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Whitehorse
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 1-6-2011
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Lewis and Lewis Car Insurance in Mexico
We are new Forum users, and badly need information and advice. Our car was rammed and totaled in Tijuana almost 2 months ago, and both her insurance
and ours (total coverage with Lewis and Lewis), are putting us off and threaten to deny all responsibility. Hers, because she was letting her Mexican
boyfriend drive, and ours because we went to the TJ police before contacting the TJ adjuster. (Our agent is in La Paz). We are asking for other
experiences, both good and bad...particularly with Lewis and Lewis (which we find is really Qualitus).
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Member Is Offline
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Read your policy carefully. I believe it will state that you are to notify the insurance company of the accident before leaving the country. Going to
the police first makes no difference. Usually they are on the scene pretty quick anyway. You may need to talk to the home office, go over your agents
head.
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longlegsinlapaz
Super Nomad
Posts: 1685
Registered: 11-18-2005
Location: La Paz
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Use the search function for both "Lewis & Lewis" & "Qualitas" There's a lot of info posted about both here on Nomad. Lewis & Lewis is
the agent/broker....Qualitas is the insurance company Lewis & Lewis insured you with.
Sorry for the frustrating dilemma you're in!
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MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
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Good Luck !
A recurring theme I've heard over the years from those who have had claims on Mex Auto Insurance (whatever the company) has been difficulties with
those who Didn't follow the Rules laid out in the Policy. Mexican policies are notable for requiring strict adherence to those
rules.
As in many areas, Gringos are notorious for not paying attention to the rules. Back home, there are CONSTANT complaints regarding Health Insurance
which boil down to violating the RULES written in the policies.
I earlier had a question regarding the broker Lewis & Lewis because their "Qualitas" coverage was the least expensive and, as a result, I just
purchased a Full-Coverage policy for six months. Hopefully, I'll never know the QUALITY of Qualitas, but you never know.
The FIRST of the two examples cited is a sound reason for having a problem. My policy is quite clear over WHO can drive and Mexican Nationals are
excluded.
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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Usually with Lewis & Lewis if there is a problem one of their people will step in for you and talk with Quantis. Have you spoken with them?
If so, post the persons' name here and we can make some phone calls about their service and renewing our policies if you are not satisfied with the
service person representing you. It may help. I've been with them for over 12 years with multi vehicles.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
Member Is Offline
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I have an L&L libility policy, letting a Mex National drive
under most/all Mex Ins policies would surely violate the Terms and
Conditions, which as pointed out, should be read by
all Policy holders. I believe it states, with L&L, if involved in an
incident first call the 800 #, which I believe is in Mex City.
But I don't see where having TJ Police writing a report
would give Qualitis any grounds to deny anything.
I've heard good and not so good reports with all
Mex Ins Cos., there is not 1 that stands out as being
100% behind their policy holders, I think they often
look for LEVERAGE. Jim Lewis has a good reputation,
try to get intouch with him directly. However the US
Brokers are just a middleman, a sales Co., they MAY
not have as much influence over the Mex Ins Co they represent as many Gringo Policy holders believe
I'm sure you have thaught of this, but some US Ins Cos
will honor the Collision part of your US Policy in Mex,
at least for a certain # of miles into Mex. Not the libility
part but the collision part
[Edited on 1-7-2011 by sancho]
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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You Get What You Pay For?
| Quote: | Originally posted by MrBillM
A recurring theme I've heard over the years from those who have had claims on Mex Auto Insurance (whatever the company) has been difficulties with
those who Didn't follow the Rules laid out in the Policy. Mexican policies are notable for requiring strict adherence to those
rules.
As in many areas, Gringos are notorious for not paying attention to the rules. Back home, there are CONSTANT complaints regarding Health Insurance
which boil down to violating the RULES written in the policies.
I earlier had a question regarding the broker Lewis & Lewis because their "Qualitas" coverage was the least expensive and, as a result, I just
purchased a Full-Coverage policy for six months. Hopefully, I'll never know the QUALITY of Qualitas, but you never know.
The FIRST of the two examples cited is a sound reason for having a problem. My policy is quite clear over WHO can drive and Mexican Nationals are
excluded. |
My experience has been that when comparing quotes from several Mexican insurers, the cost for similair coverage doesn't vary too much. It's when one
is adding the bells and whistles, such as airfare home, that substantially affects the costs.
That said, Sancho has a point. Not sure about these days, but there was a time when I recall my US insurance did cover the physical damage for
anything occurring within x miles from the border. However, that was a number of years ago, before the proliferation of non-standard companies that
offered lower cost coverage for policies that had restricted coverage. It was mentioned that this happened in Tijuana. Whitehorse should check their
US policy, or call their agent.
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larryC
Super Nomad
Posts: 1499
Registered: 8-11-2008
Location: BoLA
Member Is Offline
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I am a policy holder with Lewis and Lewis, and luckily have never had to turn in a claim. My neightbor in BoLA is also a policy holder with both his
auto and home ins through Lewis and Lewis. Recently his house was broken into and about $20,000 worth of tools, outboard motors, and household stuff
was taken. He turned in a claim with the ins co. and had all the paper work in order, police report etc. His max protection was for $8,500. Which
their losses exceeded by far. When they turned in the claim to the ins co they didn't hear anything for quite awhile, (more than 6 mo.)they asked
Lewis and Lewis for help in getting the ins co to respond but Lewis and Lewis were no help what so ever, just ignored them. Finally the ins co
responded with an offer of $3500 dollars minus some fees so the settlement ended up being right at $3100 on a loss that should have paid them $8500.
For that reason I am cancelling all of my ins that I have through Lewis and Lewis.
I sure hope you fare better. Please keep everyone here posted on how it turns out for you.
Larry
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absinvestor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
Registered: 11-28-2009
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I've seen enough. I have used Lewis and Lewis and BajaBound. I have never had a claim but the comments regarding Lewis and Lewis are not encouraging.
Service is more important to me than a few bucks in premium. I'll be buying my next policy from Baja Bound and hope I never claim to test their
response. Ron
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Whitehorse
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: 1-6-2011
Member Is Offline
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Thanks for the input. To tell a bit more of the story...we have lived in the Baja for 6 years, and my husband has dual citizenship. We were returning
from San Diego, crossed the border, and just leaving TJ, going a normal speed when rear-ended. The impact was so great that it spun us around 4 times
skidding from one side to the other and coming to a stop finally crosswise across heavy traffic, and only luck and my husband's good driving kept us
from going over the edge and rolling. (We do feel very lucky!) Our cell phone was lost in the impact, and doors had to be pried open to get us out.
The police came in about 45 minutes, we did not think it safe to sit in the rain on the highway and we spent most of the rest of that Saturday in the
police station. (The police were quite polite and helpful). The driver of the other car admitted blame, and insurance for both was copied. Her
insurance was current and did cover 75 miles into Mexico. However, her boyfriend was driving.
We signed only one document...the signatures required on the police report. By this time, it was still raining, Saturday night, our car was barely
drivable, and we started slowly home. It was a BIG mistake to so, but our (ignorant) thinking was that our agent was in La Paz,we were still shaking
and it was already the weekend, and we did not want to spend nights in Tijuana. This is the point and our mistake that will probably do us in.
My husband has called Jim Lewis many times, and he has been quite nice, saying that we were in shock, not to blame, it was raining, and going home a
small point, but now he says that because we did so, we basically have no claim. And because the other driver was not the owner of that car, we were
hit by uninsured car. If there is no settlement, this has been a very hard lesson, even if we didn't follow the correct procedures. We've paid full
coverage premiums for almost 5 years, and never had a claim.
Thanks for the comments.
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goldhuntress
Senior Nomad
Posts: 663
Registered: 1-28-2010
Member Is Offline
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I had a accident in Ensenada and had Qualitas thru Lewis and Lewis. They did pay the claim but I had to have my truck fixed in TJ and they did a
crappy job. I had to leave it for 2 weeks, the paint peeled so I took it back for a couple more days and by the time I got to San Diego and stopped
to have lunch, the paint was peeling. So, they said OK, get an estimate an we will pay, so I did and guess what? That's right, they wouldn't pay. I
haggled, talked to Mr. Lewis but finally gave up. They accused me of having another accident which I proved wrong of course. They're slime bags. And
yes Mr. Lewis is always nice and helpful but I think he's just very practiced at it, yanks your chain and never actually gets results.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Just my 2 cents
One word (or maybe two).......Bajabound
http://www.bajabound.com/
Geoff is always there!!!!
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flyfishinPam
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Loreto, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: gone fishin'
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Whitehorse
Thanks for the input. To tell a bit more of the story...we have lived in the Baja for 6 years, and my husband has dual citizenship. We were returning
from San Diego, crossed the border, and just leaving TJ, going a normal speed when rear-ended. The impact was so great that it spun us around 4 times
skidding from one side to the other and coming to a stop finally crosswise across heavy traffic, and only luck and my husband's good driving kept us
from going over the edge and rolling. (We do feel very lucky!) Our cell phone was lost in the impact, and doors had to be pried open to get us out.
The police came in about 45 minutes, we did not think it safe to sit in the rain on the highway and we spent most of the rest of that Saturday in the
police station. (The police were quite polite and helpful). The driver of the other car admitted blame, and insurance for both was copied. Her
insurance was current and did cover 75 miles into Mexico. However, her boyfriend was driving.
We signed only one document...the signatures required on the police report. By this time, it was still raining, Saturday night, our car was barely
drivable, and we started slowly home. It was a BIG mistake to so, but our (ignorant) thinking was that our agent was in La Paz,we were still shaking
and it was already the weekend, and we did not want to spend nights in Tijuana. This is the point and our mistake that will probably do us in.
My husband has called Jim Lewis many times, and he has been quite nice, saying that we were in shock, not to blame, it was raining, and going home a
small point, but now he says that because we did so, we basically have no claim. And because the other driver was not the owner of that car, we were
hit by uninsured car. If there is no settlement, this has been a very hard lesson, even if we didn't follow the correct procedures. We've paid full
coverage premiums for almost 5 years, and never had a claim.
Thanks for the comments. |
I just want to confirm the above as completely true. I know whitehorse and they are getting the run around from Lewis and Lewis.
what makes me angry about this is that they are being blown off by Mr Lewis himself. so my question is when you are purchasing full coverage why the
hell aren't you getting that coverage when an accident happens? what the hell are they paying for? as any foreign car who drives in Mexico needs to
purchase this stuff, what the hell are you actually purchasing?
the other driver hit this couple, and clearly made a hard impact into their vehicle which was claimed as "totaled" by the la paz adjuster for Lewis
and Lewis. that other vehicle was also damaged but they were a CA plated car covered by a US insurance policy and apparently not by Mex insurance
policy. a Mex national was driving the car with the owner in the passenger seat, when they hit my dear friends! I am so sorry to hear these details
of the accident but thank goddess you weren't hurt! we love you!
but now for you folks who try to follow the rules and purchase this crap insurance because you have to...WTF? how can you control when someone else
hits you? what if someone were hurt or killed? I'd be asking Lewis and Lewis WTF if I were holding one of their policies...and I'd hold them to it.
we as consumers have to stick together and support each other we don't have to be screwed
for what its worth!
feliz aņo nuevo
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
Member Is Offline
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Since I was an agent in my past life, several things come to light here. First, I have a lot of respect for Jim Lewis personally and none of this is
really an issue of what a Surplus Lines Broker is able to do or not do. The issue becomes what happens with "Subragation" which means that your
insurance, Qualitas and the other person's insurance are able to work out. The mexican law is quite clear and if the person who hit you is at fault,
then they are financially responsible for your damages and I am a little surprised that the police released this guy until his responsibilities were
taken care of. Normally, he goes to jail until financial responsibilities are taken care of. I know, you can not get money out of a dead turnip, but
you probably need to at least investigate that avenue. Now, you need to check your policy and make sure that you have coverage for uninsured
motorists, if you do, then you have a claim with Qualitas and can pursue it from that point.
I had a claim with Qualitas and went to the adjustment office in Ensenada to get an estimate for repairs. It came in very low so I made sure I
took lots of pictures and then went to 4 reputable repair shops in Ensenada and obtained written estimates for their repair. They were all within 100
pesos of each other so when Qualitas said I could take it to the US for repair, but they were only going to pay their estimate (which was the same
amount as my deductible) I sent them registered copies of the estimates with photos. They settled very close to the amount of the 4 independent
shops.
Insurance companies are not regulated to the same degree in Mexico as in the United States and you need to carefully read the policy and ask
questions of your broker, no matter who that is. I have a friend who has filed a formal complaint with the home insurance that is sold through
Bancomer Banks since they just refused to pay for legitimate repairs following Hurricane Jimena. So far nothing has happened and I would guess it
will be difficult to get anything out of the insurance company. In my experience Qualitas is no worse nor any better than any of the other companies.
I currently do not insure for collision and prefer to cover myself legally for liability only, but that does not always work for everyone.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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The bottom line here is that the vast majority never have to file a claim. And their recommendations, based mostly on price and convenience are really
not helpful when it comes to making a decision as to who to do business with. JMHO
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marv sherrill
Nomad
Posts: 464
Registered: 11-18-2003
Member Is Offline
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Rolled a brand-new truck in 92 - had Lewis and Lewis - and Oscar Padilla ins.- I could not get a settlement for 9 months - had to pay $525 every month
on a dead truck -and ended up with ultra low blue book. L and L simply no help - go with Discover Baja or others who have a working partnership with
the Insurance company and not a broker - buyer beware - you might save a few bucks but its not worth it in the long run -
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baronvonbob
Nomad
Posts: 196
Registered: 1-5-2010
Member Is Offline
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wow
The words are so true, that we judge by convenience and price! I need to renew my policy and now I am concerned as to whom to use.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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Whitehorse, WHEN did you finally contact the L & L adjuster? How many hours after the accident?
What is the SPECIFIC REASON Jim Lewis is saying he wont honor the claim? Did he specifically say it was because you went to the police station before
calling their adjuster? Is it only because the driver was uninsured? A combination of the two?
We really need specifics on this. Many of us, myself included, have L & L insurance and we need to know how they operate come claims time so we
can make our decision come renewal time.
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DirkEXC
Junior Nomad
Posts: 64
Registered: 12-14-2006
Location: Sherman Oaks, Ca.
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All I can say is wow, I am currently an agent and have been for the last 22 years. Going direct with a company only gets you a claims team and you
never talk to the same person, good luck with that.
I think there are a couple of issues going on here. First we need to know the specific reason they are denying your claim. It is usually because you
left Mexico and reported the claim but you did not do that so why are they denying your claim. Once we know that we have something to work with. If he
is denying you claim for a bogus reason confront him on it, educate him on the policy language and force him to process the claim.
Second he problbly get a bonus at the end of the year if his claims are low so he probably tries to blow off as many claims as he can to see if you
will just go away. Stick to you guns find out the reason for the denyal and lets go from there.
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DirkEXC
I think there are a couple of issues going on here. First we need to know the specific reason they are denying your claim. It is usually because you
left Mexico and reported the claim but you did not do that so why are they denying your claim. |
As I read the report I believed they returned to the USA before reporting the claim tothe insurance company.
[Edited on 1-8-2011 by bajalou]
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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