BajaNomad

What is the best Baja Auto Insurance?

TLBaja79 - 2-4-2015 at 04:16 PM

I know its been discussed on here but what Baja Insurance is most recommended?
Either1 month or 6 months is what I'll probably do.

I've always gone through Vagabundos, don't think they offer it any longer or something...don't really want to use them anymore...

woody with a view - 2-4-2015 at 04:18 PM

get the "any 90 days in Baja yearly" policy from Discover Baja. CHEEP!

Bajabound

bajaguy - 2-4-2015 at 04:20 PM

See the banner at the top of this page

Geoff backs up what he sells....and he is a nice guy!

Bajaboy - 2-4-2015 at 04:43 PM

I see Costco is selling it now. Curious how their prices compare.
https://www.bonitawest.com/Costco/frm_Home.asp

David K - 2-4-2015 at 04:52 PM

BajaBound.com supports this web site, so we like to support them! You buy online for the days or months you want and print it out before you leave home. They have an office in downtown San Diego.

Discover Baja Travel Club also sells the same brand of Mexican auto insurance and has discount rates for club members, plus other discounts, books and maps. Their club office/store is in San Diego off Hwy. 52, north on Regents Rd., or you can buy online.

Both are run by great people who love Baja! I have purchased my annual policies from both, and daily policies from Baja Bound over 14 years ago.

AKgringo - 2-4-2015 at 04:54 PM

I used the Costco link to Bonita West in November of 2013. I had used a company affiliated with Geico in prior years, and with the 20% discount for being a Costco member, an annual policy cost less than I had paid for one month the year before. I have an older vehicle, so I paid for liability only.
I had not heard of Baja Bound at that time, and intend to check them out for my next trip. That is because I have heard people on this forum say good things about their handling of claims. I know nothing about Bonita West's track record, does anyone here have anything to report?

woody with a view - 2-4-2015 at 05:17 PM

I used them previously. cheap, but nothing else to report.

best insurance?

akshadow - 2-4-2015 at 05:21 PM

I have purchased insurance through Discover Baja for a few years and only last spring did I need to use the insurance. I was very satisfied.
Last Feb. I got hit in Mexicali, the vehicle was drivable and an insurance adjuster showed up in a short time. By then the police had gone on to another call and the person who hit us was gone. He did not speak English and my Spanish is too poor to do much more than order food.
I waited to have the vehicle repaired until I was back in Juneau Alaska and the insurance company had another adjuster in Juneau do another estimate. Got the vehicle repaired in Juneau and paid my deductable and the insurance covered the remainder. Prompt payment, got the check before the work was done and could cash it after I certified work was done and I was satisfied.

MICK - 2-4-2015 at 05:21 PM

Vagaboubos still sell insurance but have a new company. Cheapest I have found for me

Bajahowodd - 2-4-2015 at 05:56 PM

Keep in mind that all of the brokers mentioned here are California based excess line brokers. They have very little control over the actions and decisions of the Mexican insurers they represent. I really suggest that you check out the track record of those Mexican insurance companies to see what the rate of satisfaction is by their customers. Price should not be priority one.

bajabuddha - 2-4-2015 at 06:23 PM

From what I was told about Mexican auto insurance (many years ago) there are only one or two Mexican A.I. companies that underwrite policies, and all the different franchises that sell policies go through the same one or two underwriting agencies, so you get pretty much the same service if you're in need; they all give the same 'contact numbers' if you need acute assistance.

The small variables in cost are independent charges by the franchises based on competitive rates for sales, due to volume/overhead costs. When you need it, it all comes from the same can. You're just paying for the label, so I believe in buying 'generic'.

DENNIS - 2-4-2015 at 06:26 PM



The "best insurance" is the one you never have to use.

woody with a view - 2-4-2015 at 06:41 PM

kinda like which girlfriend was best.......

TLBaja79 - 2-4-2015 at 06:55 PM

Ok thanks for all the info on insurance.

Bonita West insurance via CostCo

Whale-ista - 2-4-2015 at 07:45 PM

FYI: I purchased the 90 day policy with Discover Baja last year- and gracias a dios, never needed to use it. Not sure how you qualify "best" insurance- it really depends on many factors.

But since I plan to spend more time SOB in 2015, and insure 2 cars vs. 1 as I did in 2014, I went with the Costco/Bonita West annual policies this time around, after comparing costs/benefits/companies. Also, since I'm an "Executive" member w/CostCo, I saved 35% off annual cost for two vehicles.

Bonita West offers a limited range "border" policy (Baja, BCS, Sonora) via Qualitas. They offer 7/24 contact Information, roadside assistance, and the $300K liability- all typical options, I think.

As for purchasing & customer service: BonitaWest is a web-based service. I called, and was referred to their website.

You need internet access to select and pay for the policy. But when I needed to make some changes, they responded quickly w/phone calls and email, including correcting an error due to miscommunication.

Finally- remember to keep your FMM up to date, so lack of legal status in MX doesn't invalidate your insurance.

Bottom line: It was less expensive for an annual policy for my vehicle than the 90 day policy I purchased last year. I realize "you get what you pay for," but I believe CostCo does a good job vetting the companies they do business, with and will stand behind their product/referral.

If/when I need to actually use the policy (hoping: never!) I will report on how things go.

[Edited on 2-5-2015 by Whale-ista]

Ateo - 2-4-2015 at 08:01 PM

Bajabound

MitchMan - 2-4-2015 at 08:17 PM

About 3 and half months ago, I got into a Fender bender in La Paz, in the parking lot of the government buildings off of Colosio where you pay your property taxes. I stopped behind an idiot lady that backed up into me while I was honking the entire time.

The lady wouldn't shut up, accused me of trying to gouge her financially, and wanted to leave to make some appointment before we had resolved the issue. The police came, a very young, very mature and well adjusted senior policeman handled things fantastically. He listened to her, then told her to shut up and stay put, then he listened to me, looked at the damage to my truck and knew that she was to blame.

He led us all to the police station, waited for my and her insurance people to show up. My insurance adjuster, handled everything very professionally. Got the truck totally repaired and it looks great. Not much fuss, nor muss. Botta bing, botta boom, botta bom.

My insurance agency is Lewis and Lewis. The insuring company is Qualitas. The truck is a 4 cyl, 2.7 L standard cab, 4wd Toyota Tacoma with 138,500 miles on it in stellar condition with South Dakota plates on it. I am licensed only in California. Full coverage (included collision and property damage) for one year about $300 USD/yr.

[Edited on 2-5-2015 by MitchMan]

sancho - 2-4-2015 at 09:18 PM

Whether the San Diego based Broker is a nice guy or not,
or if he sells Baja Baja books
and maps doesn't mean jack. In the event
one has an incident in Mex and has to make the call to have an adjuster
get to the scene is ten ONLY thing that matters. In my
observatoion
HDI Mex Ins Co seems to be a cut above
the rest. MitchMan, good to see a positive comment on
Lewis and Lewis/Qualitis. Pay attention to the liability amount,
I get minimum $300,000, the Ins kiosk at San Ysidro
next to Plaza of the Americas has $500,000 standard
on their policies







[Edited on 2-5-2015 by sancho]

grichg - 2-4-2015 at 10:27 PM

Ive had Lewis and Lewis for years and always got the yearly since I am down there alot. Full Coverage-all the bells and whistles and Never had to use it until last Sept.

My truck broke down South of Santa Tomas on the hill with little or no cell service. Called the number to get a tow and they said they would be there in 90 min. Also said they would call be back but I said there is no service so dont bother and they understood. 2 hours later no truck to walked towards tower to get a bar or two. Guy on phone said we have been trying to call you. Um, yea no service remember. Said he needed to charge me $300 up front and I would be reimbursed. peeed I said fine heres my credit card, but no he wanted a routing # and I would have to wait 24 hours. Are you f-ing kidding me....

Said some bad words and hung up. Ended up getting a tow truck from ensenada and paid out of own pocket.

L&L just sent me my renewal paperwork and I called and told them the situation. They said oh well sorry and this is after I emailed and called them prior with zero response. Told the guy no worries you lost my business as a result of you not saying anything constructive to me and try to keep my business.

Will be going the Baja Bound next time.

mtgoat666 - 2-5-2015 at 06:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by grichg  
Ive had Lewis and Lewis for years and always got the yearly since I am down there alot. Full Coverage-all the bells and whistles and Never had to use it until last Sept.

My truck broke down South of Santa Tomas on the hill with little or no cell service. Called the number to get a tow and they said they would be there in 90 min. Also said they would call be back but I said there is no service so dont bother and they understood. 2 hours later no truck to walked towards tower to get a bar or two. Guy on phone said we have been trying to call you. Um, yea no service remember. Said he needed to charge me $300 up front and I would be reimbursed. peeed I said fine heres my credit card, but no he wanted a routing # and I would have to wait 24 hours. Are you f-ing kidding me....

Said some bad words and hung up. Ended up getting a tow truck from ensenada and paid out of own pocket.

L&L just sent me my renewal paperwork and I called and told them the situation. They said oh well sorry and this is after I emailed and called them prior with zero response. Told the guy no worries you lost my business as a result of you not saying anything constructive to me and try to keep my business.

Will be going the Baja Bound next time.


I thought mex insurers only covered accidents. What policy did you buy to cover towing from breakdowns?

If you broke down in todos santos, why did you tow all the way to Ensenada? Sounds like a pricy tow! When I call aaa in the USA, they only tow to nearest repair shop.

paranewbi - 2-5-2015 at 07:02 AM

Ok, I'm up early so I'll be the first...
mtgoat666, the review of experience by grichg says Santa Thomas, not Todos Santos.
A little closer to Ensenada.

Claims

bajaguy - 2-5-2015 at 08:44 AM

Two years ago I had a serious accident just south of Rosarito around 8PM....rolled my Tacoma twice.

The truck was insured with HDI Seguros, purchased through Bajabound

I called the 24/7 number for HDI and talked to an English speaking person who immediately put me in contact with an English speaking adjustor. The adjustor arrived at the accident scene within 30 minutes. Went to the police station, adjustor took care of everything.

Next morning called Geoff at Bajabound. He was on top of the case working with the adjustor and HDI. Geoff was in weekly contact with me, HDI the adjustor and the body shop.

After the truck was returned to me and for the next 6 months, Geoff and the Adjustor contacted me on a regular basis to ensure the repairs were correct and I was satisfied.

You can pay less and you can pay more, but for me I will always be insured with HDI through Bajabound. I know Geoff will be there if and when I need him

grichg - 2-5-2015 at 08:53 AM

Santa Tomas is South of Ensenada and my coverage included towing although they did not come thru....

David K - 2-5-2015 at 08:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by sancho  
Whether the San Diego based Broker is a nice guy or not,
or if he sells Baja Baja books
and maps doesn't mean jack. In the event
one has an incident in Mex and has to make the call to have an adjuster
get to the scene is ten ONLY thing that matters. In my
observatoion
HDI Mex Ins Co seems to be a cut above
the rest. MitchMan, good to see a positive comment on
Lewis and Lewis/Qualitis. Pay attention to the liability amount,
I get minimum $300,000, the Ins kiosk at San Ysidro
next to Plaza of the Americas has $500,000 standard
on their policies







[Edited on 2-5-2015 by sancho]


HDI is sold at Discover Baja and Baja Bound... You need to buy the insurance from a broker. HDI is not a broker, so go to a broker. The two mentioned are Baja people, and they will answer to any service issues with lots of public pressure to perform well, if they weren't already on our side.

David K - 2-5-2015 at 08:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Two years ago I had a serious accident just south of Rosarito around 8PM....rolled my Tacoma twice.

The truck was insured with HDI Seguros, purchased through Bajabound

I called the 24/7 number for HDI and talked to an English speaking person who immediately put me in contact with an English speaking adjustor. The adjustor arrived at the accident scene within 30 minutes. Went to the police station, adjustor took care of everything.

Next morning called Geoff at Bajabound. He was on top of the case working with the adjustor and HDI. Geoff was in weekly contact with me, HDI the adjustor and the body shop.

After the truck was returned to me and for the next 6 months, Geoff and the Adjustor contacted me on a regular basis to ensure the repairs were correct and I was satisfied.

You can pay less and you can pay more, but for me I will always be insured with HDI through Bajabound. I know Geoff will be there if and when I need him



Awesome! :light:

TLBaja79 - 2-12-2015 at 04:12 PM

Anybody used Vagabundos ABA Seguros Insurance? Recommend?