BajaNomad

Final update: insurance claim process, after being rear-ended in Colonet last year

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 09:02 AM

Final report on 2016 car accident near Colonet

Been meaning to post a wrap-up after the accident in early January last year, to help others who are contemplating insurance choices for travel into Baja. Happy to report the employees at Discover Baja helped with the final claim. They collected my information, contacted the insurance company, and stayed in good communication with me when additional information was needed.

I had purchased my policy via Discover Baja in San Diego, and this was the first (hopefully only!) time I needed to file a claim, after many years of driving around the peninsula.

As the photos in this post show- my vehicle was ok, but the car that hit me was likely totalled. And my neck/back/shoulders absorbed a lot of force from the impact, so my claims were for medical injuries, not vehicle repairs.

I waited a full year to file the final papers, after being advised whiplash injuries can linger- and they did. (I had up to 2 years to turn in all the final documents.) I had periodic physical therapy treatments for several months, just to be sure everything was back to pre-injury status before turning in the documents and requesting reimbursement.

They did reimburse for all the treatments, exams, X-rays etc., based on the receipts I submitted. However, I was out of pocket for those bills until I submitted my claim. The insurance provider reimbursed me AFTER I paid for all medical services, so keep that in mind as you evaluate different insurance policies- the Discover Baja plan requires you to use your own resources and get reimbursed.

Enjoy your travels, have fun- and be careful out there- especially if driving with muddy, rainy and/or stormy conditions.
---------------------------

(Long repost with update. I took the first one down to confirm some of the information and I've added that to the update at the end. )

Sorry to report I was rear-ended by small Hyundai (?- not Kia as first posted- but hard to tell after accident) car while stopped at the only signal in town of Colonet about 150 miles south of border. My initial thought was: fortunately I just purchased insurance from HDI Seguroz via Discover Baja Travel Club.

Police arrived within a half hour. Insurance was notified. It was raining. Road muddy and slick but light traffic.

I saw the car coming behind me and realized it was moving too fast. I took my foot off the brake and considered driving through the intersection which fortunately was empty. By the time I considered that it was too late- the car hit me directly. However, I think that taking my foot off the brake helped avoid more damage.

I have about a 3 inch lift on my truck so the car hit down low against my tow hitch instead of higher on the body of the truck. After the collision I slowly drove to this shoulder of the road and parked in front of a drugstore. When I got out and looked at the car in the intersection its front hood was crumpled and grill crushed. I was afraid to look at my truck.



However when I walked around to the back I saw no damage. The light lenses were intact. There was no obvious damage to the bumper. But the other car is likely totaled.


I am worried about my neck and back. I Will need to be checked out in San Diego - me and the truck.

Now for the bad news about Mexican insurance and liability. There was no doubt the other driver was at fault. I was at a complete stop when she rammed into me. But I was told by the federal police and the insurance company that in order for any evaluation of damage and claims to be done I would've had to drive back to San Quintin and surrender my vehicle to the federal police for an investigation.

Apparently they would have impounded my car indefinitely to do their own independent analysis before I would be allowed to return to San Diego to have it inspected again.

Likewise I was told I had to see a local doctor and if I am injured I can only be treated by doctors in Mexico. (note: the adjuster mentioned she had a friend or a relative who is a doctor, which set off some red flags for me)

The additional cost of staying more days in Mexico and paying for hotels etc. would not have been covered by the insurance company. They would not have compensated me for missing work.

I had just purchased this policy at the Discover Baja office the day before I left. I have to admit I was shocked by these requirements.

After I called to report the accident I called the DB office to tell them what had happened. I speak conversational Spanish but I was not confident of understanding all the details from the federal police and the insurance company.

It took the inspector over two hours to arrive on the scene. She only spoke Spanish so that also made the information more difficult for me to understand. It was raining and very cold as we stood outside waiting for her. My neck and back began to get very stiff and sore and I wanted to get back to San Diego to see a doctor.

She told me about the impoundment requirements for any damage to the truck to be claimed. Then she told me I had to see a doctor in Baja and if I were injured all treatment had to be done in Mexico as well.

Needless to say I am extremely disappointed with these requirements. I finally stopped requesting anything and just signed the paperwork. I wrote that while I believe there are damages I would not seek a claim today because I had no time and would likely lose money by missing additional days of work waiting for the inspection to be done.

So for anyone who has insurance for Baja be aware that if the other person is 100% liable you may still lose time and money trying to make a claim. Perhaps if I were retired I could stay here for a few days to resolve all this but I have to return to work and it looks like now I won't even make it back in time to teach tomorrow.

The accident delayed my travel for over three hours. By the time I started driving the rain intensified and it was dark when I arrive in Ensenada. I am currently sitting at the tollbooth trying to decide if I will spend the night here. Even though the rain has stopped I don't want to drive in the dark knowing there's likely a lot of debris on the road and flooding in Tijuana.

All in all this has been a very disheartening day. I came down to evaluate the road conditions before returning with the group next month, and I learned that the drivers here can be more dangerous than the roads.

I have already told some of my friends I am not willing to lead a group down this year under these weather conditions. No matter how safely we may drive we can't control the actions of other drivers and I learned a tough lesson today about Mexican liability law

Update: I am still in Mexico after spending the night and waiting for the storms to pass. I read my insurance documents more carefully and saw nothing requiring treatment in Mexico, only treatment by qualified medical professionals. So I called the insurance company again this morning to verify the information I received yesterday was correct.

The international claims adjuster told me that I can receive treatment once I return to San Diego and then apply for reimbursement.

So it appears I can be treated for any injuries once I am back in the United States but I will have to pay out-of-pocket and be reimbursed.

I wanted to post this information as an advisory to anyone who travels into another country, for any reason. The laws are different and insurance can be complicated.

As we know, Mexico requires US drivers carry insurance when traveling in Mexico. Under their current legal system, as with many other countries, they assume people are guilty before proven innocent.

It is changing here in Mexico, but slowly. I think it is worth being informed of these things before traveling, not to discourage you from traveling here but to advise you of the challenges and risk.


[Edited on 1-7-2016 by Whale-ista]


[Edited on 8-3-2017 by Whale-ista]

TMW - 1-6-2016 at 09:15 AM

Thanks for the info. Yes dealing with the Mexican system can be a problem.

FYI check with your US auto insurance company they may be able to do repairs to your truck if within a certain distance from the border. Talk to your agent not the company direct.

CortezBlue - 1-6-2016 at 09:23 AM

Do you know the name of the insurance company? I know there are 3 or 4 standard companies that are offered when I buy my annual policy?

mrfatboy - 1-6-2016 at 09:58 AM

He states in his email he purchased HDI if I read it correctly.

Udo - 1-6-2016 at 10:47 AM

Whatever happened with the new Mexican driver's requirements that all Mexican drivers are now required to carry liability insurance???

AKgringo - 1-6-2016 at 10:59 AM

The totaled vehicle was a Kia. I drive one down there, and as far as I know, they are not sold or or supported by the company in Mexico. I wonder if it was a US plated vehicle?

So what happened with the "other driver"?

John M - 1-6-2016 at 11:06 AM

A couple of questions - what was the result as far as the lady that hit you? You didn't have any financial responsibility at the accident scene did you?

Have you, or do you see any reason to talk with Discover Baja"

I'd like to see someone from "Baja Bound" comment on this situation soon as I'm about to renew my annual policy.

John M

[Edited on 1-6-2016 by John M]

23S52N - 1-6-2016 at 11:10 AM

Thanks for this well written post. It does give one an eye opener, but unfortunately, as is the case with all insurance, we are at their mercy. Good luck in getting this resolved in your favor.

Regards,
Keith

sancho - 1-6-2016 at 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mrfatboy  
He states in his email he purchased HDI if I read it correctly.












I caught the Discover Baja as the broker, but also missed the Mex Ins Co, as HDI. In my readings HDI is one of the best,
although the impoundment sounds like a universal point.
In the past, my understanding was the report had to be
made before leaving Mex, never mentioned impoundment. We go the distance to have Ins, other things in order, only to
be jacked around. But as always been said, es Mexico,
you sorta take your chances
good luck

micah202 - 1-6-2016 at 12:44 PM

.

....sorry to hear of your woes Whale-ista, I hope all is well in the end!

Udo - 1-6-2016 at 01:09 PM

My sentiments to you, Whale-ista. I just renewed my one HDI policy with Discover Baja.
I have two more to renew later this year.

This is the second time I have heard problems with HDI.

Discover Baja & Baja Bound

John M - 1-6-2016 at 01:17 PM

From a quick look, it appears that both Discover Baja & Baja Bound offer policies through HDI & ACE Seguros. So my question would be, do the vendors have anything to say? I suppose not.

Therefore does it really matter which vendor you purchase through? Baja Bound, Discover, Instant Mex, Padilla or....?

John M

shari - 1-6-2016 at 01:53 PM

it all comes down to the agent you get...whether they speak english, or are cooperative and helpful or just in a hurry to finish up. It sounds to me like the agent wanted to intimidate you into not proceeding with a claim.

So sorry it happened to you Lori and hope your neck is OK.

Just an information item...not many mexicanos have insurance especially in the small villages. As most things Mexicano...these things take alot of time and red tape to sort out which is why most people just cut and run...same for reporting crimes..ends up costing you more in the long run.

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 02:22 PM

thanks for the well wishes. Back in San Diego now, will go to my doctor for eval.

Took me 90 min. or so to get from Ensenada to SD via TJ SENTRI. No one in line in front of me at 10:30 am. Thanks goodness for little favors after the last 24 hours...

As for questions: Yes, it is HDI Seguros. I've talked at length with Discover Baja. Carol claims they are the best insurance company they have dealt with in many years of offering service to members.

I asked Carol to investigate the source of the conflicting information I received from different people yesterday. At one point the adjustor offered to take me to a doctor she seemed to know, and said it was required before I could get treatment authorized, and then only receive it in MX.

That was a red flag for me- one reason I chose to head north.

Today, the US person who deals w/claims assured me my medical costs would be reimbursed- that I did all that was required: called the insurance company, filed the accident report, provided all my data to the local and federal authorities, etc.

So... off to get checked. Missed a day of work. Hope the reimbursement goes smoothly... and hope San Diego drivers are more careful! Heavy rains on the way, again, today.

TedZark - 1-6-2016 at 02:41 PM

I think we would all appreciate an update as this gets sorted out.

Hook - 1-6-2016 at 02:42 PM

Hmmm.........it's sounding like the adjuster, and maybe the police, saw an opportunity to make some money for friends, who probably kicked some back to him/her.

Did you ever find out if the person who rear-ended you had insurance? I would think that would have been very important to you.

toronja - 1-6-2016 at 03:23 PM

Please keep us posted, and I hope you're feeling better soon.

We had a similarly difficult experience with Mexican insurance last year (but no injuries, so not as stressful). We went through Qualitas contracted with Lewis&Lewis were theoretically insured against theft. When our boat motor was stolen, we spent a week going through hoops to get a police report. Getting a hold of someone who spoke any English on the phone was nuts, and the ensuing conversations were hilarious ("Were you in an accident? No? A theft? Was it a violent theft? Are you sure it wasn't an accident?").

One agent insisted that police report or no, we could not get a claim number until an adjuster came out to look at the stolen motor... (let that sink in for a sec)... That our Mexican address did not exist in their system so we could not file a claim... That they were not allowed to communicate with us once we were back in the USA... Another agent finally gave us a claim number... I got a different story with every agent I talked to (who were all named Jorge, oddly enough).

Eventually we got back and fought it out with L&L, and agreed upon reimbursement for the policy fees. Qualitas said they had already mailed us a check... a month later said they were putting it in the mail then... Three months later someone actually mailed us a check from San Diego, which by then we had given up expecting.

Moral of the story: Never again with Qualitas. We will go through Discover Baja or Bajabound next time so that we have someone else at bat for us.

Best of luck!

woody with a view - 1-6-2016 at 06:19 PM

I wonder how many of these middle men companies who sell insurance to gringos could withstand a legal challenge for knowingly selling (or providing inaccurate info) the policies they sell?

if you did everything per the directions DB provides and then you are not made whole you should seriously seek legal advice. I realize the interactions on scene are unpredictable, but since you had hours to burn waiting for the adjuster, were you speaking to DB? did you get the names of the adjuster, police etc?

glad it turned out well for you. it coulda been much worse!

David K - 1-6-2016 at 06:42 PM

Having a cell phone that works in Colonet or where you are would be lucky.

woody with a view - 1-6-2016 at 06:45 PM

ATT works everywhere there is a red light controlled intersection on the highway, including Colonet.

BajaBlanca - 1-6-2016 at 06:47 PM

such a bummer. so sorry this happened to you, glad no one was more seriously hurt and sure hope your back n neck do not worsen.

How surreal it must have been to know you are going to be hit and not be able to get out of the way.

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 06:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
Thanks for the info. Yes dealing with the Mexican system can be a problem.

FYI check with your US auto insurance company they may be able to do repairs to your truck if within a certain distance from the border. Talk to your agent not the company direct.


Good idea. Once I get my neck etc. feeling better I will work on the truck.

BajaGeoff - 1-6-2016 at 06:53 PM

Sorry to hear about the accident Whale-ista and glad you are OK albeit sore. Having an accident is a stressful thing to go through.

Couple thoughts on your recent situation...

It is very common to have vehicles impounded after an accident in Mexico so that an investigation can take place. These are not the rules of the Mexican insurance companies, but that of the Federal Police that have jurisdiction over accidents that take place on Mexican highways. I agree....it's definitely not a quick process and can take a lot of time to work through the the investigation.

Many of the adjusters in Mexico are independent contractors that work in the field for multiple insurers. I would imagine that this adjuster drove down to Colonet from Ensenada to get the paperwork in order, which is why it took several hours for her to get there.

I cannot speak as to the adjusters take on the medical services situation, but I am glad you got the correct info from HDI that they will cover medical treatment in the US. Paying for your medical treatment in the US and then submitting your receipts to HDI for reimbursement is also a standard procedure we have seen.

Baja Bound has worked with HDI Seguros for 13 years (they were previously Genworth Seguros/GE Seguros) and they have been a great company to partner with. I use their coverage myself and have been through their claims process when a friend I was traveling with hit a pedestrian on the toll road. After working with the Federales, the adjuster and the lawyer appointed by HDI, my friend was free to go after about 8 hours. His truck remained impounded in Ensenada for a week while the investigation took place and legal matters were sorted out.

The bottom line is that having an accident as a foreigner in Mexico
can be a complicated situation. It's not like the US where you can exchange info with the other party and work out the details with the insurance company after the fact. Even when you are not at fault you can still get detained by the authorities, your car can get impounded and you may have to pay fines.

I understand that going through the claims process is not always easy, as I have been there...but it is exponentially more difficult if you have no Mexican insurance at all. Traveling in Baja comes with inherent risks and extraordinary rewards....so stay safe out there Nomads! I wish you a speedy recovery Whale-ista!

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 06:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  
Do you know the name of the insurance company? I know there are 3 or 4 standard companies that are offered when I buy my annual policy?


HDI Seguros.

woody with a view - 1-6-2016 at 07:01 PM

Geoff, thanks for the response. is all of this explained in your policies, or anywhere? impoundment of vehicles IS NORMAL for minor accidents? I'm not a customer of BB any longer but do you provide any of the info you just provided here to your paying customers before they buy a policy?

this isn't meant as a personal attack, BTW.

Ateo - 1-6-2016 at 07:01 PM

Glad you're OK. Sorry for the unwanted stress. Thanks for posting this so we can all learn what the process is.

In my early 20's I traveled throughout Mexico for months without insurance because I was too poor to afford it. I'm so glad nothing ever happened...............

woody with a view - 1-6-2016 at 07:02 PM

we all did Ateo!:saint:

Ateo - 1-6-2016 at 07:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
we all did Ateo!:saint:


Come on...........I was expecting 12 replies about what an irresponsible jerk I was. I came here to be insulted. Pile on man!

Ok, back on topic. Sorry for quick hijack.

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 07:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
such a bummer. so sorry this happened to you, glad no one was more seriously hurt and sure hope your back n neck do not worsen.

How surreal it must have been to know you are going to be hit and not be able to get out of the way.


Thanks Blanca. Yes, very strange to see a car barreling down on me after I had tried to do the "safe" thing and stop vs. hurry thru the intersection.

Not sure what alerted me to look in the mirror when I did. But this car had been behind me for a while, so when I stopped at the light (it had just started flashing yellow) I suddenly thought "uh oh" and glanced back. (Kind of like in La Paz- only the gringos stop at the 4-way intersections...)

Sure enough: here they came. I might also have heard the tires squeal as their brakes locked up. It all happened in a few seconds.

In any case- I think taking my foot off the brake allowed the truck to simply carom forward. Had I been braking, the force of the impact would have been much more harmful to me and the truck.

Instead, the force crushed the front of the passenger car, and sent my truck into the intersection.



Now, if a car had been crossing at the same time I got pushed... whole other story. I was really very fortunate that there was no cross-traffic.

shari - 1-6-2016 at 07:23 PM

I am glad this thread got re-ignited as it is very important that people realize how difficult the process is. Problem is that foreigners have high expectations for efficiency and often dont realize the hassle it is to make a claim in this country...and all the crazy hoops you have to jump through to get things moving. So it is very good to know that your agent may take hours if not days to get to you if they are busy with another accident for example in a distant town. Then you are at the mercy of the federal police too which can be unpleasant.

Make sure you get someone to help you who is bilingual or things can go very wrong. The last people I helped with a claim couldnt believe that they had to get the work done on their truck here in Mexico and ended up not going through with the claim for that reason.

I have even seen cases where people have had to pay damages made to the pavement! sometimes if you are detained you can talk the cops into letting you stay at a hotel instead of the jail...with the right....er...gratuity.

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 07:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaGeoff  
Sorry to hear about the accident Whale-ista and glad you are OK albeit sore. Having an accident is a stressful thing to go through.

Couple thoughts on your recent situation...

It is very common to have vehicles impounded after an accident in Mexico so that an investigation can take place. These are not the rules of the Mexican insurance companies, but that of the Federal Police that have jurisdiction over accidents that take place on Mexican highways. I agree....it's definitely not a quick process and can take a lot of time to work through the the investigation.

Many of the adjusters in Mexico are independent contractors that work in the field for multiple insurers. I would imagine that this adjuster drove down to Colonet from Ensenada to get the paperwork in order, which is why it took several hours for her to get there.

I cannot speak as to the adjusters take on the medical services situation, but I am glad you got the correct info from HDI that they will cover medical treatment in the US. Paying for your medical treatment in the US and then submitting your receipts to HDI for reimbursement is also a standard procedure we have seen.

Baja Bound has worked with HDI Seguros for 13 years (they were previously Genworth Seguros/GE Seguros) and they have been a great company to partner with. I use their coverage myself and have been through their claims process when a friend I was traveling with hit a pedestrian on the toll road. After working with the Federales, the adjuster and the lawyer appointed by HDI, my friend was free to go after about 8 hours. His truck remained impounded in Ensenada for a week while the investigation took place and legal matters were sorted out.

The bottom line is that having an accident as a foreigner in Mexico
can be a complicated situation. It's not like the US where you can exchange info with the other party and work out the details with the insurance company after the fact. Even when you are not at fault you can still get detained by the authorities, your car can get impounded and you may have to pay fines.

I understand that going through the claims process is not always easy, as I have been there...but it is exponentially more difficult if you have no Mexican insurance at all. Traveling in Baja comes with inherent risks and extraordinary rewards....so stay safe out there Nomads! I wish you a speedy recovery Whale-ista!


Thanks Geoff-
Carol at Discover Baja provided similar information re:the impoundment requirement etc. and her belief HDI Seguros is a reliable insurer for US travelers.

However, I'm still concerned about receiving conflicting information from the adjuster, the US rep and the MXO rep. Call me crazy, but I was hoping to get a consistent answer before leaving for home.

Carol also mentioned the adjuster was there to help in case I wound up going to jail.

Maybe that's true, had it not been clearly a case of one driver being at fault, and/or if my truck had been obviously damaged, and/or if someone had been seriously hurt. THEN the Federales may have simply been ready to impound both cars and/or lock us up.

Yes- it could have been much, much worse.
But that's still no excuse for giving me inaccurate info.

Overall, I'm grateful several factors were in my favor: no other cars were involved. I spoke enough (limited) Spanish to communicate, provide documents, and answer the Municipal PD and Federales questions before the adjuster arrived.

But waiting 2 hours for the adjuster, when there were so many other problems from the rain, made everyone stressed. The HDI rep told me: 30 minutes. The woman who hit me was on her way to work and wanted to leave. Her friends arrived to drive her to work, so at one point we had 2 Muni PD cars, a Federale car, my truck, the wrecked car and her friends all parking in the middle of town- it looked like a small convention

I had to keep explaining the adjuster was on the way, and would need to collect information. People called on their cell phones. Information was inputted electronically... we were very efficient!

Finally, the 2 Federales did "good Fed/Bad Fed"- one was very polite and professional, the other kept telling me to hurry up! Your car is fine! You don't want to waste time getting it towed, so just sign the papers acknowledging no claims (which is what the woman who hit me clearly wanted).

So...It was definitely a learning experience, but I don't recommend it!

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 08:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  
I am glad this thread got re-ignited as it is very important that people realize how difficult the process is. Problem is that foreigners have high expectations for efficiency and often dont realize the hassle it is to make a claim in this country...and all the crazy hoops you have to jump through to get things moving. So it is very good to know that your agent may take hours if not days to get to you if they are busy with another accident for example in a distant town. Then you are at the mercy of the federal police too which can be unpleasant.

Make sure you get someone to help you who is bilingual or things can go very wrong. The last people I helped with a claim couldnt believe that they had to get the work done on their truck here in Mexico and ended up not going through with the claim for that reason.

I have even seen cases where people have had to pay damages made to the pavement! sometimes if you are detained you can talk the cops into letting you stay at a hotel instead of the jail...with the right....er...gratuity.


Thanks Shari- I hope others benefit from this discussion, which is why I'm continuing the detailed responses.

Overall, I was impressed with the professionalism and patience of the law enforcement officers, and I was frustrated with the conflicting information about what I was required to do before returning to the US.

Also, I was surprised when the officers basically asked if I would settle for $50 for "damages" since my car appeared fine, and the woman who hit me just wanted to agree to something (independent of the adjustor) so she could be on her way.

She had no insurance, and just wanted to offer cash. I didn't want to take a cash payment of any amount and risk losing the right to medical treatment or future repairs, if it turns out there is some damage that could not be easily seen in the mud and rain.

I realize this is also common in the US (cash payment, often when someone doesn't have insurance..) but since I had already reported the accident it didn't make sense.

micah202 - 1-6-2016 at 08:32 PM

.

...I'd imagine a big part of Mexico insurance is for 'under-insured motorists',,ie the many NON-insured down there. It's too bad you couldn't just sign off at the point it's clear the at-fault has no insurance since it's all up to your own coverage anyways.

What. a. pain.

.

Before/after photos of car vs. truck

Whale-ista - 1-6-2016 at 08:51 PM

For those keeping score, or wondering what my truck looked like (I updated the 1st post also), here it is after the accident:



And here's the car that hit me:


Which demonstrates why I bought a truck to drive into Baja.
Car: 0
Truck: 1 (hopefully the only time I will have to keep score :wow:))

sancho - 1-7-2016 at 09:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo  


Come on...........I was expecting 12 replies about what an irresponsible jerk I was. I came here to be insulted. Pile on man!

















I'm a member of that club, drove to the Cape over on the then
ferry to Vallarta, no ins. First time into Mex, naive, uinformed,
older now? Imagine some still do

David K - 1-7-2016 at 10:24 AM

It's just what you do...
My kids and I were on our way to Gonzaga Bay for Thanksgiving back in 2002 or 2003 when it hit me that my insurance (annual) had expired... after we crossed the border (Mexicali).
Once we got to San Felipe I found an agent (down the main street towards the El Cortez Hotel) and bought a 4 day policy there.
It's just peace of mind.

AIG Insurance

capitolkat - 1-7-2016 at 11:10 AM

I had HDI insurance for several years for home, boat and auto. Hurricane Odile was a real wake up call for me. both my cars were badly damaged by the wind and rain, losing windows, getting soaked inside. The house was less damaged but we lost tiles on the roof, damage to our satellite dishes, damage to walls and some minor water damage inside.

HDI sent an adjustor who wanted to have a friend come tow both cars-they were both operational- to a shop I later visited, and found was just an outdoor awning with a 5x5 room for a phone and computer. No thanks. The adjustor couldn't offer any idea of what might be covered, what work would be done, how long it would take and suggested everything in the cars needed to be removed, carpeting, seats, headliners etc. but no idea if they could be replaced or when. simple questions were ignored and I understand an
"I don't know but I'll find out"

it was just get towed and have everything ripped out and then we'll see if you have any coverage. I declined- got my shop vac out, vacuumed for a couple of days and dried the cars out, went to the local glass place- no luck and then the local junk yards and got great guys who had windows and replaced the missing glass at less than the deductible- one window even came on a truck from San Diego and still less that what the adjustor suggested would be the costs- oddly just over deductible but not a guaranteed cost.

The home damage was the same- it became clear that deductible was not as previously explained as a percentage of damage to the house. But, instead it was a percentage of the value of the total home value. For example if my home is worth $300,000 and the deductible is 10% of the value so I pay the first $30,000 of damage. Wow, that's totally different from what my agent previously explained as he advised that deductible was 10%- not 10% of the value of the home. We were fortunate that damage was not great but for the several thousands of damages- coverage was 0.

So I began to search for different coverage with a policy in English and an English speaking agent. Found AIG- an American company licensed in MX, with policies in English, with an English speaking agent and rep to respond to inquiries in English. So switched everything- cars, home, boat to them and saw the result of knowing the insurance business- had to get a marine survey on the boat- which is standard for boats of my length and value- but had never been requested by my Mexican agent. I can imagine the difficulty if I had a claim after Odile, or how we would determine value etc.

I just want businesses to be straight forward, truthful, stand behind their product, and I've paid a lot for insurance here in MX and gotten none of the above. I don't have any experience with AIG yet but the fact that the policies are easy to read, the agent has been in the business for 30+ years and responds to my emails without having to call or follow up is a step up in service.

I know there are those who have received good service from HDI and other MX companies and had claims settled satisfactorily-but, that didn't work for me.

Norm

[Edited on 1-7-2016 by capitolkat]

bajaguy - 1-7-2016 at 11:17 AM

Based on my past experience with insurance companies, brokers and claims, I will continue to use Bajabound and Geoff for my Mexican vehicle liability insurance needs.

23S52N - 1-7-2016 at 11:50 AM

FYI, vehicle impoundment is not peculiar to Mexican authorities. US and Canadian law enforcement have impound authority for all collisions, particularly those involving bodily injury and always where there is a fatality.

The problem lies in us, as foreigners, travelling abroad with the ideas and expectations that things work the same as at home....they don't. Not to minize Whaleista's plight, just adding a little perspective.

Jimmy The Greek said a good gambler would never buy insurance because the odds were against the insured. I buy Mexican insurance because I have to, and my truck is too expensive to replace without it. I cancelled my house insurance after the first year, I'm siding my bet with the Greek.

Regards
Keith

[Edited on 1-7-2016 by 23S52N]

Hook - 1-7-2016 at 11:53 AM

Still need clarification on the liability of the responsible party. Did this person not have even liability? Were they hauled to jail?

What type of insurance did you have, Whale-ista? Simple Mexican liability? And that is what is covering your charges, NOB? If so, I guess I didnt realize that simple Mexican liability would pay for some of your medical.

impoundment? of vehicle

akshadow - 1-7-2016 at 12:14 PM

I wonder if the idea of vehicle impound if more dependent on which police group is on hand. I was hit in Mexicalli about a year or two and a municipal police officer came by. I could drive my vehicle and so could the other person, the Mexican stopped for a short time but was gone before the police arrived. Adjuster came and did an evaluation.
HDI was insurance through Discover Baja. The policy was the type which allowed repair in the states. Had repair work done in Juneau Alaska, after another adjuster in Juneau sent in another estimate. No problems with payment from the insurance company including replacement of special shock done in California before we came home. Total cost repair was over $5K so not just a minor bill.

Udo - 1-7-2016 at 01:33 PM

You are right about the tourists are the only ones who stop at 4 way stop intersections:



There was a motorcycle cop at the intersection who was watching me get hit by the bus (and this was a rental car). I thought she was going to write me a ticket when I saw her looking at me the moments before the accident.
I still had to spend 8 hours at the police station even though all witnesses said it was not my fault, and the bus driver did not have a bus driver's license. He got to leave with the bus company's lawyer.
Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista  


(Kind of like in La Paz- only the gringos stop at the 4-way intersections...)

Whale-ista - 1-7-2016 at 03:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
Still need clarification on the liability of the responsible party. Did this person not have even liability? Were they hauled to jail?

What type of insurance did you have, Whale-ista? Simple Mexican liability? And that is what is covering your charges, NOB? If so, I guess I didnt realize that simple Mexican liability would pay for some of your medical.


The woman driver had no insurance. She was wiling to pay money on the spot for damages to the truck, but the police (fed/local) looked at it and declared it sound- no harm, no foul.

She appeared to be off the hook for car damages so far as I know, but not sure if the insurance folks will seek other restitution or if she faces any criminal liability for not having insurance.

I have full coverage with HDI Seguros to pay for theft, injury, vehicle damage, liability, medical, death of 3rd parties, legal/traveler aid, etc.


[Edited on 1-7-2016 by Whale-ista]

BajaGeoff - 1-8-2016 at 04:09 PM

Hello Woody...The last page of every policy we sell is a "Helpful Information" sheet that advises on what needs to be done if you are involved in an accident. The subject of vehicle impoundment is a complicated one that is highly dependent upon the situation and the authorities involved. As such, we are really not able to advise on this. All we know is that if an investigation needs to take place, the vehicles might be impounded...but again...we cannot say for sure. Auto insurance doesn't cover the cost of vehicle impoundment in Mexico (or the United States for that matter) so it's also not a risk covered by your policy.

Hook...My understanding is that when Whale-ista signed off to not have an investigation (and thus not have her truck impounded) the other party was released of all liability.

Whale-ista...Please PM the full name of the adjuster that you worked with after the accident...

Shari...yes it can be a very difficult situation to go through, especially if the accident is more severe and there are injuries involved. Hopefully the conversations exchanged here can help everyone in the future.

Have a nice weekend Nomads!

BornFisher - 1-8-2016 at 04:31 PM

That was a great read. Of course it was all I could think about driving up Blvd. 2000 to the border this morning. I put the FJ in 4 wheel high just to be extra safe with wet roads, debris fields and mud flows. Was really checking the cars behind me, but was scared only a few times by the usual maniacs trying to save a few seconds. Impounding my ride would be a disaster!! No Bueno!!!

Whale-ista - 1-8-2016 at 04:41 PM

Geoff- pls check your U2U. Thanks.

woody with a view - 1-8-2016 at 08:41 PM

Geoff, thanks for the update. i was wondering, if i bought a policy that included legal representation as well as all of the other bells and whistles it would seem that covering impound fees would be included.

TMW - 1-9-2016 at 10:26 AM

In 1993 my truck was stolen at Rene's restaurant in Rosarito. A week later it was found on a street in TJ. I went down with my insurance agent from TJ and he took me to the police station where I had to pay a $7.50 ticket for illegal parking. It was found parked in a red zone and the agent said they did not pay for tickets. We then went to the impound yard for the truck and he paid them and I drove home.

The insurance was purchased thru Discover Baja but I don't remember who the company was.

Crossing the border in a truck that had been stolen and reported to the San Diego police and CA Highway Patrol was an interesting experience.

The truck was a 1991 chevy K1500 and I can see now how it could be stolen in 60 seconds. Break the plastic on the steering column and break one rod and pull the other rod or something like that. No key needed.