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Udo
Elite Nomad
    
Posts: 6364
Registered: 4-26-2008
Location: Black Hills, SD/Ensenada/San Felipe
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Mood: TEQUILA!
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BEWARE OF COSTCO AUTO INSURANCE!
I just found this on a recent post on the RV in Mexico blog.
This is highly important, and one gets what one pays for,
Buyer beware!
To: From: RVjmelton@aol.com
Date sent: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:29:13 -0400
Subject: Re: My accident update from Joy Melton Sorry, sent wrong format
Send reply to:
March 24, 2010: It was a beautiful day. Sunny and cool for driving. I was with Ed and Jan
Biller, and Marge Nielsen and Charlie Miller. We had been in Mexico since early February for
the Mexican Connection Rally (Ed and Jan were Wagonmasters) and then decided to travel
south. We had been as far as Mazatlan, and were slowly heading back home. Leaving Las
Glorias, we were headed to Huatabampito to check out the beach.
We turned off Hwy 15 before Novajoa and headed to the beach on the typical two lane
secondary road. It was about noon and the kids were walking home from school or getting off
the bus. I enjoyed the waving greetings as we went by. The other thing I noted and planned
to mention to the gang when we arrived was that this road was the first that reminded me of
the Baja: curved, narrow, and few shoulders. There were the memorials along the road, but
again, more than usual, as in the Baja.
It was a slow, easy drive on flat road, and I was just coming out of a curve (I was third in line)
when I saw the black car pull out to pass. He was swerving and I knew immediately he was
out of control. I knew instantly he was going to hit the car he was passing or me. There was
no way to tell which way he would go. Within a moment, I found out. I had already decided to
hold on to keep my rig upright. I was going too slow to hit the gas to get around him. He hit
me head-on on the driverīs side. The impact was incredible. Apparently, the front tires blew
out and the engine dropped off. I did not lose consciousness, but it was like a whirlwind
inside the coach. When I came to a stop about 30' down the road, I turned to the right and
both dogs were up front with me. Sparkle was hysterical, but Tag thought it was a party. I was
talking to the dogs when I heard Charlie on the CB say, "Joyīs off the road. Iīm going back."
At that moment, I knew I was OK. It was wonderful to hear.
Ed and Jan reached me first and I was yelling for them to get the dogs out. I smelled gas and
worried about an explosion. I then checked myself out. I knew I was bleeding from the face.
We think I hit the steering wheel as it was broken, or the dash. It was a small wound just over
the left eye at the bridge of my nose. My neck was fine, but when I turned, my low back was
painful. Didnīt seem like more than muscular pain.
Jan got the dogs out and Marge took them to her rig. Then, I wanted out. Thank goodness
for driverīs doors. I was able to open it and kept asking to be taken out, but people were
reluctant because of not wanting to injure me more. The ambulance arrived within a few
minutes as Ed had borrowed a phone and reached the officials. Finally, a man whom I later
found out was Marco, pulled me out from the back by my legs, and it was uncomfortable, but
not really bad.
I was taken by ambulance to Santa Fe Hospital in Huatabampo, Sonora where I was kept
under police guard initially. ( I will only mention this once. I was told there were deaths and
sadly, the three people in the car lost their lives.) I believe my Winnebago Adventurer saved
my life. The "cage" is so well built, it withstood a tremendous force and gave way, but also
kept me safe.
I was taken by ambulance to another facility for x-rays and then to Novojoa the next day by
ambulance for CT-scan of the neck and back. The neck was fine, but I was told at that time I
had a 10% compression fracture of the lumbar spine at L-1. I was taken back to Santa Fe
Hospital and the doctor said I would need bed rest and after a week I should be able to
tolerate riding in a car to the US. I was allowed to stay at the RV Park / Motel that we were
headed to at the time of the accident. The owner, Enrique, was at the hospital within minutes
of me, and told me not to worry, he had received permission to have the MH and car towed to
his property and he would protect it. (He was just one of the many angels who helped me
during this experience. I have used first names only so as not to infringe on anyoneīs privacy,
except for my four Escapee friends without whose help I could have had a totally different
experience following the accident.)
Within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital, Nyra and Ramon arrived. She walked right in and
said she had heard that an American woman had an accident and she wanted to know what
she could do to help as she spoke both Spanish and English. She and her husband had
moved to Hautabampo from California seven months previously as she wanted a slower life
for her family. She was incredible. She became our interpreter when dealing with the officials,
and the District Attorney asked her to interpret for all of us when they took our statements.
Ramon later removed all my personal items from the MH and took four truck loads to store at
their home as they have a casita that is not being used. This was all done under the expert
guidance from Marge and Jan, who directed him on what to keep or let go (particularly dishes
which were almost all broken, for the most part). I, of course, being optimistic and way off
base, told them Iīd be back in a month to pick up things. (Weīll get to that point later.)
Lynn is a retired RN from Canada who came over daily to give me my pain shots and other
meds, and when we finally could get me up, put on her swimsuit, jumped in the shower with
me and gave me a shower. I first met her husband Gary when we couldnīt get me off the
toilet early on, so Lynn went to get him. He walked into the bathroom, said Hi, picked me up,
got me to the bed, and walked out. At least I think he said, Hi.
I received a walker from another Canadian couple (Garry and Sue) who heard about the
accident and offered it to me. Later, they said to pass it on when I no longer need it. It is here
by me right now and was key to getting me up on my own.
Mario was a local who was a friend of the owner of the ambulance company, and he made
arrangements for the transfers they did, for the cost of gas and tips for the drivers.
Jose, the District Attorney, turned out to be a caring, wonderful, fair and impartial man.
Because I could not get to the court house, he arranged the final hearing at the motel. He
was courteous and kind. He was particularly taken by Tag and told everyone about my "street
dog."
The maids at the motel were very helpful on a daily basis. I had a room with a patio that was
blocked off so the dogs could go in and out.
First, last and always were my four friends I was traveling with. From the moment of hearing
Charlieīs voice on the CB, I knew I was going to be OK. They handled my money, paid the
bills, got cash as I needed it, contacted every agency to check on what to do, held my hand
when I cried, and were there for me throughout the ordeal.
When it came time to get me out of Mexico once we were allowed to leave the country, a
woman from Yucca Valley who has a home in Huatabampito offered to drive me home.
Nancy was terrific in helping me and the dogs through four days on the road, including six
hours sitting at the border at Nogales. She said I was terrific, too, until my meds wore off, and
then I was a hand full.
Once I arrived in Long Beach, I was seen by an excellent orthopaedist. I should know. I
worked for him for over 30 years. Unfortunately, x-rays showed a 70% compression fracture,
with a much longer healing time than I had anticipated.
Since then, I was in a rehabilitation facility for 10 days. Sparkle and I are now reunited in an
assisted living apartment in downtown Long Beach. Ken and Sue Pace came up and helped
us move in; Sue, of course, making lists and getting all the essentials we needed to start.
(They are now on their way to Italy.) The facility is across the street from my motherīs condo
where Tag is staying with her two small dogs. Sparkle spent a week at a vet and is down to
37 pounds. She is on a special diet and has almost as many pills as me, and is coming along
fine. Tag is still having a party. He was brought over tonight by Sparkleīs dog walker for a
short visit while Sparkle was out.
So, here is where we are now. From the beginning, we talked about what we did, what we
might have done, and what we will do in the future.
One thing is that I had my passport, both registrations for the vehicles, Mexican visa permit,
vehicle permits, insurance policies and driverīs license setting in a basket on the engine
hump. All loose. Easy to get to if I was stopped at inspections. DONīT DO THAT. On impact,
it was like a whirlwind in the rig. Ed and the others had to dig through all kinds of papers and
stuff to find everything. In the future, make a copy of things and put the originals and a set of
copies in a file and secure it where it can be easily obtained. All of those items were
requested by various agencies over and over again.
I was lucky in that I decided keep full coverage in addition to a driverīs license policy which is
liability only. Apparently, insurance is not required of Mexicans as it is of foreigners. So, at
least I had my own insurance. Now, comes the rub.
It has been one month since the injury. There was an adjuster there within a few hours of the
accident. I was also represented by an attorney at the hearing. Guess what. Neither one of
them spoke a word of English. They were reluctant to communicate with me and frankly I left
that country not knowing where I stood. A month later, I still donīt. After several calls to the
insurance agency which sold the policy on behalf of Costco, late last week I finally got a call
from the insurance company, Qualitas, and finally got an email address. We are now
corresponding, but I do not yet know if the MH will be totaled. In the opinion of those there at
the time, it cannot be fixed. It saved my life, but it cannot be put back together to do it again.
I will be posting the results of my experience with the insurance company which, so far, is a
disaster. But, Iīll refrain from more comment until I know more... in English. I will be informing
Costco that if they are going to sell insurance to Americans, it is imperative they use a
company who will be providing English speaking people to assist and represent them.
About 15 years ago, on the advice of my friend Lana, I purchased a long term care policy. I
am very lucky to have that now. After three months, it will pick up most of my needs for the
next several months. One of the smarter things I have done for myself.
I let my travel policy go because I didnīt renew. Donīt let that happen. As it turned out, I did
not require emergency high level transport, but it would have been much easier to deal with
had I had that policy. I will have it going out on the road again.
I thank all of you who have sent cards and emailed me. It means so very much. What I have
written is from my memory. My friends have another view from where they were and can offer
suggestions for all of us on the road. I gave only my view, which for many days, was flat on
my back in bed. Had it not been for the wonderful people I share my life with, it would not
have this happy ending. I am alive, I am going to be well, and I will be back on the road as
soon as possible.
Joy, Sparkle and Tag Along
117 E 8th St, #401
Long Beach, CA 90813
[Edited on 4-25-2010 by udowinkler]
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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longlegsinlapaz
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Posts: 1685
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Location: La Paz
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Yet ANOTHER reason NOT to use Qualitas Insurance (QualitLESS InsuraNOT)! Do a search here on BN for other less
than satisfactory Qualitas experiences!
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woody with a view
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Quote: |
There was an adjuster there within a few hours of the accident. I was also represented by an attorney at the hearing. Guess what. Neither one of them
spoke a word of English. They were reluctant to communicate with me and frankly I left that country not knowing where I stood. A month later, I still
donīt. After several calls to the insurance agency which sold the policy on behalf of Costco, late last week I finally got a call from the insurance
company, Qualitas, and finally got an email address. We are now corresponding, but I do not yet know if the MH will be totaled.
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what's the problem? they let the dude leave the country after 3 deaths! so it is taking a little time to get payments? i don't see a problem.
[Edited on 4-25-2010 by woody in ob]
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Bajahowodd
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Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
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I'm with you. Woody. Seems like the major beef is that a Mexican Insurance Company did not provide English speaking personnel in Mexico. Geez.
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
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As for Qualitas I have been with them probably 6-7 years, one claim someone backed into me, got their Plate Number, Qualitas claim adjuster spoke
English and got the claim settled fast and to my satisfaction.
Wiley
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false
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Timo1
Senior Nomad
 
Posts: 756
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Who under-writes Bajabound ins. ???
Thats who I've used and will stick with
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irenemm
Senior Nomad
 
Posts: 623
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this has only been a month? Mexican time that is nothing. I have this insurance and have had it for about 3 years now. hope i never have to use it.
But a month in Mexican time is nothing. If you have done any business with any business you know it is nothing. If you bring the white form they
wanted a pink if you bring the pink one now they want a yellow standing on it's side face up. Hey if they pay the claim that is what counts.
if they don't pay then maybe I will consider to change.
[Edited on 4-25-2010 by irenemm]
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rhintransit
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I have Qualitas through Lewis and Lewis. one totaled vehicle...see previous threads, the insurance subject has been well covered in the past. the
service was slow but eventually they settled for what my stateside insurance said they would have paid. it's a strange land and we are strangers in
it, unless we speak the language.
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
   
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Irene Very well said, if your willing to jump through the hoops you will make it in Mexico, If not you should probably go home like many have done and
yes some from this forum.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false
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mtgoat666
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Quote: | Originally posted by woody in ob
what's the problem? they let the dude leave the country after 3 deaths! so it is taking a little time to get payments? i don't see a problem.
[Edited on 4-25-2010 by woody in ob] |
the dude never once expressed remorse or sadness for the 3 who died, just complained about his insurance payment being slow, whined about his aches
and pains.
re costco, he is probably one of those overweight people you see at costco who stand around like vultures waiting for free samples, running over the
little kids so they can scarf up ALL the food as soon as it is set out
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bajabass
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I too use Lewis&Lewis, for 10 years, and never a claim, thank God. Is there a much better company at competetive rates?
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
   
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Goat I think he was a she!
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
     
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costco is dirt cheap!
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Bajahowodd
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Nevertheless, the most important thing to consider is your broker. They can easily become intermediaries and hasten the outcome. Any broker that
ignores their clients and leaves them to the vagaries of dealing with the carrier should be avoided.
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bajaguy
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Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Nevertheless, the most important thing to consider is your broker. They can easily become intermediaries and hasten the outcome. Any broker that
ignores their clients and leaves them to the vagaries of dealing with the carrier should be avoided. |
And that is why I use Geoff at Bajabound!!!!!!!
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doradodan
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u don't know what your talking about goat, just looking for a fight, put#
\"The time spent off the water, I\'m thinking of ways to get back in\"
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Osprey
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We are crossing into the very mudgy area of commerce where the lines get blurred by price versus contract services. Easier done when you're buying a
wheelbarrow online than a serious promise for a promise. Is price the only consideration? Do you have any idea what the policy guarantees? Do you have
any idea, when you buy online, how the provisions of reimbursement, indemnity and repair and replacement apply to you in the U.S., in Mexico, to a
covered vehicle driven by a named insured driver? Before you begin to lambast the insurors you should take one small step back to maybe admit just how
deep you went into the quality pool, how much time you spent to learn about what coverages you meant to buy, what coverages are available and last but
not least what your responsibilities are once you have the contract.
[Edited on 4-26-2010 by Osprey]
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comitan
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And now you know!!!!!
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false
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sancho
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It is difficult to find much hard facts as to how
the different Mex Insurance Co's respond in
the case of a claim, there aren't many examples
to draw on. I did read of the owner of Lewis
and Lewis paying someone out of his own
pocket for a claim which had a problem.
I do believe the Mex Adjuster can be the
most important person. A guy on the mainland,driving a Motorhome
towing a car which was hit by a guy on a
motorcycle, the Mex Adjuster tried to deny the
claim because there was no one DRIVING the
the towed vehicle. Don't know how many readers
remember the tale from Kitto, a few yrs. back,
about his Legal Aid not showing up for 4 days
in Ensenada and him actually being transferred
to a prison east of Ensenada, at which time the Legal
Aid did show up
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irenemm
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Comitan
I have lived in Mexico for 30 years and we have run a very successful business. This is just fact how things are here. Maybe not in La Paz but in Baja
north it is the fact.
BTW this is home.
Irene
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