't write temporary insurance.

vandenberg - 10-28-2010 at 02:33 PM

Bajajazz,
We had a hell of a time getting temporary insurance in California. As a last resort, if you have a Ca dr. license and can come up with a Ca. address, take out a half year policy ( can get this with any of them) and upon return cancel and demand a refund.

Forgot,
Take the policy on a payment program, just in case you have trouble getting a refund. Worse can happen, you loose a month premium.

[Edited on 10-28-2010 by vandenberg]

bajajazz - 10-28-2010 at 02:55 PM

Thanks, Vandenberg,

Our destination is ABQ where we have an address, so a Geico agent in New Mexico offered to write a six-month policy and as a last resort I would've bought it, then cancelled on our return. 21st Century will also perform on this basis and yes, it cost me two months premium for a one month need.

I got hold of Elena in Ensenada and she will write a one month policy on both the truck and trailer for $62. USD. No idea what company, guess she's an independent agent who brokers US policies. Looks like that's the way I'll go. Thank you all for your help. And prompt, too!

DENNIS - 10-28-2010 at 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Dennis, Dennis,
ran out of Prozac ??

No, but there's no way you would know that.
I do make decisions on the natch. No meds. Something about it all bothers me as well. I'll impose a revaulation upon my perfect self and see what I come up with.
I'm doing the best I can in a bad moment. I know nothing's right. I have senseless moments. Moments that give me up. Nobody will ever know. Who would ever care if I don't.

Wrong place for this sht, but if I didn't do it here, I'd be more alone than I could stand.

vandenberg - 10-28-2010 at 06:58 PM

Hey, you's my buddy.
Remember you giving me Elena's as a contact last fall. Can't remember what happened nor what the reason was she couldn't help me, but I ended up with 1/2 year Statefarm Policy.
Have a Pacifico or two. I'm having a cheap scotch.
Down the hatch !!! :biggrin:

DavidE - 10-29-2010 at 12:05 AM

Well, I get it for three-month increments...

Bajatripper - 10-29-2010 at 11:15 AM

I, too, have used Elena Bretts and have no complaints, although her office can be challenging to find.

Could someone please clarify .... ?

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 12:14 PM

I am looking into the car insurance question, myself, in anticipation of a 1-year (or longer) move to the Ensenada area. I probably will drive to San Diego not more than once per month (to run errands, shop, etc.), staying for not more than a few hours. Occasionally, I may need to go to the States for longer periods. Despite having read SCORES of posts here regarding auto insurance, and having talked to 3 providers of Mexican auto insurance, I am still confused:

* If I get Mexican insurance, it won't cover me in the U.S.

* If I get US insurance that covers me down to Northern Baja, I
understand that I will have to state on my application (falsely)
that I reside in the U.S. which, I fear, will result in the insurer's
denying coverage, should I need it.

* If I can find and obtain short-term tourist insurance for visitors to
the U.S., I'm guessing that I'll pay at least $10 each time I make
a run to San Diego to do my errands. That adds up -- $120/year,
and it doesn't even cover any longer trips to the U.S. I might
need to take.

I'd appreciate any advice you may have for me about the best (and most economical) way to get/have coverage on those rare occasions when I am in the U.S., taking into account the above problems.

Thanks!

DENNIS - 10-29-2010 at 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus

* If I get US insurance that covers me down to Northern Baja, I
understand that I will have to state on my application (falsely)
that I reside in the U.S. which, I fear, will result in the insurer's
denying coverage, should I need it.

Thanks!

I assume you mean Southern Baja sinse "to Northern Baja" will be void anywhere below the border.
I have AAA and they will only cover me 50 miles below the border. I've never heard of a US policy that will cover one so far down the Penninsula as you mention.

Why would a statement that you are a resident of the states while you are vacationing "abroad" be untrue? Do they limit the time you are allowed to have your vehicle on vaction?
If you have to bend the rules, bend them in your favor. That's what the insurance companies do.

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

I suppose I meant "to the upper portion of Baja, CA." The statement would be untrue because I would not be "vacationing." More to the point, I read language in one tourist policy (online -- I don't remember which company) that specifically excluded from coverage persons (or vehicles) that were "regularly garaged" in Baja or that remained in Baja for more than 6 months.

For Heaven's Sake, DONT !

MrBillM - 10-29-2010 at 02:05 PM

Become the FIRST Gringo/Gringa EVER to make a FALSE statement involving your status in Baja.

The Horrendous Moral, not to mention Legal, consequences of doing so are simply too much for the average person to deal with.

I don't believe I've EVER met someone in Baja who didn't tell the entire complete truth EVERYTIME they've dealt with Officials and Bureaucracy.

Go forth and DON'T commit such a Sin. A cursory look around you will reveal the WISDOM of ALWAYS being Truthful.

[Edited on 10-29-2010 by MrBillM]

DENNIS - 10-29-2010 at 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I don't remember which company) that specifically excluded from coverage persons (or vehicles) that were "regularly garaged" in Baja or that remained in Baja for more than 6 months.

Well...there you go. I guess it all revolves around your interpretation of "regularly garaged" but if the duration of it's stay in Mexico, being 6 months, has anything to do with it, you're home free. You already stated the vehicle would be in the states app. once a month.

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
Become the FIRST Gringo/Gringa EVER to make a FALSE statement involving your status in Baja.

The Horrendous Moral, not to mention Legal, consequences of doing so are simply too much for the average person to deal with.

I don't believe I've EVER met someone in Baja who didn't tell the entire complete truth EVERYTIME they've dealt with Officials and Bureaucracy.

Go forth and DON'T commit such a Sin. A cursory look around you will reveal the WISDOM of ALWAYS being Truthful.

[Edited on 10-29-2010 by MrBillM]

A) You seem to miss my point: If one gets CAUGHT for making false statements to the insurer, the insurer may DENY COVERAGE. Got it?

B) Like you (but for entirely different reasons), I am not an "average" person. I am a licensed attorney and don't plan to risk the consequences described in (A) above OR getting disbarred for making/attesting to false statements.

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 02:32 PM

No -- actually, it would all revolve around a U.S. JUDGE's (or, possibly, jury's) interpretation of those terms. Having litigated insurance coverage cases in the past, I can assure you that any judge would find that my vehicle (which I intend to park regularly in my 2-car garage) is "regularly garaged" in Baja. Moreover, I think it more probable than not that the judge also would find that I or the car remained (and "remain" may not be the word I saw in the policy) in Baja for more than 6 months, despite an occasional outing to San Diego (or wherever).

I have to chuckle at all the cavalier posts I have seen by lay-persons, winking their eyes and explaining how they think they are putting something over on their insurance companies. They may be in for a rude awakening if and when they ever require coverage.

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

[Edited on 10-29-2010 by MsTerieus]

DENNIS - 10-29-2010 at 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
A) You seem to miss my point: If one gets CAUGHT for making false statements to the insurer, the insurer may DENY COVERAGE. Got it?

Where are the false statements? Where is the violation of the "letter of the law?"
You've been an attorney so long that you've forgotten that the vast majority of citizens are forced to interpret regulations without your insight of how a judge may or may not see things.
Don't you think just for a moment that everybody must have better things to do than follow you around waiting for you to spit on the sidewalk?
Do you really believe you are entitled to that much personal attention? A bit grandiose, doncha think?

Where are the false statements? There are none. You're prosecuting yourself for absolutly no reason.

DENNIS - 10-29-2010 at 03:06 PM

One more thing....since you already know all about it, why do you ask?

CaboRon - 10-29-2010 at 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajazz
Thanks, David. I tried Geico but they won't write temporary insurance.

Get the Geico policy and just stop it after your month is up. They will even refund the unused portion of the policy.

Bajatripper - 10-29-2010 at 03:19 PM

MsTerieus

Call Elena Bretts at the numbers that Dennis provided and see what she can do for you.

DENNIS - 10-29-2010 at 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
MsTerieus

Call Elena Bretts at the numbers that Dennis provided and see what she can do for you.

MsT might fear disbarment for speaking with a Canadian in Mexico about US insurance. There must be a judge out there somewhere who would find that terribly egregious. :cool:

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Where are the false statements? Where is the violation of the "letter of the law?" ... Where are the false statements? There are none. ...

First of all, here is a sample of the policy language I mentioned:

"RISK NOT COVERED UNDER THIS POLICY.

"THIS CONTRACT SHALL NOT COVER ANY RISK MENTIONED AT SECTIONS 1 THROUGH 6 OF THESE GENERAL CONDITIONS, WHEN THE INSURED IS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CASES:

"a. Is a resident or has a domicile within the Border Area.
"b. Stays in the Mexican Republic for 183 days or more in a calendar year.
"c. Maintains within the Mexican Republic one or more houses or domiciles in which he kept or garaged his vehicle."

Second, possibly, the application for insurance asks for information about, e.g., where I reside, how much time I spend there and/or whether I am "traveling" there or am a "tourist." Many application forms also make the applicant affirm the following (or words to this effect):

"I have read the above application and any attachments. I declare that the information I provided is true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge & belief. This information is being offered to the company as an inducement to issue the policy for which I am applying and no coverage is offered at this time."

Third, and most risky, IMO: All of this would come up only if I made a substantial claim that the insurer did not want to pay, and it could lead to litigation. It would be in the litigation that I might well have to either (a) admit defeat or (b) make a false statement (e.g., in interrogatory answers or a deposition) to support my position.

Now all of this might seem overcautious to you or others, and maybe it is. If so,

well E X C U U U S S S E M E E E!

Still, that's no reason for you to (yet again) get personal and nasty, Mr. Hyde. If you're feeling depressed, why not get off the PC and scream at the walls or the TV or something, rather than posters?!
:?:

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
One more thing....since you already know all about it, why do you ask?

What I don't know is how to get decent coverage for occasional short trips to the U.S. that I don't have to worry won't be there when I need it. Fine, I'll talk to Ms. Brett ...

DENNIS - 10-29-2010 at 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
Still, that's no reason for you to (yet again) get personal and nasty, Mr. Hyde. If you're feeling depressed, why not get off the PC and scream at the walls or the TV or something, rather than posters?!
:?:

Oh...I don't know. I guess I was just being..uh...what was your word? Oh, yeah...cavalier. I guess, again, that's SF attornese for SASSY.
I'm gonna bite my tongue now so you can put your whip [a definite SF toy] away.

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 07:33 PM

I apologize for offending you with the word "cavalier." I actually had some others' comments on my mind when I chose that word.

DENNIS - 10-29-2010 at 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I apologize for offending you with the word "cavalier." I actually had some others' comments on my mind when I chose that word.

What??? One minute you bestow upon me high praise and the next minute, you tear off my epaulets.
I was hoping to be just like my hero:

http://mapiles.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Lebron-Ja...

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I apologize for offending you with the word "cavalier." I actually had some others' comments on my mind when I chose that word.

What??? One minute you bestow upon me high praise and the next minute, you tear off my epaulets.
I was hoping to be just like my hero:

I actually went to "Grover Cleveland High School," and the football team was called the "Cleveland Cavaliers."

A Licensed Attorney ?

MrBillM - 10-29-2010 at 08:07 PM

SO, you know the answer to "What do you call 50 Dead Lawyers at the bottom of the Ocean" .

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
SO, you know the answer to "What do you call 50 Dead Lawyers at the bottom of the Ocean" .

That joke is even older than YOU are. (A good start.)

Yeah, I know.

MrBillM - 10-29-2010 at 09:04 PM

The reason that Lawyer jokes are SO old is that they've been a problem for so long.

As they say, the only thing wrong with the Legal Profession is Lawyers.

Nothing personal, of course. It's just that the 99 percent of bad ones give the good ones a bad name.

MsTerieus - 10-29-2010 at 09:24 PM

Quote:

Nothing personal, of course. It's just that the 99 percent of bad ones give the good ones a bad name.

It's big of you to say so, Mr. Bill. :saint:

durrelllrobert - 10-30-2010 at 09:23 AM

The way I see it:
1. my MX insurance only covers me in MX and not in US
2. my US auto insurance only covers me in the US and not in MX
3. when I'm in the US my car is garaged at the location specified
4. since I'm only in the US about once a month for a day or 2 my US insurance allows me to claim that I drive less than 2000 miles/ year while I'm up there and gives me a huge discount on my annual premium since that is the only time they are at risk.

There are no false statements made anywhere in this policy and living in MX is no different than living in Canada except that my US policy would cover me there (as a tourist)

[Edited on 10-30-2010 by durrelllrobert]

MsTerieus - 10-30-2010 at 10:29 AM

Thanks, Bob. Sounds like a good plan, as long as you can continue to garage your car (or at least use the address) at your same address. I can't do that, as I plan to rent out my US house, and I can't have my mail going there while it's rented. : {

DENNIS - 10-30-2010 at 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
Thanks, Bob. Sounds like a good plan, as long as you can continue to garage your car (or at least use the address) at your same address. I can't do that, as I plan to rent out my US house, and I can't have my mail going there while it's rented. : {

Why can't you receive your mail there? You pay taxes on the property, doncha?

MsTerieus - 10-30-2010 at 11:20 AM

I suppose I could ASK my tenants to please forward forward my mail to me (and not to return it to the post office, as they legally would be entitled to do). However, I don't want to rely on or impose on tenants to do this. (Furthermore, if there were ever any question about residency, I could hardly expect the tenants to lie to my insurer for me.)

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Why can't you receive your mail there? You pay taxes on the property, doncha?

DENNIS - 10-30-2010 at 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I suppose I could ASK my tenants to please forward forward my mail to me (and not to return it to the post office, as they legally would be entitled to do). However, I don't want to rely on or impose on tenants to do this.

If your tenants wouldn't go that little bit out of their way to hold your mail for you, what good are they.

One thing to remember...an alternative to home delivery would be Postal Annex. I mention them because I use them.
Anyway....you could forward all of your mail to your new address with them, but they won't forward it back to you when you return and you would be left to make all of your changes of address yourself. They're very one-way about that.

Don't under any circumstances arrainge mail delivery in Mexico....forwarded or otherwise. Arrainge for a friend to get your mail from your house occasionally while you work out a way to get it brought down here.
There's always a way.