3464james
Nomad
Posts: 103
Registered: 8-10-2008
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Mexico insurance
What it the best auto insurance to have while traveling in Baja. We go for two weeks at a time and have had several policys. What do you the members
suggest. Additionally, any thoughts on emergency service or who to call if your car breaks down while traveling from Mexicali to Gonzaga?
Last year the rear end blew up on our Ford truck, just south of San Felipe. Towed to the border but the tow truck operator would not take us across.
Almost left the vehicle in Mexico. Drove it over after removing the drive shaft and putting in 4 wheel drive. Very melancholy in the PM hours.
Thanks, Jim D.
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k-rico
Super Nomad
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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Lots of Nomads including me use these folks:
http://www.discoverbaja.com/
They've been in the business of selling Mex car insurance for many years.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65408
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Also, BajaBound.com insurance, which supports BajaNomad.com (see banner ad at top of every Nomad page)!
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grace59
Senior Nomad
Posts: 614
Registered: 9-14-2004
Location: San Felipe, Baja, Mexico
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Luckily I've never had to use my Mexican Insurance (knock on wood)...but I've heard positive things about Discover Baja in that their adjusters are
very prompt and they come through with their coverage. Anyone out there have an experience to share?
Whenever I hear that rainy, chill wind blow. I think it may be time to head for Mexico. Tengo que obedecer mi corazon!
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arrowhead
Banned
Posts: 912
Registered: 5-5-2009
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Let me give you a little money-saving hint that the auto insurance companies will not tell you.
The cost for 14 days insurance in Mexico is about the same as for a one-year Mexican auto insurance policy. Get a quote for both and you will see.
No soy por ni contra apatía.
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
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The two weeks plan makes sense or did the original post mean two weeks at a time more than once a year? I always get the 90 day policy through
Discover Baja which seems like the best bang for the buck. And thankfully, have never had to use it. Quite simple and easy to do it on line through
them.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65408
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by arrowhead
Let me give you a little money-saving hint that the auto insurance companies will not tell you.
The cost for 14 days insurance in Mexico is about the same as for a one-year Mexican auto insurance policy. Get a quote for both and you will see.
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Exactly... Figure about $20/ day for a daily policy so 14 days would be $280. I can get a one year long policy for multiple trips during the year for
that or less at Dioscover Baja. That is full coverage, legal assistance, and the vehicle will be repaired in the U.S. if desired.
[Edited on 8-27-2009 by David K]
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3464james
Nomad
Posts: 103
Registered: 8-10-2008
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Road side assistance
Thanks for the insurance heads up. Now, are there any recomendations or advice of roadside assistance from Mexicali to Gonzaga?
Jim D.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65408
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by 3464james
Thanks for the insurance heads up. Now, are there any recomendations or advice of roadside assistance from Mexicali to Gonzaga?
Jim D. |
The Green Angels ( a fleet of trucks from the tourism dept.) patrol paved highways in Baja offering assistance/ repairs for tourists. ... I have not
seen them south of San Felipe, so you are on your own... Do not use a vehicle that is in less than great condition to go to Gonzaga. Go slow... allow
3 hours or more for the 50 miles from Puertecitos to Gonzaga.
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
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You might try to find some threads on here about "That Road" or similar about traveling between Puertecitos and Gonzaga (there have also been threads
about mechanics around Baja). There will be no one to call either way unless you have a sat. phone. Rancho Grande at Gonzaga can do some repairs
for tires etc but not sure what else they are set up for. A tow strap and a (GOOD) spare tire a two is a good place to start...or bring a buddy with
another truck! For all of its craziness, once the heat lets up it is a fairly well traveled road and someone will come along (just have plenty of
water etc etc..but you knew that!)
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rocmoc
Nomad
Posts: 234
Registered: 5-25-2009
Location: Tucson, AZ
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Mood: Live today like it maybe your LAST!
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I use Lewis & Lewis.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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Mood: Skeptical
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Vagabundos has always been my choice. I have never had to file a claim, but talked to those who have. They speak highly of the service.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Everyone mentioned insurance brokers. It's the insurance companies that matter. Virtually every broker will offer an array of programs offered by the
carriers, with different limits, deductibles and additional services. Most brokers have helpful websites that will show you each insurer, and their
policy features. Check several of them out before making a decision.
And speaking of the Green Angels, is it my imagination, or are there fewer out there than there used to be?
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vacaenbaja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 643
Registered: 4-4-2006
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I have used International Gateway brokers in Chula Vista for years.
They use one of the top rated insurers in Mexico.
They paid a total loss of my vehicle to a very fair and well researhed value of my car for the going rate in my area.
The east coast going rate was much lower. However there were no cars for sale at that rate to be found here on the West coast. They did the right
thing. It does however take
a long time and a lot of back and forth to see these things
through from begining to end.
I have since become a member of Vagabundos and now use the insurance that they offer.
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