BajaNomad

Auto Insurance Claim Reviews

ZenMan - 7-30-2021 at 08:29 AM

New Member here - going to be first time snowbird to Baja this winter (from Sudbury, Ontario) So is it just me? Where aren't I looking? I have been uanble to find any customer reviews of Baja Bound - or any other Mexican Insurance Co. - experience with an insurance claim.
Has anyone here had such an experience or know of a second hand report that they could share?
Too many insurance companies are great to deal with right until you have a claim! Then you see its true colours!
Thanks for sharing if you can.

bajatrailrider - 7-30-2021 at 08:43 AM

Bernies Mexican insurance cheap good. 10 grand damage to 3 month old Toyota prerunner. I was not driving fixed with all factory parts. Even new battery from Toyota . The are in Rosirto English spoken.

David K - 7-30-2021 at 08:51 AM

Welcome to Nomad, ZenMan.

A large % of us have been customers of Baja Bound for many years with excellent reviews. They are a local company (San Diego) who sell the top-rated Mexican policies. They are here on Baja Nomad and very involved with Baja travel, off-road racing, sports, and more. I am biased a bit because I am one of their contributing travel writers (they have a monthly on-line news bulletin) and a road guide I wrote, coming soon.

You can get an insurance quote on their website, www.bajabound.com

I also have used Discover Baja Travel Club insurance in the past (I am a member of their club). They sell the same Mexican insurance, but only if you join their club (it is a good club). www.discoverbaja.com

A popular policy at Baja Bound, if you travel more than a few times a year, is their annual policy so you will always be covered if your trip gets extended beyond the days you planned.

Find some adventure in my travel articles on Baja Bound: https://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/





[Edited on 7-30-2021 by David K]

sancho - 7-30-2021 at 09:28 AM

You are not alone in your search for solid info on Mex
Insurance claims. There are mostly good reviews from the various
Mex Ins Co's, HDI/Chubb which are policies commonly sold.
This often mention of the US Ins Brokers
fail to site the importance of the Mex Ins Co. itself. The
US brokers have some influence, but the ultimate decision
is with the Mex Co. itself, not the salesman/ broker based
in the US

ZenMan - 7-31-2021 at 07:54 AM

Thanks for these replies. Helpful info. I did find a couple of reviews through Yelp and Google - but they seem to be light on details of the claim process. Also, of course, found a couple of very disgruntled customers comment on the claim process. So ...??

boe4fun - 7-31-2021 at 08:11 AM

I have had 2 claims with my Mexican insurance through the Vagabundos Del Mar, both handled quickly and very satisfactory.

ZenMan - 7-31-2021 at 08:13 AM

Good to hear!

David K - 7-31-2021 at 08:59 AM

An important note about claims... You must contact the Mexican company in Mexico before returning north. There are toll free phone numbers and English speaking contacts. If your car is drivable, it can be repaired in the USA, if you use one of the better companies, mentioned in the first replies. Total loss compensation claims may take several weeks to months.

willardguy - 7-31-2021 at 10:20 AM

Larry (bajatrailrider) is spot on, Bernies in rosarito is an xlnt choice to buy this mexican product and keep those peso's in mexico and support your neighbors. buy from a reputable mexican broker

motoged - 7-31-2021 at 11:05 AM

Two years ago I was at Cielo Lindo in San Quintin for several days. A couple staying there had driven their 5th wheel off the road south of Catavina on their way south.

They were having lengthy discussions with an adjuster and her translator. At first it seemed everything was going smoothly, but the third day things were breaking down quickly. The rig had been towed back to the tow company's lot in San Quintin....located beside the police station.

It developed into a situation where they were not allowed to retrieve any personal items from their trailer until they paid $5000 US to the tow company.....with the adjuster just shrugging her shoulders, saying it was out of her hands.

The happy hour love-fest of the first two days (think Cielo Lindo Happy Hour vibe) had evaporated.

The 5th wheel owner said he was a truck driver, but his ability to bend his elbow was evident and made me wonder if he was reaching for his beer .... or under the influence when the accident happened. They were first timers to Baja.

I wonder how it all worked out in the end....

Don't know who the insurance company was.

[Edited on 7-31-2021 by motoged]

TMW - 7-31-2021 at 08:10 PM

Over the years I've had two trucks totaled and one repaired ($6000) I have always had a yearly policy with Discover Baja and I also have heard nothing but good things about Baja Bound. No matter who you go with make sure YOU can pick the repair shop. I couldn't do that on one truck unless I paid the difference so I didn't. BIG MISTAKE. Lot's of repairs to the repair work including a new paint job and bed liner.

I always ran down the paper work needed. If you do you will need someone who speaks fluent Spanish when you talk to the Federal police, they won't speak to you in English over official business.

As someone said you must make your claim before leaving the country.

bajatrailrider - 8-2-2021 at 07:12 PM

I also believe if you deal with company in mexico . Less money to buy policy as to rent building in Mex cheap. For year libility any us plated cars two driver license. 113.00 dl so we split the bill

David K - 8-2-2021 at 08:26 PM

That is perfect for Nomads who live in Mexico, but if not we need to be covered the very second we are across the border. Too risky to drive to an agency in Mexico. The other consideration is that we may want (or have to) get repairs done in the U.S. since we need to get back to work with a rental car and can't leave our damaged car in Mexico if there is an option to bring it north.

Finally, Baja Bound sponsors this site and really supports our quest to enjoy Baja. That deserves consideration along with that they sell top-rated policies.

willardguy - 8-2-2021 at 08:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
That is perfect for Nomads who live in Mexico, but if not we need to be covered the very second we are across the border. Too risky to drive to an agency in Mexico. The other consideration is that we may want (or have to) get repairs done in the U.S. since we need to get back to work with a rental car and can't leave our damaged car in Mexico if there is an option to bring it north.

Finally, Baja Bound sponsors this site and really supports our quest to enjoy Baja. That deserves consideration along with that they sell top-rated policies.


Ford of Chula Vista is a sponsor here.....are you ready to move up to a Ford?

bajatrailrider - 8-2-2021 at 09:13 PM

Nothing wrong with baja bound David . You do not need live in Mex to get ins. I don't drive to Rosirto for my policy. You only call or email them mail ck to there us post office box. They mail or email you copy not difficult. To be fair what is cost comparison between all company's. Also David there all agents only two big ins company's .

David K - 8-3-2021 at 09:11 AM

Yes, understand it doesn't matter where the agents are located.

The rotating Google ads are not the same as the permanent banner ad at the top of the page, Willard.
Just fyi, I first went to a Ford dealer when I was ready to buy a truck... they were not interested in my trade-in (told me to go sell it myself first), those fools. With strong encouragement from Neal Johns and many Amigos de Baja (who loved Tacomas), I went to Toyota... and am so happy I did (buying three over the years and my wife also buying three). They have been the most durable, capable, trouble-free vehicles I have owned given the punishment. The TRD Off Road really is 'Baja-Proven"!

Don Pisto - 8-3-2021 at 10:32 AM

buy a policy from Chubb from a broker in mexico, and have a great trip!