BajaNomad

Mexican Auto Insurance on-line

maroonedagain - 8-26-2017 at 12:14 PM

I am planning to purchase 6 months to a year of Mexican Auto insurance. I see that it is offered on-line.
Is that the least expensive way to purchase it?
What is the downside to purchasing insurance on-line (if any).
Are there any companies or websites to avoid? Any to seek out?
Thank you for your help.

Sandlefoot - 8-26-2017 at 12:19 PM

Top of the page...Baja Bound...is the place to buy. easy and well done!!

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 8-26-2017 at 12:30 PM

Hola maroonedagain,

welcome to nomad.

my son and i have separately used bajabound for many years and have been totally satisfied with their service in providing their policies. you can do it online or as we do, we call them and do everything over the phone and with very courteous and knowledgeable staff.

however, the most important part of insurance is the service when you need to use it.

i have not, fortunately, used their service after an incident but have read where others have and received excellent service and advice. the company owner is said to very " hands on " and will follow up in the event of need.

just buy what you need and if you have to do any extensions, you can do it anywhere there is computer service.

pulling a trailer, just add it to your policy.

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

willardguy - 8-26-2017 at 12:36 PM

I'd suggest you buy from one of the fine mexican brokers, I see no reason to buy a mexican product from an american. jmho;)

Bajabound

bajaguy - 8-26-2017 at 01:55 PM

I needed their services with a claim and received excellent customer service

JZ - 8-26-2017 at 05:22 PM

Baja Bound website is super efficient.

elgatoloco - 8-26-2017 at 05:42 PM

Bajabound - online. I bought a 6 month policy this morning prior to heading down for the day. Took just a few minutes to purchase and print. Easy Peasy. Even got a Sentri discount.

Traffic was not bad at SY border SB at 10:00 AM. Had a few tacos at Yaqui and then took care of business. Hit the NB line at 4:18 across at 4:22. :saint:

SFandH - 8-26-2017 at 06:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
I'd suggest you buy from one of the fine mexican brokers, I see no reason to buy a mexican product from an american. jmho;)


I understand this point of view but Bajabound provides excellent service. I always buy my insurance there and have no doubt that if I need to make a claim they will be there if I need help. Plus their online process works great. Tough to beat what they do no matter where you go.

willardguy - 8-26-2017 at 06:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
I'd suggest you buy from one of the fine mexican brokers, I see no reason to buy a mexican product from an american. jmho;)


I understand this point of view but Bajabound provides excellent service. I always buy my insurance there and have no doubt that if I need to make a claim they will be there if I need help. Plus their online process works great. Tough to beat what they do no matter where you go.


I've used bajabound and there's no question geoff's a cool guy and we love to keep him on new KTM's ;) but the OP questioned something maybe a little less expensive....I save about$50 a year using a mexican broker but more important I keep $$ in mexico. now when it comes to filing a claim I'll go with a local that I believe probably knows their way around the mexican insurance system maybe better than our northerly friend???
bajabound is great, but there are alternatives. I think that's what the OP is after.

JZ - 8-26-2017 at 06:45 PM

You'd be a fool to use anything other than BajaBound.

bajabuddha - 8-26-2017 at 07:14 PM

Just buy a whole years' worth and be done with it. That way if the addiction hits you're covered, and no worries. Open and shut case. Regardless of which company you buy it through it's pretty much the same underwriters, so find the cheapest and sign up. Baja Bound is the go-to on this site because it's funded, no malice intended.... so don't quibble for a few cents...... buy and go. Cover all your toys, get the papers, get the fun.

TecateRay - 8-26-2017 at 08:12 PM

Cheap insurance is fine as long as you don't need it. If the unfortunate happens and you do need it you will wish you had bought your policy from BajaBound.
I have had the occasion to need their help and they were there for me. Who will you talk to when you need help with your cheap policy?
BajaBound WILL be there for you, be smart.
...and no, they don't pay me and I don't work for them.

sancho - 8-26-2017 at 09:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  

I save about$50 a year using a mexican broker but more important I keep $$ in mexico. now when it comes to filing a claim I'll go with a local that I believe probably knows their way around the mexican insurance system maybe better than our northerly friend???
bajabound is great, but there are alternatives. I think that's what the OP is after.










That is an interesting theory, we here are somewhat conditioned
to the 3 or so most used US Mex Ins brokers. Does a Mex
Ins Broker inside the country have a smoother working
relationship with Mex Ins Co's? Personally not sure how much $50 play into my decision.
I've seen maybe 10 Mex Ins Co's listed. There
appears only 2 are used by the San Diego brokers,
HDI and ACE, to me the response of the Mex Ins to a
claim is more important than the broker, I hear nothing
but good about HDI, but there may be others that are
just as good, maybe cheaper, that don't
have the US Tourist advertising behind them, they just
don't have the familiarity to us Gringos

David K - 8-27-2017 at 09:50 AM

Another point is that if you wait to get your insurance from an agent in Mexico then you are driving in Mexico uninsured until you get to the agent. You also would need to arrive when the office is open, etc.
Buying and printing your policy, at home, before you leave, is a no-brainer, IMO.

del mar - 8-27-2017 at 10:47 AM

bajabound definitely sounds like the choice among nomads....personally I don't know a soul that doesn't use a mexican broker, as long as you get it and you're comfortable, you're good!:coolup:

Kell-Baja - 8-27-2017 at 12:33 PM

:bounce:www.mexinsurancepro.com:bounce:

Lee - 8-27-2017 at 02:11 PM

I belong to Vagabundos and get Segueros insurance through them. https://www.vagabundos.com/clubinfo.htm.

They are a travel, RV and boat club, around since early '70s. I've never had a claim.

Compared rates last week with Baja Bound and BB was a lot higher. About $75 - $100 more.

I get annual full coverage and am RP, and have an RV in Baja all year. My rates will be different than some.

I've compared prices over the years -- I'm staying with Vagabundos.

BajaNomad - 8-28-2017 at 09:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  

Regardless of which company you buy it through it's pretty much the same underwriters...


This is incorrect.

Baja Bound uses ACE and HDI, two of the most reputable companies in this space. Know what you're getting into if you choose coverage through Qualitas.

fyi

bajaguy - 8-28-2017 at 10:02 AM

Unlike most people who posted on this thread, I have had to file a claim against my insurance provider

I had HDI, purchased through Bajabound. Immediately after medical care at the scene, I contacted the HDI 24/7 claims number. We had an English speaking adjuster show up at the scene within 30 minutes.

The next morning, I contacted Geoff..........from that call and for the complete repair service Geoff and the HDI adjuster were in contact with me weekly. Even after the repair of my vehicle, I received several calls from Geoff and the HDI adjuster checking on my satisfaction with the repairs.

I am completely satisfied with HDI and Bajabound based on actual experience.

You can purchase Mexican insurance from a kiosk, a liquor store a travel club or a firm that deals with insurance. You can also find and purchase the cheapest insurance around............However based on my experience I will always purchase from Bajabound.... may not be the cheapest, but in my case they were there when I needed them and they took care of me.

Lee - 8-28-2017 at 10:13 AM
Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
Unlike most people who posted on this thread, I have had to file a claim against my insurance provider

I had HDI, purchased through Bajabound. Immediately after medical care at the scene, I contacted the HDI 24/7 claims number. We had an English speaking adjuster show up at the scene within 30 minutes.

The next morning, I contacted Geoff..........from that call and for the complete repair service Geoff and the HDI adjuster were in contact with me weekly. Even after the repair of my vehicle, I received several calls from Geoff and the HDI adjuster checking on my satisfaction with the repairs.

I am completely satisfied with HDI and Bajabound based on actual experience.

You can purchase Mexican insurance from a kiosk, a liquor store a travel club or a firm that deals with insurance. You can also find and purchase the cheapest insurance around............However based on my experience I will always purchase from Bajabound.... may not be the cheapest, but in my case they were there when I needed them and they took care of me.


Excellent first hand account of dealing with MX insurance. Glad things worked out so well.

maroonedagain - 8-28-2017 at 10:50 AM

Thanks to all who replied. I appreciate the advice.

sancho - 8-28-2017 at 11:55 AM

Often the cost difference is, in part, due to the liability coverage on a
policy, in the past some liability limits on a policy were $50,000,
I'm overly careful in Mex, re: driving. $50k doesn't put me
at ease. 3 yrs. or so ago, Mex raised the accidental death amount, that is how much one is responsible for in that case.
So $300,000 is recommended, $500,000 is suggested. Whether
these numbers are overkill, they may be. But to come up short
carrying a low # on a policy, is not something I would want
to deal with

gallesram - 8-28-2017 at 03:32 PM

I have always purchased my auto insurance through Lewis & Lewis (also online) based in Santa Monica. I agree that the real test of insurance is when you need to use it which, fortunately, I have not had to do. Has anyone had to process a claim using Lewis & Lewis?

toronja - 8-28-2017 at 03:58 PM

We went through Qualitas contracted with Lewis&Lewis and 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 at Qualitas 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 take pictures of 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 crossed back into the USA... Another agent finally gave us a claim number... I got a different story with every agent I talked to.

Eventually we got back and fought it out with Lewis&Lewis, 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.

basautter - 8-29-2017 at 05:28 AM

Bajabound.com has always worked for me, but I have yet to make a claim. It is necessary to have a valid tourist permit for the insurance to be valid. I know someone who tried to save a few bucks, got in a wreck and was not covered. Gotta read the small print :fire:

Bob and Susan - 8-29-2017 at 05:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by basautter  
...It is necessary to have a valid tourist permit for the insurance to be valid. I know someone who tried to save a few bucks, got in a wreck and was not covered. Gotta read the small print :fire:


I don't think that's true...read your contract

insurance agents here say not true

payment ....registration numbers correct...that's all you need

another "urban myth"

Jack Swords - 8-29-2017 at 06:21 AM

Just to add some more info here, we have used Vagabundos for the past 16 years, mainly because they also insured our sailboat in La Paz. We did have an uninsured driver hit our car and called it in to Vagabundos. The same day an adjuster came out to our boat in La Paz, took photos of our car, took me down to the police station for a copy of a report (police had been contacted), and let me take him to lunch and a couple of beers. Vags let me have damage repaired in the USA and paid less the deductible. We also had great coverage with damage to our boat from hurricane Marty, again adjuster came out and took photos and payment for repairs was generous. I'm sure many other companies would be equally responsible as Vagabundos when a claim is made, but my only experience is with them.

bajaguy - 8-29-2017 at 06:38 AM

May be true, may be false, may be a myth, however I wouldn't want to be in an accident while in a foreign country without the proper immigration status.......just one more thing to make your day miserable


Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
Quote: Originally posted by basautter  
...It is necessary to have a valid tourist permit for the insurance to be valid. I know someone who tried to save a few bucks, got in a wreck and was not covered. Gotta read the small print :fire:


I don't think that's true...read your contract

insurance agents here say not true

payment ....registration numbers correct...that's all you need

another "urban myth"

SFandH - 8-29-2017 at 08:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by basautter  
It is necessary to have a valid tourist permit for the insurance to be valid.


That has been an ongoing debate.

Perhaps it is not true but insurance companies use it to deny a claim. I wouldn't put it past them, especially companies that aren't doing well financially.

Just assume it's true.

sancho - 8-29-2017 at 11:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  

I don't think that's true...read your contract
insurance agents here say not true
payment ....registration numbers correct...that's all you need
another "urban myth"









I have a few weeks old ACE policy from Bajabound, in direct
contradiction to what you claim, in the policy fine print,
1.6 - EXCLUSIONS #8, states: the policy does not provide
assistance for the following: 'The insured is illegally in the
country',( as in no Immigration papers). Do I think the Mex
Mex Ins Co would use that clause to deny a claim? No.
But by purchasing the policy one is agreeing to the terms

Bob and Susan - 8-29-2017 at 11:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords  
Just to add some more info here, we have used Vagabundos for the past 16 years, mainly because they also insured our sailboat in La Paz. We did have an uninsured driver hit our car and called it in to Vagabundos. The same day an adjuster came out to our boat in La Paz, took photos of our car, took me down to the police station for a copy of a report (police had been contacted), and let me take him to lunch and a couple of beers. Vags let me have damage repaired in the USA and paid less the deductible. We also had great coverage with damage to our boat from hurricane Marty, again adjuster came out and took photos and payment for repairs was generous. I'm sure many other companies would be equally responsible as Vagabundos when a claim is made, but my only experience is with them.



a few years back the vag club had trouble with the Mexican Insurance provider they were using...he went broke...

they didn't back their insurance...if you had a claim you were "sol"

no one American really can...
your insurance is ONLY as good as the Mexican insurance company...

the American seller can only be of assistance...that's it

Russ - 8-29-2017 at 11:35 AM

When I had a claim no one asked about my immigration status. That really surprised me. In the end I was finally paid but Lewis & Lewis had to make a lot of calls and e-mails.

Jack Swords - 8-29-2017 at 04:27 PM

I completely agree that one's Mexican insurance is only as good as the Mexican Insurance company they represent. However, your statement that Vagabundos left folks "sol" and didn't back their insurance needs some credible references to ascertain the statement's validity. I certainly had positive experiences with both their auto and boat insurance and am quite aware of many folks that have had identical experiences. That has not been so for many with other insurance companies, but to malign them here has no merit. If you have a personal experience with being "sol" with Vagabundos then let's hear it.

gallesram - 11-5-2017 at 06:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by toronja  
We went through Qualitas contracted with Lewis&Lewis and 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 at Qualitas 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 take pictures of 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 crossed back into the USA... Another agent finally gave us a claim number... I got a different story with every agent I talked to.

Eventually we got back and fought it out with Lewis&Lewis, 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.


I had posted back in August that I had never had to file a claim with Qualitas. Sadly, that changed a week ago when my Suburban was involved in a roll over accident. I wasn't driving or even in the car when it happened (a friend of mine was driving some people back to Loreto).

I called Qualitas the next morning (my friend who was driving was immediately put in jail) and I was given a claim number on the spot. An adjuster arrived later that morning, probably within a few hours. A lawyer from Qualitas also arrived later in the day to provide a legal defense for my friend who was driving. Fortunately there was no alcohol involved so the driver was released 48 hours later. I was relieved to learn that any driver of the vehicle was also covered.

I am in the middle of the claims process now and will report how it ends up but so far Qualitas & Lewis and Lewis have been very responsive. I am meeting the adjuster at the vehicle this week and I'm guessing it will be a total loss. They have told me that they will pay me the actual cash value of the vehicle if that's the case.

The only frustrating thing has been the lack of English speaking Qualitas personnel. Of course, this all took place in Mexico so I shouldn't expect English speaking adjusters & lawyers but it would have been easier if they did speak English. Fortunately I had friends with me who could translate.

TecateRay - 11-6-2017 at 09:03 AM

Unfortunately I had an accident south of Ensenada and had to use my insurance purchased through BajaBound. FORTUNATELY BajaBaound gave me great service when I had some disputes with insurance company and all was settled to my satisfaction.
In fact, later today I will be purchasing another policy to cover that same truck for my trip to the Baja 1000.
You can count on Bajabound to support you when you need it!

bajaguy - 11-6-2017 at 09:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TecateRay  
Unfortunately I had an accident south of Ensenada and had to use my insurance purchased through BajaBound. FORTUNATELY BajaBaound gave me great service when I had some disputes with insurance company and all was settled to my satisfaction.
In fact, later today I will be purchasing another policy to cover that same truck for my trip to the Baja 1000.
You can count on Bajabound to support you when you need it!





This ^^^^^^

Speaking from experience regarding my vehicle accident, Geoff of BajaBound was there every step of the way. Extremely satisfied with BajaBound and HDI Seguros

thebajarunner - 11-6-2017 at 10:05 AM

Years ago I always bought from Oscar Padilla at the border. His company was known far and wide for its quality.
Well, my racing partner had a fatal in Culiacan (Mentally unbalanced guy walked out in front of his car on the carreterra)
While it is an amazingly interesting story which would entail pages and pages here....
the short of it was that the Padilla guy was there immediately and asked for a personal "tip" which Jack refused to pay, and 8 days later Jack finally got out of the Culiacan Carcel.
We flew down to Nogales several times for the trial against Padilla, in the end we won, but the settlement was not worth the hassle, time in jail, etc.

Stick with BajaBound!!!