BajaNomad - Mex car insurance question: do I need it for the whole trip?

Mex car insurance question: do I need it for the whole trip?

steve5555 - 7-6-2012 at 02:00 PM

All,
I am coming down to Baja for 2 weeks where I pretty much will only drive the day down and the day back. I have a new truck and the daily insurance rate is pretty high. Has anyone tried the approach of insurance for only the days you drive? Or maybe full coverage for driving days and only liability through the other days??

I will be camping on the beach at Punta Chivato and if I do not drive I do not see that much risk of an accident. Thoughts?

Steve

rts551 - 7-6-2012 at 02:02 PM

we used to buy two separate policies years ago when camping. you run the risk of something happening while your parked but we took that risk.

woody with a view - 7-6-2012 at 02:17 PM

i don't believe they will sell you bookend days with full coverage. it is too tempting for you to claim something happened while camping and try to say it happened on the way home.

i was sideswiped while camping at san juanico by a guy on a 3 wheeler while i wasn't in the truck. he made it right with seafood, but still.

Udo - 7-6-2012 at 02:17 PM

Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

Mula - 7-6-2012 at 02:18 PM

What the heck . . . a couple extra days insurance certainly can't break you.

And things do happen while parked!!!!!!!

rts551 - 7-6-2012 at 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

My full coverage is way more than $80 for the full year. more like $300

rts551 - 7-6-2012 at 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
i don't believe they will sell you bookend days with full coverage. it is too tempting for you to claim something happened while camping and try to say it happened on the way home.

i was sideswiped while camping at san juanico by a guy on a 3 wheeler while i wasn't in the truck. he made it right with seafood, but still.

woody...you have to buy two separate policies as if your making two trips... but you run the risk.

David K - 7-6-2012 at 02:23 PM

As liability wont help if your truck is stolen, no. Get an annual policy, good for 90 days for NW Mexico.

willardguy - 7-6-2012 at 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

hey someones not using the nomad sponsor! :lol:

steve5555 - 7-6-2012 at 03:09 PM

I guess that I did not know an annual policy was that cheap. I usually go with Mex adventure insurance. My truck is brand new so it will be expensive to cover the whole cost.

mrfatboy - 7-6-2012 at 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

hey someones not using the nomad sponsor! :lol:

Well... Who is only $80/year?

Mula - 7-6-2012 at 03:42 PM

Especially with a new truck, why chance it. Just get the coverage!

rts551 - 7-6-2012 at 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mula
Especially with a new truck, why chance it. Just get the coverage!

When we used to camp years ago with a new truck and camper we would do it. At that time, the chances of something happening were very remote. each person has to make their own assessment when it comes to insurance. Remember the company is betting with the odds and you are betting you will have something bad happen. worse is betting you will die early, but that is a different story

David K - 7-6-2012 at 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by steve5555
I guess that I did not know an annual policy was that cheap. I usually go with Mex adventure insurance. My truck is brand new so it will be expensive to cover the whole cost.

It isn't that cheap, unless Udo can explain how he has full coverage for his new FJ Cruiser that low!!??

Going through a Travel Club like Discover Baja or Baja Good Life can get you lower 'group' rates on an annual policy... My truck was new 2 years ago, and valued at $32,000... The annual full coverage policy (for trips into NW Mexico not totaling over 3 months/ 90 days) was about $300... maybe $320. Each year, the value drops (but not much, as it is a Toyota), so the policy premium goes down. If I bought daily coverage, once I was in Mexico more than 12 or 14 days, getting the annual policy is cheaper... Plus, no worry about crossing back before the days run out... in case of problems or you are just having too much fun to come home!

Joining a travel club for ~$39/year can save you over $100 on your auto insurance alone... plus the other values of membership such as discounts at Baja businesses and Baja book and maps. In Northern Cal, there is Vagabundos Del Mar club (perhaps geared more to people who use boats) that is a popular club, and has discounted Mexican insurance for its norte American members.

surfdoc - 7-6-2012 at 06:25 PM

OK...........has Udo sobered up ???

I'm planning on getting just a annual Lic coverage and it's 175$........ WTF ......80$$

I want to hear this.

steve5555 - 7-6-2012 at 07:39 PM

OK David you talked me into Discover Baja. I will at least give them a call. Thanks, steve

David K - 7-6-2012 at 07:42 PM

You can get a quote online, but it may not be the lower membership rate until you join... not sure. Ask for Hugh or Carol, and mention how you happened to call them... Just hoping to see more of them on Nomad.

DavidE - 7-6-2012 at 07:55 PM

A brand new pickup truck unless it is totally Jane Plain, is like trolling a new Rapala through a school of Barracuda. Even a steering wheel "crutch" type lock is an improvement. So is a loud, a really loud motion detector alarm.

mrfatboy - 7-6-2012 at 08:26 PM

I will protect your car for $80/year

dizzyspots - 7-6-2012 at 08:28 PM

ahhhhh Geoff at Bajabound.com???? ring a bell?

gnukid - 7-6-2012 at 08:31 PM

driving in baja is fun

CortezBlue - 7-6-2012 at 09:25 PM

Here is my take

1. I use a drivers Lic policy on an annual policy

2. In AZ our insurance automatically, by state law, give us insurance up to 75 miles into Mexico.

3. I think that Mex insurance is good for one thing. If you don't have it and get in an accident, you will be with held far to long before you can get on the move again.

4. If I ever get my truck stolen, I will guarantee I will be at most 74 miles inside of Mexico.

mrfatboy - 7-7-2012 at 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue
Here is my take

1. I use a drivers Lic policy on an annual policy

2. In AZ our insurance automatically, by state law, give us insurance up to 75 miles into Mexico.

3. I think that Mex insurance is good for one thing. If you don't have it and get in an accident, you will be with held far to long before you can get on the move again.

4. If I ever get my truck stolen, I will guarantee I will be at most 74 miles inside of Mexico.

sancho - 7-7-2012 at 01:38 PM

I've done the day in and a day out, I didn't purchase
both days at the same time, at least 1 of the Ins
Broker site will not knowingly sell them like that.
The 90 policy has always interested me, but I can't
get around the idea that it is an Honor system, it is
somehow your word that you aren't in Mex for
more than 90 days in a yr.,
to me honor/Mex Ins Co's and wondering if they
would ever deny a claim re: the amount of time you are
in Mex leaves too many unanswered ?'s for me,
but I'm a little hinky re: Mex Ins in general

mrfatboy - 7-7-2012 at 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
I've done the day in and a day out, I didn't purchase
both days at the same time, at least 1 of the Ins
Broker site will not knowingly sell them like that.
The 90 policy has always interested me, but I can't
get around the idea that it is an Honor system, it is
somehow your word that you aren't in Mex for
more than 90 days in a yr.,
to me honor/Mex Ins Co's and wondering if they
would ever deny a claim re: the amount of time you are
in Mex leaves too many unanswered ?'s for me,
but I'm a little hinky re: Mex Ins in general

I'm confused by what you call this '90 day' honor system policy. However I'm currently poolside drinking my high octane margys so that could be a factor

Please explain the honor system part. In the past my wife had a yearly policy due to work in Ensenada and Mexicali. Now we just use bajabound for 4-5 day trips.

To me, mexico insurance is just a way to keep a layer of Mexican mordida and BS off of you. In the 80's I never bought insurance. I'm older and have too much to loose now

dizzyspots - 7-8-2012 at 10:33 AM

www.bajabound.com Geoff is a bajanomad.com sponsor....no vested interested otherwise...just a reminder that we should support those that support us????

vacaenbaja - 7-8-2012 at 10:39 AM

Liability insurance in Mexico is something that you should never be
without. Guilty until proven innocent for all parties involved.
If someone were to dash out in front of you and they die as a result
you will be in jail for a very long time, unless you can post bond. This does happen. Remember the yellow signs you see on the US side of the boarder where it shows people running across? Well running from La Migra is not the
only time that this happens. I have been on the Toll road and have seen more than once people coming out of the brush on the divider
and running across the road. Your insurance will post your bond
and have you out rather than in jail. You will have someone in your
corner that speaks the language and knows the business. They have a vested interest in negotiating a settlement. If you are going to gamble on something gamble on not insuring the car for theft.
New cars in Baja are nice but they have their problems. No one can fix them quick beyond minor repairs and all the big time theves want them. I would insure fully as I would not like to continue to make a payment on a vehicle that I no longer have poession of.

woody with a view - 7-8-2012 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrfatboy

Quote:

I'm confused by what you call this '90 day' honor system policy. However I'm currently poolside drinking my high octane margys so that could be a factor

discover baja sells a yearly policy that allows you to be in Mex 90 days in a year, however you add to 90 that's how long you are covered. have you ever noticed about 75 yards north of the san ysidro crossing where the cement lane dividers are? well they snap pictures of EVERY VEHICLE entering Mexico. when you leave they snap pictures of EVERY VEHICLE leaving Mexico. my money is on the Ins Co's having access to that data.

i'm insured for $10k for the 365/90 day policy. grand total $200 or so. works out to about $8/day for me in a normal year.....

[Edited on 7-8-2012 by woody with a view]

willardguy - 7-8-2012 at 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

Originally posted by mrfatboy

Quote:

I'm confused by what you call this '90 day' honor system policy. However I'm currently poolside drinking my high octane margys so that could be a factor

woody, as usual im not getting it. are you insured for 365 days or the 90 day policy? and wouldnt it be nice if an american company offered a similar deal?

woody with a view - 7-8-2012 at 11:33 AM

i have a yearly policy that allows me to be in Mex for any 90 of the next 365 days. the daily rate 90/20-25 days = $8-10 for each of those days. it's the best deal i could find.

does Bajabound offer the same?

sancho - 7-8-2012 at 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
have you ever noticed about 75 yards north of the san ysidro crossing where the cement lane dividers are? well they snap pictures of EVERY VEHICLE entering Mexico. when you leave they snap pictures of EVERY VEHICLE leaving Mexico. my money is on the Ins Co's having access to that data.

[Edited on 7-8-2012 by woody with a view]

I've wondered the same thing, but I don't think it
get that far out that a Mex Ins Co, in the event of
a claim would have access to, or have the resources
to go thru months and months of crosssings into Mex
24/7 at maybe 6 crossings into Mex from the US, and that
is just Baja? Seems a bit envolved, not to say it is not
possible. The 90 day policy, at least the way I understand
it, is that one is allowed to be in Mex 90 days out of
365, and according to one of the San Diego brokers,
there is no reporting as to when you enter Mex and
when you exit, they used the term Honor system in their email to me, furthermore say you are holding an fmm
that you had validated some 5 mo's back and have
used for a few crossings,and by
a quirk some cop or Ins Adjuster at the scene of
an incident asks you
for an fmm, you pull out your fmm that says you entered
Mex 20 weeks ago? I know, I'm a bit cautious/paranoid

woody with a view - 7-8-2012 at 01:36 PM

whatever the hangup, it is still the best value..... i just wish i was able to spend more than 90 days/year.....

nbacc - 7-8-2012 at 03:54 PM

don't go without it! Question to Nomads out there. I know you are supposed to report your accident BEFORE you leave Mexico. They make a big deal of this on your paperwork. We saw a pretty good hoodbanger while in line.....maybe about 15 cars away from the booth returning to the USA. What happens then? do you just eat it? whooooo the car was a nice suburban. Someone tried to switch lanes where there was no opening (we have all seen it) Ha, that is one reason why we drive our old( 80 something) Toyota truck when we go. Nancy

woody with a view - 7-8-2012 at 05:02 PM

if it's me i park it there.....

willardguy - 7-8-2012 at 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

we're still waiting to hear udo's source! :?:

Udo - 7-9-2012 at 07:54 AM

Discover Baja.

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

we're still waiting to hear udo's source! :?:

David K - 7-9-2012 at 07:58 AM

Okay Udo, what kind of insurance is that...? The guy has a new truck, so he must have full coverage, not just liability... I have had annual policies with Discover Baja, as well as Baja Bound (they use the same highly rated Mexican company)... always been between ~$200-$330 US a year.

Please tell us if there is a better deal for our new trucks!:

Udo - 7-9-2012 at 08:10 AM

I only buy the liability portion and only for the northwest part of Mexico.
Reading from the policy I have in my hand now:
For 90 days entry within 365 days policy:
For Auto, Pickup, or SUV
$50,000CSL: $83.10
$70,000CSL: $109.98

Theft and collision are separate from above prices.

You are correct about the new truck, David, Comp & Collision will raise the price
some.

BTW, David, I saw a store in Todos Santos called...GOT BAJA? It's sort of a book store and other Baja related lore. Bought a hat and a T-shirt.

Ateo - 7-9-2012 at 08:13 AM

Let's say you have a new truck worth $30,000 and decide to go without insurance. Then you stop for gas at a Pemex. You run to the bathroom to take a wizz and come out to find your truck gone. You now owe $30,000 on a loan but have no vehicle. That doesn't sound fun. I pay $350/year for annual coverage thru bajabound.

[Edited on 7-9-2012 by ateo]

David K - 7-9-2012 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
I only buy the liability portion and only for the northwest part of Mexico.
Reading from the policy I have in my hand now:
For 90 days entry within 365 days policy:
For Auto, Pickup, or SUV
$50,000CSL: $83.10
$70,000CSL: $109.98

Theft and collision are separate from above prices.

You are correct about the new truck, David, Comp & Collision will raise the price
some.

BTW, David, I saw a store in Todos Santos called...GOT BAJA? It's sort of a book store and other Baja related lore. Bought a hat and a T-shirt.

Do they have any of my bumper stickers, I am all out!? :lol:

Thanks Udo, we will look for the place when we go to Todos Santos in the next 2 weeks.

Udo - 7-9-2012 at 08:29 AM

None of your bumper stickers, but they had a variety of new ones, David.

The hat looks like a throw-back from the 70's flower power.

Terry28 - 7-9-2012 at 08:31 AM

Woody, What company do you use to get those rates?? Thanks

willardguy - 7-9-2012 at 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

so its liability only for 3 months?

David K - 7-9-2012 at 09:32 AM

Udo and I are talking about policies for non-Mexican tourists who are not spending more than 90 days a year (in Mexico) out of the annual policy period. Mine is full coverage and his is liability only.

[Edited on 7-9-2012 by David K]

Udo - 7-9-2012 at 04:07 PM

It IS for liability only for a period of 12 months from the date of policy start date. The policy implies (on your honor) that you will only drive about 90 days in Mexico (most of us only drive about 45 days a year in Baja).

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Why chance it?
It's about $80.00 US for the whole year!

so its liability only for 3 months?

CortezBlue - 7-9-2012 at 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrfatboy

Quote:

74 is my error of margin, 75 is a bit to close

woody with a view - 7-10-2012 at 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Terry28
Woody, What company do you use to get those rates?? Thanks

discover baja

steve5555 - 7-10-2012 at 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Okay Udo, what kind of insurance is that...? The guy has a new truck, so he must have full coverage, not just liability... I have had annual policies with Discover Baja, as well as Baja Bound (they use the same highly rated Mexican company)... always been between ~$200-$330 US a year.

Please tell us if there is a better deal for our new trucks!:

I called Discover Baja. For a $45K vehicle with full coverage. It was around $300 for 12 days. About $550 for the 90 day out of 6 month policy.

wilderone - 7-11-2012 at 08:43 AM

So bookending your trip may be a good option. Get coverage for valuation of $29K (still a lot of money for a repair which is more likely than a stolen car), for the 3 days driving back at the end of your trip. Then, when crossing the border get coverage for 3 days driving to your offroad destination. I cross in Tecate and the convenience store sells insurance. I think 2 days was $23. Many Mex policies don't cover mishaps and damage offroad anyway.