Best place to get Mexican car insurance

[mel150]

Hi- all, I will want to get annual Mexican insurance next time I come through. Is it cost-effective just to get insurance from one of the places by the road in Ajo or Why? Or should I shop around? We're coming through early on a Thursday morning- if we go to one of the roadside places, will there likely be a long wait? Thanks- any advice or recommendations will be welcomed!

[Ladyjeeper]

portugalinsurance.com. They are the cheapest in town and have been there for at least 20 years. I use them to insure both my Jeep and my trailer. They have 2 ofcs in town, the one I use is on Benito Juarez (the main drag) and Simon Morua, southeast corner. You can do it online and print out your policy. I've never had a claim, knock on wood, but they are good people.

[rockyptjoe]

Can't comment on auto claims through Portugal Insurance...but a friend of mine had her trailer insured thru them, and when she had a fire in it, it took forever to get the claim settled. Fortunately they're local, and she was able to beat on their door every time she came down.

Having had an accident in RP a couple of years ago, I now look at the coverage in terms of what the policy covers when it comes to labor rates. You will pay a bit more, but find one that reimburses you at US rates (or nearly US rates), instead of Mexican rates, if you do need collision repairs. The last couple of years, I've been buying online. The policy is issued on the spot, and you print it at home.

The company I've used is at http://gotmexico.com

They usually have 3-4 Mexican companies that they have listed....if you go thru them, get one of the "Extended" policies....they're the ones that give you the higher labor rates

[mel150]

Thanks! Printing online will be great.

[Jeff]

I use http://www.mexadventure.com .They cover up to $60,000.

[cactusamigo]

Used to carry my homeowners and U.S. car insurance with a local high profile agent. I had a burglary claim, and was paid with a personal check, not a check issued by the underwriter. I was very suspicious about this. I wonder if I would ever had been paid if I didn't have a Mexican National taking care of my property at that time. I frequently received periodic mid-year renewal notices while my policy was still current. When I took these notices to his office, the secretary tore them up. I later found out that my U.S. auto insurance was not valid. A resident American friend had the same agent for his Mexican auto insurance. He was involved in an auto accident, only to be told that "Mexican insurance is only for Mexicans".

If you are a U.S. resident with periodic travel to Mexico, I recommend ADA VIS GLOBAL for auto insurance. They will write a policy on your driver's license for anything that you drive in Mexico for $83 per year, including "legal protection".You can pay them over the phone with a credit card, and they will send you your policy over the Internet as an e-mail attachment. They are located in Temecula, CA. Phone: 1-800-909-4457.

For local home insurance needs, and U.S. auto insurance for Mexico residents, I highly recommend Yolanda Silva at 638-383-6280. Her office is located on the street running south of Fremont Blvd. just east of Hacienda Las Fuentes.

[cactusamigo]

Ladyjeeper - Only when you file a claim will you find out whether or not they are "good people". That is the only test that counts. Anyone not agree?

[rockyptjoe]

Cactusamigo....unfortunately, the "drivers license" policy only covers liability....it will not cover you for any damage to the vehicle you are driving.

[Ladyjeeper]

Cactus,
I need collision on my Jeep as it is fairly modified. That's why I don't use the "driver's license" insurance. I have never heard anything bad about Portugals until recently and that was one occurence. I've had a friend or two file claims over the years with no problem. I used them on the first Smuggler's Cove and all of my Jeeps in 20 years. I plan on using them again on the new Smuggler's Cove. They were always professional, courteous, they actually sent me renewal notices to my U.S address and they always answered the phone, even calling me back on their dime and took care of renewals that way. Now they have online insurance. I will be using that later today. I'm kind of old school, I like to see the face of whom I am doing business with.
Ladyjeeper

[Submarine]

Ladyjeeper - Only when you file a claim will you find out whether or not they are "good people". That is the only test that counts. Anyone not agree?

Very true and that goes for most businesses.

Thanks for the tip on Vis Global, that will work out better for me as I only carry liablility in Mexico. Might make a few trips on the bike this year too so that will simplify things.

[rockyptjoe]

As far as I know, the rates are the same with all of the companies when it comes to the "drivers license" policy....probably set by the government.

I've bought policies written on several different Mexican companies over the years. The rates were pretty consistent from company to company...it was when you went with the optional stuff or changed the limits/valuation that the rates went up or down.

[cactusamigo]

Ladyjeeper - Just like church, some things are based on faith and individual perception. I would be very suspicious of an insurance agent who writes a personal check to cover a claim. It tells me that he is self insuring, not sending the premiums to the underwriter. Also, mailing 6 month premium notices for a 1 year policy is unscrupulous.

Having comprehensive auto coverage may make sense for residents of Mexico. However, it is usually not practical for non resident visitors. There are local report requirements, and repairs are usually required to be performed in Mexico, making necessary multiple return trips.

If you deal with Yolanda Silva for your insurance requirements, you deal with either her or her sister, face-to-face. I use her for my homeowners' insurance. I use ADA for motor vehicle liability. She will also do your FM-3/FM-2 immigration submittals.

[Ladyjeeper]

Cactus,
Are you saying it was Portugals who wrote the personal check? I didn't see that anywhere in your post. And I don't understand what you mean by it being unscrupulous to send 6 month renewals on an annual policy? He didn't send it at 6 months, he sent it when it was due. Everybody has their own opinion but I'm carrying an annual policy with collision. Multiple trips to Mexico? What's the problem with that? :mrgreen:

[AZ Miguel]

If you are a U.S. resident with periodic travel to Mexico, I recommend ADA VIS GLOBAL for auto insurance. They will write a policy on your driver's license for anything that you drive in Mexico for $83 per year, including "legal protection".You can pay them over the phone with a credit card, and they will send you your policy over the Internet as an e-mail attachment. They are located in Temecula, CA. Phone: 1-800-909-4457.

I use the same folks, they mail me a hard copy and e-mail a pdf file of the same. Works out good having the pdf to reprint a copy for each vehicle and as something always happens to the copy in the motorhome glove box, wife and kids use it to to keep score for uno or how many times I drop the F-bomb as I get passed. I have Progresive for the other as it covers in the US and Mexico but not liability in Mexico. Progresive even covers the Raptor quad for a low fee.

[Submarine]

Liberty Mutual is covering me in Mexico too so I'd just drag the truck back and get the work done in the U.S.
Now if you have a American truck that's really made in Mexico (coughcoughdodgecough), then you might as well leave it there!

[cactusamigo]

Ladyjeeper - Please re-read my posts - carefully. You are correct, I didn't mention the business whose practices I find suspect, as a result of my own first hand experience. I was not referring to the renewal policies that you stated you received in the mail in what I stated to be unscrupulous. What I referred to as being unscrupulous was receiving multiple renewal notices mid-year for an annual policy in order to extract additional premium payments from me. Checking the renewal notice, the policy number on the notice did not agree with the policy number that I was holding. When I presented the renewal notice to the secretary in the office to ask what was going on, she promptly tore it up and discarded it. I am not the only one who was subjected to "double billing" attempts by this outfit. I am fortunate that I never had to use the worthless U.S. auto liability "insurance" written by this outfit.

I will not name the agency in a post on this forum. The events are history and I have no written proof to support my statements. I would have no problem discussing all the details face-to-face. Be carefull when it comes to buying unusually discounted "insurance policies".

[cactusamigo]

Ladyjeeper - In regard to multiple trips to Mexico in order to accomplish an insurance claim to repair your damaged vehicle, it may require one trip just to get a police report. Another trip to meet with the insurance adjuster, who may or may not be in town when you need him. Another trip to find and coordinate the repairs with a repair facility, etc., etc. I'm sure you get my point. This may not be very convenient if you lived in Wyoming, Montana, etc. The travel expenses could quickly exceed the repair costs.

[dry heat]

As an owner of an insurance brokerage here in the states and having sold over 700 mexico insurance policies I can tell you this much...

1. there are 4 major insurance carriers that sell insurance policies in Mexico (GE and AIG being two of them)

2. liability insurance is required in Mexico, your US policy is useless in Mexico

3. Agencies in Mexico should be selling the insurance coverage from one of the four "major" players in Mexican insurance. purchase only from a carrier that you have heard of (national brand).

4. If you purchase collision coverage on your vehicle make sure that it provides US labor rates. Often times after an accident once the adjuster has seen the vehicle you can then repair the vehicle in the US if the vehicle can be driven back.

5. Most policies will not provide for comprehensive coverage (ie. vandalism or theft). If you purchase collision coverage make sure to base the value of your vehicle on the low blue book value.

6. It is often times easier to purchase a policy online rather than at an agency in Mexico (especially if you are worried about corruption on your policy) it has happened where the agency will keep money and not send it in to the carrier, however this has also happens here in the states- the big difference though is the US carrier has to cover your policy even if the agent or agency committed fraud in taking your money and not sending in the payment. You can print youru policy right from home.

7. It is much much cheaper to purchase an annual or semi-annual policy rather than a day to day policy.

8. Online you can often have more control over the coverages since you can see the carrier and the unique coverage each may offer.

9. Most offer some time of basic medical emergency policy with the purchase of an auto policy.

[Ladyjeeper]

That was a joke, Cactus. Well then, how do I get Mexican insurance that will pay for bringing the Jeep home and fixing it here? I can't afford to fix it, that's why I buy insurance.

[Submarine]

2. liability insurance is required in Mexico, your US policy is useless in Mexico


Mexican liability insurance is required but some Arizona agencies are insuring you into Mexico (so to be legal you need double coverage). Liberty Mutual is one, I think Allstate is another. Usually there is a mileage limitation which just happens to cover RP. I'd rather deal with fixing my vehicle when I got home and use my towing and rental car coverage than bother with any hassle in Mexico.

[rockyptjoe]

Cactusamigo....some of your info is not entirely correct....

I went thru an accident about 2 years ago.....I got hold of the "adjuster" the day of the accident.....although it took me 2 days to get everything straightened out and get his "release". This included seeing the Mexican magistrate to adjudicate who was at fault (the Mexican driver), and to get my vehicle out of the police impound (yeah, it was impounded, even though I had Mexican insurance). After I got home (my vehicle was driveable after some minor fender pulling and some use of duct tape!!!), everything else was handled in the US....the Mexican company used a firm in the US to handle the claim....they sent out an adjuster to evaluate the damage, to the US body shop where the vehicle was. The check was issued by a US firm that got the money from the Mexican company.....so there were no "multiple trips" to Mexico that were required.

[rockyptjoe]

2. liability insurance is required in Mexico, your US policy is useless in Mexico


Mexican liability insurance is required but some Arizona agencies are insuring you into Mexico (so to be legal you need double coverage). Liberty Mutual is one, I think Allstate is another. Usually there is a mileage limitation which just happens to cover RP. I'd rather deal with fixing my vehicle when I got home and use my towing and rental car coverage than bother with any hassle in Mexico.

I resemble that remark about dodge vehicles (made in mexico)!!! :twisted: :lol:

But, I would check your policy very carefully....the ones that I know that cover you into Mexico have a 60 mile limitation. I would check my mileage very carefully....you know darn well that if the insurance company can get out of paying, they will....even if the mileage is 60.1 miles!!!!

[dry heat]

The very few companies that will provide any coverage into mexico has to do with the collision coverage of your policy not the liability portion. If you are involved in an accident within 25 or 50 miles from the border your policy may cover your collision portion (ie. your vehicle). However the loophole is you have to contact your agent and let them know you are taking the vehicle into mexico ahead of time (I know strange but two of the companies I know of require this). In any case relying on your US policy for the 25 or 50 mile radius if you happen to get into an accident in Sonoyta is the least of your problems if you do not have mexico insurance.

Only a Mexico policy will provide civil liability insurance, which covers you in case you cause injury or damage while you’re there.

[BeachMom]

Here is my experience with Mexican insurnace AND a claim in a nutshell:

We bought the insurance through Ajo Insurance Co. (Seguro Atlas). Full coverage (liability, comp. and collision)


- Leaving RP we were side-swiped on Calle 13 by a local. (No injuries, just PO'd!!)
*** on edit: no licence, no insurance for the local. He wanted to leave, but we woudn't let him. lol
- We called the police first, then the claims adjuster (as instruced on the policy).
- The police came first and the adjuster about 10 minutes later as he lives in RP.
- The police asked questions and took a report.
- The police took the poor guy who hit us off to "who knows where".
- The adjuster gave us his report, plus the police report and advised us to get two estimates in the states and submit them to the insurance comany.
- We did this and received a check 6 weeks later for the average of the two estimates. ($3500.00).

We've used Ajo Insurance ever since! If something happens, we know exactly what to expect and the service was excellent. Food for thought.

[Submarine]

They measure mileage in a radius from the port of entry, not your odometer; so RP is included.
Liberty Mutual told me over the phone that they do not require a call prior to taking to the trip but if I find my policy I'll read it over and see if there is anything different in writing. They said the full policy applies for 62 miles. I specifically asked about this when I was changing companies back in December and I have received no modifications to my policy in writing since that time.
But as I stated before Dry Heat, you need Mex ins also in Mexico.
So just to be clear, again, you need Mexican insurance in Mexico.
Wait, let me restate that, you need Mexican Liability Insurance in Mexico.
Oh one more time? You need Mexican Liability Insurance in Mexico.

But nice to see you conceded that you posted misinformation on #2 of your post; owning a brokerage and all.

[dry heat]

when there are over 140 us insurance carriers and less than 4 will provide any type of collision coverage for a limited amount of mileage into mexico, then yes most us policies are useless in mexico, unless we are talking about the 1% that may cover you.

so get off the computer and get my package bro. chop, chop.

[Submarine]

You never said "most" and I'm not anyones "bro".

If you want 1500 packages delivered maybe we could arrange something but I don't do single packages anymore. Do you still have your custodian stuff from LVSD? I need my bathrooms cleaned. Even trade?

[Kenny]

[There are basically two types of Mexican insurance for comprehensive coverage. One where you can bring the car back to the states to fix and one that only lets you fix it in Mexico and of course the one where you can bring it back into the states is more expensive. Something to consider is the deductible, most are $500 American. That means with the cheaper policy you have to have about 5,000 in pesos worth of damage for them to even work on it. On the other hand on a positive note, if it's stolen you will be compensated or if its damaged more than 5,000 in pesos, it can be fixed in Mexico. I found this out last October when I had my little mishap down by Santo Tomas. My agent drove down from Cobra after my call and met us at the police dept in a matter of hours and it all went very professionally with no problems at all. ABA_GMAC is the agency and I buy online. I have others to choose from as well on this site. http://mexican-auto-insurance.com/ See Beachmoms post, she obviously had the more expensive policy where you can get your car fixed in the states.. Yes it can go that smoothly.

The other party and myself doing the paper work with a couple of shady looking Americans lurking in the background.
[attachment=1:36poidpe]Santo Tomas-100.jpg[/attachment:36poidpe]
$25 fine




Kenny

[jerry]

You never said "most" and I'm not anyones "bro".

If you want 1500 packages delivered maybe we could arrange something but I don't do single packages anymore. Do you still have your custodian stuff from LVSD? I need my bathrooms cleaned. Even trade?

Sounds like neither of you elitists values real work.Who cares if Sub will be working for DHL (after McCain sells out the american package delivery companies) and who cares if dryheat was a janitor(must has heisted a lot of toilet paper in his day) you guys always have to get mean rather than just making your point. Both of you have good information sometimes.

[BeachMom]

You never said "most" and I'm not anyones "bro".

If you want 1500 packages delivered maybe we could arrange something but I don't do single packages anymore. Do you still have your custodian stuff from LVSD? I need my bathrooms cleaned. Even trade?

Sounds like neither of you elitists values real work.Who cares if Sub will be working for DHL (after McCain sells out the american package delivery companies) and who cares if dryheat was a janitor(must has heisted a lot of toilet paper in his day) you guys always have to get mean rather than just making your point. Both of you have good information sometimes.

Yup... the whole thread went to $hit didn't it?

[dry heat]

Do you still have your custodian stuff from LVSD? I need my bathrooms cleaned. Even trade?

What the hell does LVSD stand for?
LVSD Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
LVSD Ligonier Valley School District (Ligonier, Pennsylvania)
LVSD Low Voltage Switchgear Device


Actually talking about getting bathrooms cleaned, one of my maids lives in your city of Tempe, probably has a nicer home than you. So I would not knock custodial work. If you want to go for a round of drinks you should come up to my countryclub at whisper rock in n. scottsdale. I don't know if I can get you a can of beer though, would a bottle work? maybe you can trade it in after using it for some cans?

[azbeachboy]

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/azbeachman/popcorn1.gif

[Submarine]

LOL Ok so I was too lazy to look up the actual school district.


Wow I owe you a huge apology there Tom.

It's kind of tough these days to get accurate information over the phone.

I realize Liberty Mutual isn't all that huge of a player in the Insurance industry, probably too small for you to bother with since they are only the sixth largest in the nation.

So I'm sure they don't exactly hire very qualified people to open up new policies over the phone.

I spent over an hour with this guy last December and that was just doing my auto policy. Homeowners would require a second call so I've never gotten around to that.

But he was a nice enough fellow, going over my needs and reducing my costs where he could so overall it was an enjoyable experience.

However he wasn't very up-to-date as far as the Mexico coverage, and thats where I need to clarify.

You see, I dug deep in the Sub Files and found my policy. Man those things can be pretty dry reading but I guess it's necessary.

Too often I guess we find out the hard way what our policies cover and don't cover. That's usually the way it goes huh?

So I do appreciate you bringing up this thread even if I wasn't quite accurate the first time around. A little knowledge can go a long way, don't you agree?

According to my policy, specifically the Mexico Extension Endorsement (Arizona):


The coverage applying to your covered auto" under Parts A,B,C, and D and Underinsured Motorists Coverage of this policy also applies to acccidents and losses while the automobile is in the Republic of Mexico, but not more than 75 miles from the United States border. This coverage is subject to the following provisions:

1.Insurance applies only if, at the time of accident or loss, the automobile has not been in the Republic of Mexico more than 10 consecutive days.

2. We have no obligation to defend any suit and the Supplementary Payments provisions of Part A and the Transportation Expense provision of Part D do not apply

3. In addition to the applicable limit of liability, we will pay (a) expenses you incur for first aid to others at the time of an accident for bodily injury covered by this policy and (b) reasonable expenses, except loss of earnings, you incur at our request.

4. No settlement of any claim or suit will obligate us under this endorsement without our written consent.

5. Except for the Medical Payments Coverage, this insurance shall be excess over any other collectible insurance available to you as an insured under a policy applying to the automobile or otherwise. The Medical Payments Coverage shall be excess over any other collectible automobile medical payments insurance.

6. If a loss to "your covered auto" requires repair or replacement while the automobile is in Mexico, the most we will pay is the cost of the repair or replacement at the nearest point in the United States where it can be made.

So basically full coverage except for Part A supplemental which relates to bail bonds and Transportation costs which is $10/day $300max. Then you use Liberty Mutual as secondary insurer (first would be your Mex auto insurance or Trip insurance) so that's another reason to just get Mexican liability unless their coverage is better and cheaper.

10 days and 75 miles, not a bad deal.

[Submarine]

Actually talking about getting bathrooms cleaned, one of my maids lives in your city of Tempe, probably has a nicer home than you. So I would not knock custodial work. If you want to go for a round of drinks you should come up to my countryclub at whisper rock in n. scottsdale. I don't know if I can get you a can of beer though, would a bottle work? maybe you can trade it in after using it for some cans?

LMAO
Dry Heat is now known as Judge Smails.

Save that beer there Smails. You'll need it to buy some class.

:fish: y :fish: y :fish: y

[dry heat]

sub who the hell is tom, have you forgotten our long relationship of making fun of people? My school was corona del sol (the nice tempe school, he he). went there right before mt point opened up. it's jimmy not tom.

I actually use a company that is a member of the liberty mutual group (colorado casualty) and I was ready to post the info tomorrow morning that you just dug up so that saved me some work. Liberty mutual just purchased Safeco and the Ohio group so they will definately grow in size quickly.

[Stuart]

Y'all take this <WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP><WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP><WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP><WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP> way too seriously.

http://members.cox.net/sburnett22/ArgueTard.jpg

[rockyptjoe]

Y'all take this <WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP><WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP><WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP><WASH MY MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP> way too seriously.

http://members.cox.net/sburnett22/ArgueTard.jpg
Stuart, YOU will also take it seriously....if you have an accident in Mexico....have your vehicle impounded, even though you have insurance, and the accident was not your fault (under age, unlicensed driver hits you)....and you wind up spending a couple of days getting things starightened out.

[Stuart]

The "seriously" part had to do with how you all continue to rag on one another like a bunch of retards, NOT the importance of having insurance! Durrrrrrrrrrr.

You are indeed a moron if you go into Mexico without it.

As for "Who's the Best?" It's like the difference between driving a Ford and Chevy. If you have it, from a reputable provider, and have decent coverages amounts, you'll be covered. As for the inconvenience, is it any less convenient to have an accident here in the US? Not really. Yes, your car may be impounded, your fault or not. That's just the way it is in Mexico. If you choose to drive there, then you choose to take that chance and the extra inconvenience that goes with it. Doesn't make a damn bit of difference what insurance you have - until the adjuster shows up and proves you're covered to the heffe (your fault or not), you're just as screwed as the rest of us would be. There is no Magical Get Out Of Jail Free Card when it comes to having an accident in Mexico.

[azbeachboy]

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/azbeachman/popcorn2.gif

[dry heat]

The "seriously" part had to do with how you all continue to rag on one another like a bunch of retards, NOT the importance of having insurance! Durrrrrrrrrrr.

Hey dumb dumb, neither one of us is taking this sh*t seriously. it's all good fun, that is why you see neither of us hung up and/or exhasperated on some of these topics. If anything it is good entertainment. For example last night as I was having a hard time pushing out a turd I decided to reply to my buddy sub and it helped.

Good thing this isn't the old forum! And please try to get your HTML tags correct. Thank-you. The Management.

[attachment=0:2fbwkogz]delete_button.jpg[/attachment:2fbwkogz]

[rockyptjoe]

The "seriously" part had to do with how you all continue to rag on one another like a bunch of retards, NOT the importance of having insurance! Durrrrrrrrrrr.quote]

Hey dumb dumb, neither one of us is taking this sh*t seriously. it's all good fun, that is why you see neither of us hung up and/or exhasperated on some of these topics. If anything it is good entertainment. For example last night as I was having a hard time pushing out a turd I decided to reply to my buddy sub and it helped.
If you're having a hard time pushing out those turds....you ain't eatin' enough Mexican food!!!

[Ladyjeeper]

:o :shock: :eek3: :roll:

[Submarine]

Glad I could help!

Corona? That explains a lot. Did that mold get to ya then?

[rockyptjoe]

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/azbeachman/popcorn2.gif

[joester]

maybe because I'm used to dealing with AAA, but we have all of our policies with them -
3 trucks, one rv and our homeowners policies. for our 1991 class C, it costs about $10/day when I buy the insurance on line for a trip to Mexico. The policy is the GE policy - so far (knocking on wood as I type), no claims to report. I have not looked to see how far south coverage goes -
it may not have covered us on our trip to Las Dunas, I'll look into it before our next trip for sure.
Good reading from all your experiences - thanks for the posts.

[Kenny]

Speaking of Las Dunas Joe, maybe you can make the next Corvina :fish: hunt?

Kenny

[joester]

Kenny -
when might the next corvina hunt be? looks like late October is the earliest we can get down south, and not even sure about that yet. Thanksgiving is booked, but I can't wait that long to get back to the beaches.....

[Kenny]

I'm not sure yet but we're shooting for October again. :sunny:

Kenny

[bahiatrader]

I've found it more economical to buy my auto insurance annually In Rocky Point. If I let the policy lapse, I just buy a $15.00 one-day policy at the border and renew my policy when I get to town. It took me almost a year to collect on a collision policy once. Esta Mexico The land of mañana.

[rockyptjoe]

The one time I had an auto accident down there...I didn't have the type of policy that paid at US labor rates. The US company that did represent the Mexican insurance company had negotiated labor rates that were better then the Mexican rates (I think they paid at $44/hr).....but the service was quick, and even when additional damage was discovered, they covered it quickly with a "supplemental". I recall that I got the payment thru the American company at about the same time as my truck was ready at the body shop....somewhere around 2-3 weeks.

[PitiquitoRosy]

Ah, just when you all thought you had settled the insurance issue, along comes a real Mexican insurance agent to answer all questions. I read each post carefully (I am a bit obsessive about such things) and realized how many misconceptions there are about Mexican insurance. So, humor me and let's revive this topic, folks!

[Jim]

OK Here is one for you. I live here now but keep an address in Tucson and have my vehicles tagged in Arizona. I know that you can buy Arizona liability insurance here MUCH cheaper than you can in the States. If I buy an annual liability policy here, does the carrier have an ADOT number and will MVD accept it as valid to renew my tags or will they site me for no insurance and made me get the SR3 (or whatever it is called) insurance? I will need to renew my tags in a month or so.

[PitiquitoRosy]

OK Here is one for you. I live here now but keep an address in Tucson and have my vehicles tagged in Arizona. I know that you can buy Arizona liability insurance here MUCH cheaper than you can in the States. If I buy an annual liability policy here, does the carrier have an ADOT number and will MVD accept it as valid to renew my tags or will they site me for no insurance and made me get the SR3 (or whatever it is called) insurance? I will need to renew my tags in a month or so.

No Mexican insurance agent can sell you a policy (just liability or otherwise) for the States if the vehicle is registered in the U.S. We can sell tourist policies for Mexican vehicles traveling to the States, but are restricted because we aren't U.S. licensed for insurance. Lots of people who live here with American cars are in the same situation, not wanting to pay the higher rates for U.S. insurance.

[tyler]

Interesting..

[Jeff]

:boat:

[El Feo]

OK Here is one for you. I live here now but keep an address in Tucson and have my vehicles tagged in Arizona. I know that you can buy Arizona liability insurance here MUCH cheaper than you can in the States. If I buy an annual liability policy here, does the carrier have an ADOT number and will MVD accept it as valid to renew my tags or will they site me for no insurance and made me get the SR3 (or whatever it is called) insurance? I will need to renew my tags in a month or so.

I've been down this road. For me this issue was intertwined with vehicle importation. You can own and drive a Mexican titled and registered vehicle as a non-citizen. I thought this might be a way to avoid expensive US insurance. If you import the vehicle, you only need Mex insurance, then day coverage when you cross. The last I knew, you could import a vehicle in one of two categories, a Frontier car or a National car. Vehicles at least 5 years old can be imported as a frontier car, which vehicles are restricted to regular use in the frontier zone and with a special permit for a limited number of days a year used outside the zone. Vehicles have had to be at least 10 years old to import as a National vehicle but last year ONLY 1998 vehicles were allowed to be imported in this category. The laws for importation have been modified as part of the NAFTA business and I have read that in 10 years you will be able to import any vehicle. The last time I checked, 6 months ago or so, no one knew which vehicles could be imported in 2009.

These issues arise when you live here and want a newer vehicle that you cannot import legally (Less than 5 years old) and or don't want to pay the large price of a new vehicle here or just don't want to pay the $800 or so to import a vehicle that can be imported,

You can keep your AZ plates active and legal with no insurance if you certify (don't recall the form name) that the vehicle is kept out of the country. Of course you cannot legally drive it across the border, but you have no problems in Mexico, you have a current and valid registration. This is one way to get around the importation problems with newer vehicles and avoiding the high cost of buying in Mexico. I keep 2 vehicles, one with AZ insurance and Mex Ins. and the other only Mexican Ins, both are registered and titled in AZ. I cross only with the AZ insured vehicle of course, but have cut insurance expenses in about half.

Up until a couple of months ago Portugal was selling what was represented as a day policiy for US registered vehicles, effective only in the US. I would buy the number of days I was across. They no longer offer what may have in fact not been a policy at all :lol: :lol:

[cactusamigo]

Rosy: Your statement: "No Mexican insurance agent can sell you a policy (just liability or otherwise) for the States if the vehicle is registered in the U.S." is VERY important for Americans living in Mexico with vehicles registered in the U.S. A few years back I was not aware of this fact. My vehicles had Arizona registrations, and I had filed "deinsured" affidavits with AZ, since the vehicles were located out of the state. This is necessary if ones desires to maintain current AZ registration for a vehicle that is not located in and will not be driven in AZ.

Desiring to drive my vehicle across the border into AZ, I purchased a six month liability policy from Portugal. It wasn't until sometime later that I found out that the policy I purchased was worthless. Fortunately, I returned to Mexico without incident. Should I have had an incident, I would have been in deep trouble with the state, and all my assets would have been at risk. Liability insurance in AZ is valid only if issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in AZ.

[PitiquitoRosy]

I understand completely. I started my business almost 2 years ago after a 30-yr real estate career. The preparation and education took two years, so it was 4 yrs ago that I began the transition. The girls who work for me are bilingual and probably better at actually writing the policies than I am (they are certainly faster at the typewriter).

What the hell good is it knowing my business if I don't use it to help my clients? I won't knock my competitors (in public), but I will say that the day I pay a claim from my own account...well, it just ain't gonna happen.

Most of my clients were friends beforehand or they become friends after they buy. Kinda like the old-fashioned way of doing business. It suits me.