BajaNomad - South Dakota Plates Question

Not true your Mex ins on us plated car. Only needs current registration. Does not need us ins for states. Thousands of us full timers have SD plated cars. No problems

Ok that's what I was thinking!. Thank you. i wanted to make sure on this stuff and triple check before we mail this stuff out to Clay County. Thank you

bill erhardt - 6-28-2020 at 03:48 AM

I'd be trying to get BajaBound or something like that insurance on the yearly I think. So all of the SD plated cars down in Baja also have to have US insurance policies that are current?

South Dakota only requires that vehicles registered there maintain U S insurance if operated in S D. Bajabound, however, requires that U S registered vehicles they insure in Mexico also carry U S insurance. I live full time in Mexico with vehicles registered in S D, have Mexican coverage through Lewis and Lewis, get temporary coverage through Progressive while in the States and everybody is happy. I now have a S D drivers license (which unlike S D registration requires a trip north to get) but for years operated operated S D registered vehicles with a Virginia or Florida license with no problem.

Beagle - 6-28-2020 at 05:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bill erhardt

I'd be trying to get BajaBound or something like that insurance on the yearly I think. So all of the SD plated cars down in Baja also have to have US insurance policies that are current?

Thank you, Bill. So, it looks like we need to go with an outfit such as Lewis & Lewis then. That's very helpful!

Bob and Susan - 6-28-2020 at 05:25 AM

if you have a texas license you can use a texas address

register online

cheap

no need for safety check when you self certify online
if the car goes to texas you have 3 days to safety check

why change

Beagle - 6-28-2020 at 06:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

if you have a texas license you can use a texas address

register online

cheap

no need for safety check when you self certify online
if the car goes to texas you have 3 days to safety check

why change

You're talking about the Inspection right? Hmmm. I see what you're saying. The risk is that if you are over due by a certain amount of days, you have to go in person to the County Clerk and the online renewal is cut off. Don't ask me how I know.

Aren't we required to maintain US insurance with Texas plates Vs. Not required with SD plates? Maybe I'm confused on that one.

caj13 - 6-28-2020 at 06:31 AM

Just a heads up, I have been told by the Union county treasurer in S. Dakota that they are not issuing out of state registrations temporarily, due to short staffing. They have been directed to focus on SD residence. I was told that by email a month ago, and that was reconfirmed a few days ago , when I asked again,. They did not have any idea when they would start doing out of state again.

Also, it may be only a county deal, I have not checked other counties

Beagle - 6-28-2020 at 06:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by caj13

Just a heads up, I have been told by the Union county treasurer in S. Dakota that they are not issuing out of state registrations temporarily, due to short staffing. They have been directed to focus on SD residence. I was told that by email a month ago, and that was reconfirmed a few days ago , when I asked again,. They did not have any idea when they would start doing out of state again.

Also, it may be only a county deal, I have not checked other counties

Thanks, I've been on the phone with the Clay Co clerks over the last 2 weeks and they've walked me through the whole process and timeline. Maybe their county is on top of things. They never mentioned anything out of the ordinary. I will also add that they are some of the sweetest/patient ladies I've talked to in a while! Shout out to Mary & Linda in Clay County! Woot woot!

Bob and Susan - 6-28-2020 at 07:30 AM

yes insurance is required but its not that much
to get a SD license you need to go to SD
Not for the plates for the license and you need an address so a mailbox

you can register a car in texas online 2 months before it expires and 6 months after...unless you get a texas ticket

its all online in texas ... how can you fail

Beagle - 6-28-2020 at 07:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

I'm going to PM you. Thanks.

bajatrailrider - 6-28-2020 at 03:49 PM

Another thing if baja bound ins. Makes you have USA ins for your next policy. Get ins elsewhere.

David K - 6-28-2020 at 04:20 PM

There are different kinds of policies...
Call or email Baja Bound to ask.

I kind of think the logic is this:
So that tourists can buy affordable policies, they offer that. To make sure people with homes (and cars) in Mexico are not getting the cheaper 'tourist-vacation' policy, they require you to have also have a U.S. policy. This is true of any agency, be it Baja Bound, Discover Baja, or another. It is no guarantee that you are not a resident of Mexico, but it's an easy way to filter them out of the 'vacation policy'. I imagine that keeps Mexican auto insurance reasonable for us who vacation in Mexico rather than live there part or full-time, and keep a car in Mexico?
There may be another reason... maybe to protect Mexican insurance agents in Mexico from losing sales?

lizard lips - 6-28-2020 at 07:21 PM

I just updated my yearly policy with BajaBound and told them I have SD registration and if I needed US insurance because I live full time in Baja and they said not necessary. Give them a call and ask.

bajatrailrider - 6-28-2020 at 07:50 PM

Great that I'm not wrong as in 2012 my new prerunner was in a accident. I was not driving it had 10 grand in repairs. My Mex ins never asked if I had USA ins. Or green card to live in Mexico.

Beagle - 6-29-2020 at 03:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lizard lips

I just updated my yearly policy with BajaBound and told them I have SD registration and if I needed US insurance because I live full time in Baja and they said not necessary. Give them a call and ask.

Good to know!

Thanks!

fruitdoc - 7-12-2020 at 08:59 AM

I have just received my car registration from lawrence county , south dakota . so i think the above mentioned temporary stopping registration in south dakota is county specific .

fruitdoc - 7-12-2020 at 09:05 AM

for an sd driver licence , a non resident of south dakota is required to have a proof of residence ( utility bill , insurance bill , tax form etc ..) with the s. dakota address , according to the dmv website . how have you managed to get these ? Thanks

Bajazly - 7-12-2020 at 10:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fruitdoc

for an sd driver licence , a non resident of south dakota is required to have a proof of residence ( utility bill , insurance bill , tax form etc ..) with the s. dakota address , according to the dmv website . how have you managed to get these ? Thanks

The way they explained it to me is you stay in a hotel there, maybe some specific ones, and they give you a form that satisfies the residency requirement. You have to “live there” at least one night. The mailbox place I use there explained this to me so I think it may be fairly accurate.

Getting to and from there seems to be the biggest problem, no real easy way to do it.

DIWR17 - 7-13-2020 at 08:24 AM

Ok guys, Disclaimer: I am a licensed insurance agent in Florida and Colorado. Since 1988. And yes I sell Auto and Homeowners in Mexico through my General Agent in Arizona. I have insured my own and friends homes and cars in Mexico since 2005.

South Dakota law says you must maintain minimum liability insurance on a tag in South Dakota. I believe the same is true in Texas as it is in Florida.

I know Bob has been doing the SD tag thing for a long time. No idea whether his services involve maintaining liability insurance on a SD tag at renewal time.

Purchasing Mexican auto insurance for a US plated car is simply to protect you from going to jail if you are involved in an accident, whether it's your fault or not. And you will go to jail without it. The local or Federale cops will not let you leave the scene without proof of payment coming.

If you have assets whether they're in Mx or not get the $500k in liability and the comp/collision if you need it. Will cost you you between $350 and $600 a year depending on your limits.

Hope this helps a bit.

bajatrailrider - 7-13-2020 at 08:39 AM

You left out one part even with Mexican ins. In a very bad accident you still go to jail . You do get out faster with ins.

CaboHenry - 7-13-2020 at 09:06 AM

Not true your Mex ins on us plated car. Only needs current registration. Does not need us ins for states. Thousands of us full timers have SD plated cars. No problems

bajaguy - 7-13-2020 at 09:14 AM

You left out one part even with Mexican ins. In a very bad accident you still go to jail . You do get out faster with ins.

And that is why I always get full coverage with legal representation

CaboHenry - 7-13-2020 at 09:35 AM

Agree with bajatrailrider. US insurance wasn't required if car remains in Mexico. Must have current tags and Mex insurance. Also have found the girls on the phones were very helpful in Clay County, SD. Have had SD plates on multiple vehicles for many years with no issues. No SD drivers lic or ID's. SD will ask for multiple other documents though. Wife had been stopped by Mex city police for expired tags. The new tags were in glovebox (forgot to stick them on the plate). She showed them to the officer and he let her go. She told him her husband will put them on as soon as she gets home. Conclusion: Keep tags current and a Mex insurance policy on any car you're driving (anywhere for that matter).

DIWR17 - 7-13-2020 at 09:50 AM

You're right you don't have to have current insurance in SD to renew a SD tag.

If you drive that vehicle back into the US however, you are not going to be legal here. I drive my vehicles back and forth which is why I keep my Fl tags current.

charliemanson - 7-13-2020 at 12:28 PM

The SD plate thing is a strange deal. People go too far lengths to avoid paying a $250 peso yearly reg. in Mexico, support the community they either live or stay for long periods of time, all to find a way to cheat the system. Most people I know with SD plates are the voices who complain about the road conditions.

An alternative is to just buy vehicle here, get plates ( which you can use with your Mexican insurance in the US), enjoy the fact you are doing the right thing and move on. Or you can just import it, the way it was meant to be.

I realize that around 33% or more people are Trump supporters and live their life by his standards and example( cheat their way through live). We can't do much about them. However if you are one to live honestly, just do the right thing...just saying

Bob and Susan - 7-13-2020 at 01:04 PM

with the rules the way they are you cant import
too old or
too new cars

you would be correct if you could import the things

cars sold in mexico when new are not the same as a USA car
an old one is usually worn out

bajatrailrider - 7-13-2020 at 03:03 PM

Sorry Charlie you don't know about Mexico . Example my 3 old 4x4 trucks can not be imported to Mexico because of there age. Second no one is cheating by getting SD plates. My three trucks are never driven to rip off cheat California state. So thank you SD .

charliemanson - 7-13-2020 at 03:24 PM

Sorry Charlie you don't know about Mexico . Example my 3 old 4x4 trucks can not be imported to Mexico because of there age. Second no one is cheating by getting SD plates. My three trucks are never driven to rip off cheat California state. So thank you SD .

First I will not argue with your totally ignorant statement. 2nd, maybe sell your 4x4s and buy them here and help out the local economy. 3rd, it is ripping of the local Mexican govt by not spending whopping 250 pesos a year on tags.

charliemanson - 7-13-2020 at 03:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

with the rules the way they are you cant import
too old or
too new cars

you would be correct if you could import the things

cars sold in mexico when new are not the same as a USA car
an old one is usually worn out

Sooo, to play by the rules, in the country you CHOOSE to live in, you don't bring those down here. The reason is to keep the crappy cars gringos used to dump down here, outta here and the help the economy by not allowing newer cars so we would purchase new ones down here and help out their, and our ( if you happen to live here), economy.

I will say 80% of the SD plated vehicles I see are within the years allowed for importation.

Just saying, just try to play by the rules. Kind of like everything you learned in kindergarten. Don't cheat.

I love our Tacoma I bought new in 2015 in La Paz and I was way cheaper to purchase here!

SFandH - 7-13-2020 at 04:34 PM

I'm going to get some Anapromex plates. That will work.

AKgringo - 7-13-2020 at 04:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

I'm going to get some Anapromex plates. That will work.

That reminded me of this thread; http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=91541&got...

RFClark - 7-13-2020 at 08:24 PM

South Dakota Title and tags.

Clay County is the place to go! They are very nice. All SD tags renew in February. If you register in Nov/Dec you get 14 months. It all can be done on the phone and by mail. They don't ask about US insurance. If you need an SD DL contact America’s MailBox in Elder SD. they can set you up with an address. You must visit on a day when the Rapid City DMV is open. They have a motel/campground to stay at. They sell US Insurance though Good Sam is the cheapest US insurance. With SD plates they will sell SD insurance. If you don’t have an SD DL you will need to visit AAA to get an international DL ($20) you can use that and SD plates to get SD insurance from Good Sam.

Our Mexican agent is in San Felipe. Cars and trucks need US plates and registration to take advantage of the tourist auto insurance, you need a US DL. You can’t buy the day at a time U.S. insurance to go back to the US for US registered vehicles.

Above is how we do it.

Pacifico - 7-13-2020 at 09:18 PM

South Dakota Title and tags.

All SD tags renew in February.

I believe it renews different months based on the first letter of your last name...

Registration expirations are based on the last name of the applicant and expire on the last day of the assigned month. See below for a breakdown of the state’s car registration renewal schedule.

January – Last names beginning with A or B.
February – Last names beginning with C, D or E.
March – Last names beginning with F, G or J.
May – Last names beginning with H, I or O.
June – Last names beginning with K or L.
July – Last names beginning with M or N.
August – Last names beginning with P, Q or R.
September – Last names beginning with S.
November – Last names beginning with T, U, V, W, X, Y or Z.

RFClark - 7-13-2020 at 09:40 PM

Could be they told me all of ours renewed in Feb. Could be because of “C” in the last name.

AKgringo - 7-13-2020 at 09:45 PM

Reminds me of m time in the army "Fall in....alphabetical order!"

Pacifico - 7-13-2020 at 09:49 PM

Could be they told me all of ours renewed in Feb. Could be because of “C” in the last name.

That makes sense....Mine renew in January.

Pacifico - 7-13-2020 at 09:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Reminds me of m time in the army "Fall in....alphabetical order!"

bajatrailrider - 7-14-2020 at 06:01 AM

Quote: Originally posted by charliemanson

chuckie - 7-15-2020 at 04:55 AM

Geezo! You guys make this complicated. Call the nice lady at Clay County SD. Do like she sez. Get your plates. Put em on your vehicle , fuggeaboudit..Whats not simple about that?

No Big Deal ?

MrBillM - 7-15-2020 at 08:31 AM

For those who aren't (legal) CA residents and don't work/maintain residences in CA, BFD. Why "try" to deal with Mex Reg unless you have to ? The fees lost to the Mex economy are relatively insignificant. The extent to which ex-pats contribute to Mexico far outweighs those amounts. Register where you wish.

For those scofflaws that ARE CA residents, there is a CA DMV tel # (and a CHP online form) for vigilant neighbors to report those evaders. Go for it.

LaPazGringo - 7-20-2020 at 10:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by charliemanson

The SD plate thing is a strange deal. People go too far lengths to avoid paying a $250 peso yearly reg. in Mexico, support the community they either live or stay for long periods of time, all to find a way to cheat the system. Most people I know with SD plates are the voices who complain about the road conditions.

An alternative is to just buy vehicle here, get plates ( which you can use with your Mexican insurance in the US), enjoy the fact you are doing the right thing and move on. Or you can just import it, the way it was meant to be.

I realize that around 33% or more people are Trump supporters and live their life by his standards and example( cheat their way through live). We can't do much about them. However if you are one to live honestly, just do the right thing...just saying

Is it possible on these boards to mute angry old men like this who just confuse the issue with their ill-informed opinions? If so, please let me know how.

Wow, just getting a new vehicle registered in Clay County for the first time in years and two observations:

1.) the girls on the phone and email there are as incredibly helpful as ever
2.) the cost has gone WAY up over the years.

chuckie - 7-20-2020 at 11:54 AM

I just renewed my PU two weeks ago...Like you said Ladies are still super nice...I didn't notice any increase in cost..

LaPazGringo - 7-20-2020 at 03:23 PM

Does anyone know which county it is in Montana where some are getting plates now? I want to compare the cost there with Clay County.

matthew_mangus - 11-6-2020 at 09:29 PM

Great info in this thread. Very helpful to someone like myself looking to keep a vehicle in Baja that isn't normally found for sale or rental there.

Udo - 11-7-2020 at 09:55 AM

Hello, Bill!

I think you have it stated incorrectly in your post. I read it several times. What requires a trip to South Dakota is the issuance and renewal of one's driver's license, not the vehicle registration. The vehicle registration is done through www.sdcars.org The driver's lic. has to be renewed every 5 years (vision test). There is a one-year extension available.

Quote: Originally posted by bill erhardt

I'd be trying to get BajaBound or something like that insurance on the yearly I think. So all of the SD plated cars down in Baja also have to have US insurance policies that are current?

del mar - 11-7-2020 at 02:47 PM

Hey Nomads!
Question about the SD plates. So, We're planing to move down to our house in BCS fairly soon, all things considered. Want to get things squared away with the SD plates. Been getting everything ready with Clay County but I have one question. Maybe just one.

When you are back in the states, what's the situation when driving that vehicle and your driver's license? We have Texas DL's but will be mostly full time in Baja. Just traveling back to see family from time to time on holidays. Is that an issue and what is the solution for that if it is?

Oh-one other question...Do you just use Mexican Car Insurance (edit:such as Baja-Bound) while in Baja and then call before entering the States for short term US car insurance?

Thank you!

[Edited on 6-28-2020 by Beagle]

like most I hardly ever go up there but when I do I buy short term insurance from my mex agent in rosarito, 35 bucks for 2 weeks ( the longest they'll write) liability works for me.....and if I make it that long its a good excuse to hightail it back!

RFClark - 11-7-2020 at 09:55 PM

The vehicles that we drive back and forth have U.S. insurance. The Wife and I have a Mexican D.L. Policy that covers any U.S. registered vehicles we are driving in Mexico. We both still have NV D.L.s until next year.

BajaTed - 11-9-2020 at 08:39 AM

Lets say 2 SD registered vehicles collide with each other in Mex. and a debilitating injury occurs.

Where is the legal recourse going to occur?
In Mexico or SD or?

RFClark - 11-9-2020 at 11:51 AM

Ted,

That’s why Lawyers are rich and as well regarded as poisonous snakes! That said it’s where they are insured and where the accident occurs. So in Mexico south of any U.S. coverage with Mexican Insurance on U.S. registered vehicles driven by U.S. licensed drivers. It would be all Mexico. That’s not to say that they can’t try and sue each other in the U.S. too! Remember those snakes!

bill erhardt - 11-9-2020 at 03:19 PM

Udo.....What I attempted to say, and did so inartfully, is exactly what you stated more clearly. Annual registration does not require a trip to SD, but to get a drivers license does. Then, after a license is obtained it is good for five years and the first renewal can be done online. So, once you get your SD drivers license and registration you do not need to make a trip north to the wrong side of the wall for ten years. I got my SD drivers license five years ago and earlier this year renewed it online. One of the documents for renewal required a notarized signature and the SD DMV folks were happy with the seal of a Mexican notario. I received my new license good for five more years and never left the security of my home in Loreto.

RFClark - 11-9-2020 at 04:03 PM

We plan to travel to Rapid City next spring and do the one day D.L. thing.

RFClark - 11-10-2020 at 07:01 PM

Living in two countries is more complicated than living in one! U.S. insurance is the primary coverage because we spend more time in the U.S. That will change as we’re going south! We buy insurance and gas in Mexico paying Mexican tax on both. We buy and pay for S.D. registration and insurance supporting Americans who have similar beliefs as we do. S.D. handles the whole process by phone and mail. Feel free to pay lots more to California to support them, not us! We’ve listened to 4 years of hate speech and threats. We and our money are out of here! People can vote with their feet! The do all the time by moving out of Blue States in huge numbers.

eastmeetswest - 11-11-2020 at 01:29 PM

We buy and pay for S.D. registration and insurance supporting Americans who have similar beliefs as we do. S.D. handles the whole process by phone and mail. Feel free to pay lots more to California to support them, not us! We’ve listened to 4 years of hate speech and threats. We and our money are out of here! People can vote with their feet! The do all the time by moving out of Blue States in huge numbers.

I hope that at some point in time, Americans will stop letting Blue or Red determine all of their choices and opinions. I hope that you can get back to a place where you are all just people with similarities and differences. Political parties shouldn't define you. Just my humble opinion. Cheers.

BajaTed - 11-17-2020 at 08:17 AM

All you really need in Baja is a Sinaloa Blue truck and you get a free pass for anything you do. :bounce:

Some will get it,

some will be clueless :?:

eastmeetswest - 11-17-2020 at 09:38 AM

I am a newbie, so please be gentle. I would like to bring this back to the insurance issue. We have recently purchased a place in East Cape and will need a car. We don't want to drive one down from Canada given the current travel restrictions. We will be flying down in the New Year. I want to buy a used car. We don't have Temporary Residence yet. I have seen a broad range of suggestions and opinions. I am hoping someone with current knowledge can illuminate me. The questions and issues are as follows. Can a Canadian buy a US or Mexican plated car? After buying the car, can a person on a tourist visa buy Mexican insurance for that car? Does it matter if the plates on the car (US or CDN) are expired? My preference would be to buy a Mexican registered car and purchase Mexican insurance. Some have suggested going the SD route. As a Canadian, I believe that we would need an LLC in SD? How much does that cost?

I am sure that I have missed lots of issues. I hope that someone can steer me in the right direction. Hopefully, none of my questions will induce dialogue about politics or CoVid. Cheers.

bajatrailrider - 11-17-2020 at 05:30 PM

Welcome emw Don't worry about the two misfits that post here. I can only tell you when I ordered a new truck at the dealership mexico. I did in fact have to have Mx dl and insurance to drive it off the lot. Any used car non dealer yes they will sell it to you . Mex plate you need mex ins and dl. hope this helps you

mjs - 11-17-2020 at 05:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by eastmeetswest

I am a newbie, so please be gentle. I would like to bring this back to the insurance issue. We have recently purchased a place in East Cape and will need a car. We don't want to drive one down from Canada given the current travel restrictions. We will be flying down in the New Year. I want to buy a used car. We don't have Temporary Residence yet. I have seen a broad range of suggestions and opinions. I am hoping someone with current knowledge can illuminate me. The questions and issues are as follows. Can a Canadian buy a US or Mexican plated car? After buying the car, can a person on a tourist visa buy Mexican insurance for that car? Does it matter if the plates on the car (US or CDN) are expired? My preference would be to buy a Mexican registered car and purchase Mexican insurance. Some have suggested going the SD route. As a Canadian, I believe that we would need an LLC in SD? How much does that cost?

I am sure that I have missed lots of issues. I hope that someone can steer me in the right direction. Hopefully, none of my questions will induce dialogue about politics or CoVid. Cheers.

You cannot register a vehicle in SD without an SD driver license or a US Social Security # so not an option for you. Either get a Canadian car and transfer title per your local regulations or a MX vehicle with the MX lic as per BTR. Other option buy a US or Canadian car and just drive it. I see lots of cars with expired registrations driven by Mx nationals or foreigners. Not technically legal but hey, it's Baja and whatever works for you.

ETA; Other States like California or Az will register a car to anybody with a local address (friend, business, PO Box, etc.) but that comes with other potential issues like smog check, high fees, insurance, etc.

[Edited on 11-18-2020 by mjs]

bajatrailrider - 11-17-2020 at 06:56 PM

little misleading True in SD you need SD driver license. By mail you don't need a SD driver lic.

eastmeetswest - 11-18-2020 at 10:27 AM

Thanks to both of you. If I buy a car with expired registration, is it still possible to buy Mexican insurance?

surabi - 11-18-2020 at 12:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by eastmeetswest

Thanks to both of you. If I buy a car with expired registration, is it still possible to buy Mexican insurance?

As far as I'm aware, no car insurance is valid if the vehicle isn't registered somewhere, somehow.

AKgringo - 11-18-2020 at 01:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by eastmeetswest

Thanks to both of you. If I buy a car with expired registration, is it still possible to buy Mexican insurance?

You can insure yourself for liability only with an annual driver's license policy. If you got in an accident with an unregistered vehicle, there may be other problems, but the biggest problem (liability) should be covered.

DIWR17 - 11-18-2020 at 01:56 PM

Buy a used car from a dealer in SJD. They will get you a local plate. Buy insurance though one of the local agencies down there. No need to get a South Dakota plate if you go that route.

A US tagged vehicle does not need US insurance to get a Mexican policy if the vehicle is in Mexico longer than 180 days.

Hope this helps.

BajaTed - 11-18-2020 at 04:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17

Buy a used car from a dealer in SJD. They will get you a local plate. Buy insurance though one of the local agencies down there. No need to get a South Dakota plate if you go that route.

A US tagged vehicle does not need US insurance to get a Mexican policy if the vehicle is in Mexico longer than 180 days.

Hope this helps.

"Buy a used car" hope its not stolen like every car I ride in from the Cancun Airport. Nicest fleet of Taxis around for a reason

surabi - 11-18-2020 at 08:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaTed

"Buy a used car" hope its not stolen like every car I ride in from the Cancun Airport. Nicest fleet of Taxis around for a reason

Don't be absurd. People buy used cars in Mexico all the time without a problem, just like they do everywhere else. There's a govt. website where you can check if a vehicle has been reported stolen before you buy it.

bajatrailrider - 11-18-2020 at 10:07 PM

Ahh buy a used car in Mexico 80 percent. repaired salvage from states and not repaired well.

eastmeetswest - 11-21-2020 at 09:28 AM

Thank you to everyone for the tips. And than you for keeping politics (for the most part) out of the discussion. I think that I will avoid the SD registration and by a car from a local used car dealer.

RocketJSquirrel - 11-22-2020 at 01:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

anyone buying used in Baja should give the thing a very careful in-depth going-over.

And that is pretty much true anywhere in the world. I don't have the skills to know a great car from a piece of whatever - so I would need to take a mechanic with me.

Of course, odds are better if you give good attention to Consumer Reports reliability ratings (so you know what problems to look for if nothing else).

Certainly there are cars here that have lived many lifetimes. Mexico squeezes every last drop of value out of that old car (bus/micro/combi/truck). Fair enough! Recycle, reuse! I just don't want to buy that car that's on its ninth life.

surabi - 11-22-2020 at 09:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RocketJSquirrel

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

anyone buying used in Baja should give the thing a very careful in-depth going-over.

That's exactly what I did when I bought a used car in Mexico- I paid my mechanic to come with me and check it out. Then we took it for a test drive and he had his computer diagnostics (sorry, I don't know what those things are really called) that he plugged in so he could tell that the air bags didn't work (something I don't care about) and a couple other minor things. Then we went online to check that it hadn't been reported stolen, then my mechanic looked through all the paperwork to make sure it was all there and in order.

Baja Vicki M - 7-22-2021 at 11:02 AM

I have SD plates and only carry Mexican Insurance.

4x4abc - 7-22-2021 at 11:15 AM

please read your contract very carefully
usually your Mex insurance is void if you don't have US insurance.
you don't want to find out after an accident.

motoged - 7-22-2021 at 11:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc

please read your contract very carefully
usually your Mex insurance is void if you don't have US insurance.
you don't want to find out after an accident.

Harald,
Does that only apply for Can/US registered vehicles "temporarily" in Mexico (ie vacationers)? If a vehicle is purchased in Baja, why would Can/US registration be an issue?

Baja Vicki M - 7-22-2021 at 11:34 AM

I have South Dakota Plates. South Dakota DMV is a money maker for South Dakota. They pull in over 6 million a year in registrations for out of state vehicles. All you need is a vehicle registration and a social security number and 169.00. They will do it over the phone. I have South Dakota Plates, Mexican Insurance, and a New York State enhanced license that does not expire until 2027 that I can use in the Ready Lane. This is acceptable in Mexico. And to the lender on my car loan. I no longer carry American auto insurance of any type.

motoged - 7-22-2021 at 12:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Baja Vicki M

... I no longer carry American auto insurance of any type.

Perhaps this is part of the reason your recent accident claim was denied, as you seem to be saying the US plated vehicle had no US insurance ... which is required.... ?

del mar - 7-22-2021 at 12:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Quote: Originally posted by Baja Vicki M

... I no longer carry American auto insurance of any type.

Perhaps this is part of the reason your recent accident claim was denied, as you seem to be saying the US plated vehicle had no US insurance ... which is required.... ?

Ged one of the perks of having SD plates is not having to carry insurance, along with no smog and lower rates. everyone I know just buys daily u.s. insurance when they cross north. I have heard about this needing u.s. coverage for mexico insurance but never found it to be true at least the company's i've dealt with.....unless maybe its a full coverage deal?

RFClark - 7-22-2021 at 01:23 PM

Baja Bound requires Current US registration and DL it says nothing about US Insurance or Canadian Insurance for that matter! A current tourist visa is always a good idea as well!

AKgringo - 7-22-2021 at 01:35 PM

I don't pretend to know the details of how companies issue insurance coverage, but I have found that since I only carry liability on my US plated vehicles (AK and CA) that is what I am limited to in Mexico.

That tends to indicate to me that it is necessary to have a US policy.

RFClark - 7-22-2021 at 02:55 PM

I personally have never had a Mexican Insurance Agent ask for anything except my license and if I'm buying theft and damage the registration for the car. The never ask to see a visa either.

charliemanson - 7-22-2021 at 05:03 PM

State Cops love SD plates as they know they arnt ligit. My wifes brother is a stater and loves to ask the driver“ what is the capitol of SD?“. As you can expect, most don't even know. So he hits them up for lunch and a warning to get their paperwork in order and tells them to quit stealing from his people.
As of now it is too hard to prosecute minor infractions such as being a
“codo gringo“, according to him , but he does love to see them sweat.

Patrols out of Santa Rosilita, so many of you may know him

Maybe just do the right thing and be legal as we all ask Mexicans to do in our country....or just continue to be a hippocrite.

Simple

motoged - 7-22-2021 at 05:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by del mar

I understand the first part of your comment....and am pretty sure my Baja Bound 6 month full coverage requires CDN/US active insurance to qualify as Harald initially said. I get a CDN refund for time spent in Mexico....with proof of being there (receipts).

AKgringo - 7-22-2021 at 05:32 PM

For what it is worth, I don't insure my low value vehicle. I buy an annual liability only "Driver's License" policy. It covers me in whatever I drive.

[Edited on 7-23-2021 by AKgringo]

RFClark - 7-22-2021 at 06:53 PM

Helter Skelter,

The capital of SD is Pierre. The seat of Clay Co. is Vermillion! When you legally live in Mexico on a visa you can’t get a DL or buy a car. You can buy insurance for a US car or get a DL insurance policy that covers you and your spouse as long as you drive a non-Mexican car and are not a citizen or permanent resident!

Thats why there are so many SD plates in BCS! I've been shook down but not for registraion!

SFandH - 7-22-2021 at 07:19 PM