| Pages:
1
2 |
Aventurera
Junior Nomad
Posts: 58
Registered: 1-25-2008
Location: California
Member Is Offline
|
|
A Scary Night East of Baja
Having (mostly) recovered from the scare and sitting here on a lazy Sunday, I decided to share my most recent Mexican adventure with you all...in part
so that someone else may learn from my own stupidity and also to reaffirm the goodness that still exists in Mexico.
I was in northern Sonora last week visiting my boyfriend who is a Mexican federal police officer (Policia Federal Preventiva...not the highway guys.)
While I was there, he got orders to report to Mexico City the next day for training, so we decided that I would drive him to the airport in Mexicali
and then continue on home from there. (I'll leave out my tears here for having to cut the trip short. I'm just having to get used to them getting
moved from one state to another with no advance notice and certainly no concern from the administration for visits from his girlfriend!)
By the time we left, it was starting to get dark, but the highway wasn't bad and we were having a nice drive. Around 8:45 pm, my cell phone rang, and
when I went to answer it (this is the part about my stupidity), my car veered to the right shoulder and the tires went over the side of the road.
(This is a 2-lane highway with a shoulder of about one foot and then a 15-20 foot slope dropping off into the desert.) We heard and felt the impact,
but I was able to pull the car back onto the road, and luckily there was no other car coming in the opposite direction. I slowed the car down and
looked for somewhere to pull off the road, but there was nothing. We were in the middle of the Sonoran desert, almost halfway between Sonoyta and San
Luis Rio Colorado.
My boyfriend told me to put on my hazard lights and stop the car so that he could see if he could change the tire; however, it turned out that both
tires on the passenger side were blown. We crawled at a snail's pace for about 5 minutes, but there was nowhere to pull off the road. We finally had
to just stop the car in the middle of the lane on this 2-lane highway so that I could call the Mexican insurance company. This is probably a good
point to mention that my car is a Mazda Miata, so you can imagine my panic at being parked smack dab in the middle of the highway at night in this
tiny little car! If I didn't realize how much I loved my boyfriend before, I certainly did that night because he handled the whole situation in the
most calm, relaxed manner possible. Not once did he blame me for being stupid enough to go for my phone, nor did he ever raise his voice, even when
we were on the verge of going over the side of the road. He called his coworkers to see if they were patrolling anywhere nearby, but unfortunately
they were a good two hour drive away from us. And believe it or not, there are no police that patrol that stretch of the highway!
After a few minutes, a semi pulled up behind us and stopped. My bf told me to wait in the car while he went to talk to them. (Little did I know until
later that he was more worried about them robbing or kidnapping us than anything else!) It turns out that these were two wonderful guys who ended up
keeping their semi parked behind my Miata for NEARLY 3 HOURS while we waited for the stupid insurace company to send somebody out for us.
When the insurance adjustor finally came, the only thing he wanted to do was drive the car 7 km up the road where there was a 'rest stop' and leave it
until the next day...as if there would be anything left of it the next day except maybe the two busted tires! This was when the bf started losing his
cool. We ended up calling for a tow truck (which the stupid insurance didn't cover since they didn't qualify our incident as an 'accident'!) We then
sat there for another 45 minutes until the tow truck arrived and loaded my car up to haul us to San Luis. There we were able to find a 24-hour tire
shop, where they discovered that the blow to the tires had banged big dents into the inner rims of the wheels. They put on my spare tire and pounded
out the rim on the other wheel and put on a tire. We then found a motel and went to sleep at 5 am. At 9 am, we were up and went to another tire
place where they put a used rim and a tire on the wheel that had the spare. All the work on the wheels/tires ended up costing about $60, and the 100
km tow was $300.
Meanwhile, the whole night I had been pestering my bf to call in to Mexico City to explain that he wouldn't be there to check in on time, but he
refused to do it until we finally reached the airport the following afternoon. I couldn't understand why since he was obviously concerned about being
AWOL until he finally explained to me that if he had called in, they would have told him to get on a bus to Mexicali to get to the airport and leave
me to deal with fixing the car myself, something he refused to do. So in the end, he got his flight about 6:30 the next evening, and I drove to San
Diego, stayed the night and then took my car to Big O to get the rims and tires replaced (another $500.)
It turned out to be a scary and expensive drive, but in the end we were so very lucky in so many ways...that the car didn't go over the side of the
road and kill us, that the truck drivers stopped and were good guys, that no bad guys bothered us in the nearly 4 hours we were stuck on the highway,
that Mexico has 24 hour tire shops, etc., etc.
|
|
|
Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
|
|
-----A scary story indeed!!!
Exactly the same thing happened to my ex-wife while she was travelling south on the highway north of San Quintin, only she was talking (to me) on a
2-way radio---------in an instant 2 tires and wheels destroyed!!! The edge of the pavement in many roads in Baja Ca are a significant hazard, for
sure, and you can slip over the edge in an instant.
Thank God your story had a reasoably happy ending. Thanks for reminding us-----of several things. 
Barry
|
|
|
Oso
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2637
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: on da border
Member Is Offline
Mood: wait and see
|
|
Glad you're ok. What's your insurance company? Some of us might like to avoid it.
All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
|
|
|
Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
Sounds like an expensive way to get an extra day with the bf !!  
|
|
|
Aventurera
Junior Nomad
Posts: 58
Registered: 1-25-2008
Location: California
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Oso
What's your insurance company? Some of us might like to avoid it. |
The company was Grupo National Provincial, which I purchased through MexPro online. I was disappointed with them through and through...for how long
it took for them to get to us, for the bad attitude of the adjustor, and in the end, I ended up leaving Mexico about 12 days earlier than what I had
paid for, and they refused to refund anything of the unused days after I left Mexico. But that was MexPro rather than GNP.
|
|
|
Aventurera
Junior Nomad
Posts: 58
Registered: 1-25-2008
Location: California
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Diver
Sounds like an expensive way to get an extra day with the bf !! |
Indeed it was! But it may have been worth it just to see how well he reacted to such a situation. On the other hand, he's quite used to being in
dangerous situations, just usually not caused by distracted women drivers! 
|
|
|
debindesert
Nomad
Posts: 111
Registered: 4-12-2007
Location: California High Desert
Member Is Offline
Mood: Amused
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Aventurera
...Not once did he blame me for being stupid enough to go for my phone, nor did he ever raise his voice, even when we were on the verge of going over
the side of the road. He called his coworkers... |
Yep! He's a keeper. 
P.S.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and
screaming, \'What a ride!\' - Author Unknown
|
|
|
Oso
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2637
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: on da border
Member Is Offline
Mood: wait and see
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Aventurera
| Quote: | Originally posted by Oso
What's your insurance company? Some of us might like to avoid it. |
The company was Grupo National Provincial, which I purchased through MexPro online. I was disappointed with them through and through...for how long
it took for them to get to us, for the bad attitude of the adjustor, and in the end, I ended up leaving Mexico about 12 days earlier than what I had
paid for, and they refused to refund anything of the unused days after I left Mexico. But that was MexPro rather than GNP. |
A lot of us here like Lewis and Lewis.
All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
|
|
|
Osprey
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
|
|
I'm confused about the auto insurance coverage. Seems the lady's car collided with the roadway. Should she expect coverage under Collision? Can't
imagine the coverage would be provided by Comprehensive but maybe it could. What about damage to the undercarriage if/when you bounce over a tope too
fast or with a very low clearance car?
|
|
|
Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
|
|
"collision" might pay------impact with a hard object (in this case the pavement). I agree that it is "iffy".
|
|
|
Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
|
|
Hmm - Mexican Auto Insurance
I'm confused by TelCel's car insurance coverage.
We pay around $1.50 per month additional on our phone bill.
Once, my car died (dead battery) and they sent a tow truck to take it to the mechanic in Rosarito. Excellent service and I just signed the invoice.
Next, a BIG piece of concrete fell off a semi-trailer and I ran into it, breaking the tie rod and shredding the left front tire.
TelCel refused to help, saying it was a road hazard.
[Edited on 6-9-2008 by Gypsy Jan]
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
|
|
|
Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Oso
A lot of us here like Lewis and Lewis. |
Oso, Lewis and Lewis is a broker, not an insurer.
|
|
|
Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Forgive my stupid question -- but why was it important to call the insurance company at that particular point? Personally, I would have put a priority
on getting the car going, THEN calling the insurance company.
P.S. Some of my best experiences driving in Mexico have been with truck drivers, driving at NIGHT. 
|
|
|
Aventurera
Junior Nomad
Posts: 58
Registered: 1-25-2008
Location: California
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Roberto
Forgive my stupid question -- but why was it important to call the insurance company at that particular point? Personally, I would have put a priority
on getting the car going, THEN calling the insurance company. |
Well, for a couple reasons. First of all, the policy had written in bold letters that the car was not to be moved (which I would have ignored had I
been able to move it off the road) and that the insurance adjustor had to be notified immediately in order to inspect the damage or else nothing would
be covered. Secondly, we had no idea whom to call (is there even a 411 in Mexico?), so my assumption was that the insurance company would immediately
send out a tow truck for us...which they didn't.
What I found REALLY stupid was that the guy on the phone told me that in order to start the process, he needed a telephone number from me. When I
gave him my cell phone number, he said, "No, it has to be a Mexican number." Luckily, both my boyfriend and I had Mexican cell phone numbers;
however, how many American tourists (the ones who generally take this insurance) are actually going to have Mexican cell phones??? I thought that was
really idiotic.
|
|
|
Oso
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2637
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: on da border
Member Is Offline
Mood: wait and see
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Roberto
| Quote: | Originally posted by Oso
A lot of us here like Lewis and Lewis. |
Oso, Lewis and Lewis is a broker, not an insurer. |
Right. The insurer is Qualitas out of the D.F. I don't know what experience anyone has had with claims, but it was cheaper than Sanborns or whatever
Mex connection Allstate had- Less than $300/yr for full coverage on $18k.
All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
|
|
|
bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
I just went through a tow incident with GNP(not my first) and, as I have in the past, found them to be helpful and courteous. They have english
speaking operators and have always sent a tow truck within a reasonable amount of time.
I doubt there is an insurance company in Mexico that will call a US number.
That said, glad that you made it through your ordeal. yes it does sound scary. I, too, have been befriended by truck drivers. They know better than
anyone the dangers of the roads of Mexico.
|
|
|
DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Aventurera
I thought that was really idiotic. |
It's an insurance company. What did you expect?
|
|
|
Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Aventurera
| Quote: | Originally posted by Roberto
Forgive my stupid question -- but why was it important to call the insurance company at that particular point? Personally, I would have put a priority
on getting the car going, THEN calling the insurance company. |
Well, for a couple reasons. First of all, the policy had written in bold letters that the car was not to be moved (which I would have ignored had I
been able to move it off the road) and that the insurance adjustor had to be notified immediately in order to inspect the damage or else nothing would
be covered. Secondly, we had no idea whom to call (is there even a 411 in Mexico?), so my assumption was that the insurance company would immediately
send out a tow truck for us...which they didn't.
What I found REALLY stupid was that the guy on the phone told me that in order to start the process, he needed a telephone number from me. When I
gave him my cell phone number, he said, "No, it has to be a Mexican number." Luckily, both my boyfriend and I had Mexican cell phone numbers;
however, how many American tourists (the ones who generally take this insurance) are actually going to have Mexican cell phones??? I thought that was
really idiotic. |
Adventurera--------I think you did exactly the right thing, under the circumstances you describe, and it is exactly what I would have done. Thanks
for this report.
Thank God for Truckers!!!
Dennis---------all my dealings with USA Auto Insurance companies in the last 55 years (State Farm all that time) has been stellar, and they have
totally been responsive to ME and MY needs. Never had to make a claim with a Mexican ins. co. tho.-----sounds like they may not be as cooperative.
Barry
|
|
|
jack
Nomad
Posts: 148
Registered: 12-21-2005
Location: Kamloops BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: Eat Heavy
|
|
Thank God everything turned out all right for you. But here's what I find most interesting in all this. Your boyfriend, a Federally, one of the most
powerful representatives of the Mexican justice system was not real concerned about getting the car fixed, or getting run over while you were parked
in the middle of the road, or missing his plane. Instead he was most concerned about getting robbed or worst by banditos. There's a message here that
we should all take heed of.
|
|
|
Bajame
Nomad
Posts: 458
Registered: 6-12-2005
Member Is Offline
Mood: Baja Dreamin
|
|
Thank God everything turned out Ok! My left fender in front is smashed do to a cell phone incident. Thank God for telephone poles too as It stopped me
from going over into a deep ditch! Sometimes we learn the hard way!
We all want a peaceful world, filled with love and laughter, but we fill ourselves with anger and hate trying to fiqure out how to achive it.
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
