Category Archives: Insurance

All About Insurance

Vamonos de compras o de viaje

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Puente Cordoba Americas

Bridge Cordoba Americas


Ya llego el fin de semana y aprovechamos para salir a dar la vuelta y visitar lugares cercanos y otros no tanto. En México celebramos el 5 de Febrero día en que se promulgó la Constitución Mexicana. Dado a esto tendremos un puente de días de descanso a partir de mañana hasta el día lunes.

Para los que vivimos en frontera aprovechamos para ir de compras o viajar a lugares cercanos u otros algo más alejados, ya sea para visitar a la familia o simplemente por placer, conocer lugares nuevos y tomar un merecido descanso de nuestra jornada laboral.

Sea cualesquiera el motivo de nuestra visita a la unión americana, no nos debe faltar el seguro de responsabilidad civil (RC) ó comúnmente conocido como daños a terceros.

Así como revisamos que nuestros vehículos estén en buenas condiciones mecánicas al viajar, que no nos vaya a dejar tirados en la carretera o en la calle, así también debemos procurar ir siempre protegidos con nuestro seguro RC. Es una tranquilidad enorme el saber que ante cualquier accidente de auto, nos evitaremos muchos problemas y malos ratos.

Por nuestro bienestar y el de nuestros prójimos, debemos de ser siempre responsables de hacernos cargo de todo los daños que pudiéramos ocasionar a terceras personas.

Debemos de dejar a un lado nuestro egoísmo y pensar más en los demás y en los nuestros. Tenemos la mentalidad de que cuesta muy caro el tener un seguro de RC para los Estados Unidos, no nos detenemos a pensar en todo aquello que nos evitamos al estar protegidos con un seguro de RC.

Por lo general, cuando sufrimos algún percance automotriz y carecemos de un seguro es cuando nos damos cuenta de lo valioso que es contar con uno.

Muchos seguros incluso nos ofrecen asistencia en la carretera y hasta grúa en caso de una descompostura.

Seamos ciudadanos buenos, responsables de nuestros actos y asegurémonos de ir bien protegidos con un seguro de responsabilidad civil. Recordando que no son tan caros si pensamos en todo los beneficios que obtenemos en caso de necesitarlo, lo cual esperemos que no se necesiten y sea como un botiquín que siempre tenemos a la mano en caso de una eventualidad.

Que tengan un buen fin de semana y a disfrutarlo.

Esperamos que éste articulo le haya servido! Por favor llamenos sin compromiso para cualquier duda que usted tenga sobre los Seguros para Estados Unidos de Responsabilidad Civil.

Nosotros solo trabajamos con Agencias de Seguros para Estados Unidos que cuentan con licencias legalmente en el pais y que están autorizadas.

Llamenos al 001-915-591-8279 ó mandenos un Email a ici@mxici.com ó visite nuestra página mxici.com para comprar un seguro. Le agradecemos su preferencia!

Does my U.S. auto insurance cover me in Mexico?

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NO. Mexico does not recognize U.S. 3rd Party Liability coverage on any policy other than on a valid Mexican Insurance policy, underwritten by an authorized Mexican insurance company.

YES. For the Physical Damage (Collision & Theft) coverage IF your U.S. auto insurance policy covers it in the U.S. AND it contains a Border Endorsement. This generally occurs if you live at or near the U.S. Mexican border. This only applies to the Physical Damage coverage to your vehicle while in Mexico. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 3rd PARTY LIABILITY MENTIONED ABOVE, WHICH IS REQUIRED TO OPERATE YOUR VEHICLE IN MEXICO. FYI, 3rd Party or Public Liability coverage is for “injury or property damage you cause the other guy”…This coverage is a standard moral and financial requirement in the U.S. as well as Mexico.

IMPORTANT: Your U.S. insurance agent may not completely understand this Endorsement, especially if you are domiciled away from the U.S. / Mexican border. Some U.S. insurance companies provide the Endorsement, only with the requirement of your purchasing the Mexican 3rd Party Liability policy through a Mexican insurance company. Some may not have this requirement. Yet others might provide various degrees to range of territory (25 kilometers, 100 kilometers, or all of Mexico) or limited time requirements for travel in Mexico. In any case, you should know that, at the very least, Mexican authorities will typically require restitution on the spot (by law) if you do not possess a Mexican Tourist Auto policy. If you do not have the monies ($$$) on your person to pay for the damage, or injuries you have caused a 3rd party, including your own passengers, then you are subject to being detained, and your vehicle confiscated until all fines, fees, and damages are paid.

If you are relying upon your U.S. insurance companies Border Endorsement for Physical Damage to your vehicle, they require YOU to tow the vehicle back to the U.S. for repairs. Tough to do even near the border, and tougher (and more $$$) if you are in the interior! For a few bucks a day, it is just not worth it…

Conclusion: Do not rely upon your U.S. auto insurance in Mexico, have peace of mind while enjoying your Mexico travels by purchasing a Mexico Tourist Auto insurance company from a reputable Agent and insurance company.

Now go enjoy your adventure! If you have any questions, please feel free to call or E Mail.

For all of your Mexico Auto, Homeowners, Motorcycles, Boats and International Health Insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

What do you do if you have an auto accident in Mexico?

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Auto accident in Mexico

First, if passengers or drivers are injured, seek medical attention.

If your vehicle has been stolen, hopefully you would have taken a picture or record your V.I.N. and License Plate on your phone. Also make certain you include your Mexican Tourist Auto policy #, if any, and the Claims Center phone # for the policy. Many times people leave all their important paperwork, passport, vehicle title or registration, in the car and it takes an inordinate amount of time reconstructing or retrieving that paperwork. Best just to put it all in your phone, and save a copy of each important document at home so the information can be easily transferred to you no matter where you are.

If you have a Mexican Tourist auto policy, contact your Mexican Insurance Companies Claim Center. Most Claims Centers use Mexican Toll Free #’s which typically cannot be dialed with a U.S. cell phone, so you might have to use a land line. Be prepared to provide them your:

Name
Policy #
Exact Location (if uncertain, ask someone)

Do NOT enter into any kind of agreement with a 3rd party. That is, anyone whom you have damaged or injured in the accident.

If you do not have a Mexican Tourist auto policy and are depending on your own U.S. auto insurance policy then one of two things could occur. Remember, Mexican law requires immediate financial restitution to a damaged or injured 3rd party.

1. Mexico does NOT recognize U.S. auto policies 3rd party liability coverages. That particular coverage must be written by a legally licensed and authorized Mexican insurance company. Consequently, there is a high probability that you will still be held accountable if you do not posses this type of policy.

2. If you don’t have a Mexican Tourist Auto policy, you might be asked to make immediate financial restitution to the damaged 3rd party. The authorities typically negotiate with them, and you will have to pay them on the spot. At times, the 3rd party, who understands the system, might seek financial restitution from you prior to the authorities arriving. If the authorities do show up and you are required to pay the 3rd party and you don’t have monies to do so, will usually impound your vehicle, and possibly bring you before a Magistrate.

Once, on a flight home from San Antonio, rode with a Bodily Injury Adjuster for a major U.S. (national) auto personal lines insurance company. We shared stories, and when I asked exactly what occurs when one of their U.S. policies has a claim in Mexico, he chuckled and said “nothing”! We are not allowed to cross into Mexico to work…period. When I asked how they adjusted the claim, he said they processed the claim once the insured got themselves, and their vehicle back to the U.S. Absolutely worthless, so know what you have. Most U.S. insurance companies possessing this endorsement, will advise you get additional 3rd party liability coverage for Mexico.

For the least amount of resistance, purchase a 3rd party liability policy issued by a Mexican insurance company, very inexpensive, especially as compared to the scenario above.

If your vehicle is valued high enough to warrant physical damage (i.e. Collision and Theft) it can be purchased for a few more dollars. Finance companies, if your still making payments on your vehicle, require this coverage. If you have a U.S. full coverage (Collision & Theft included) insurance policy that contains a “Border Endorsement”, you should have this coverage, as long as the insured event takes place along the frontera, generally within 26 kilometers of the U.S. border. Many U.S. insurance companies do not have this provision, and those that do, have guidelines that practically make them worthless. FYI, get it in writing.

Follow the instructions provided by your Claims Center or Adjuster. Always ask them to provide you a Claim #, and if an Adjuster arrives, be certain to request their Business Card and a copy of the Claims Report. If they cannot get to you in a reasonable amount of time, due to your location or other factors such as Holidays, or heavy traffic, then you might receive permission to drive the vehicle, if it is safe to do so, and if not, they will probably send a tow truck (grua) to your location.

If, and this is very rare, you are in a serious accident where injuries or possibly a total loss of yours or anothers vehicle, you might have to go before a Magistrate. This is not common, as Mexico does not want to hinder tourist travel, or generate bad publicity, due to the economic impact tourists generate. However, on occasion, and due to their laws, they might hold you in a Magistrates office until the case is settled. Most Mexican insurance companies, not all, provide legal assistance for this scenario.

What have we learned.

1. Make copies and document all of your important paperwork on cell or at home
2. Do not rely on a U.S. Insurance Companies, Border Endorsement
3. At least purchase a 3rd party liability policy from a legally licensed and authorized Mexican company.
4. If needed or warranted, purchase Full Coverage, that includes Theft and Collision and Legal Assistance, which will also include the needed 3rd party liability coverage
5. Report your claim prior to exiting Mexico
6. Lastly, follow the instructions provided by the Claims Center or Adjuster

Have a safe trip, and if we can assist you with answers to your questions, please feel free to call or E mail us!

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at mxici.com to issue your own policy. We appreciate your business!

What’s the difference between Travel Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, and Medical Evacuation?

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In most cases, each product contains some of the functions of the other product(s).

For example, many Travel Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance plans contain provisions that might seem to over lap. Both generally (but not always) provide emergency transportation, via ground ambulance, and some cases Air Ambulance. The difference between these and an actual Air Ambulance Service is that the previous mentioned plans usually guarantee transportation to the “nearest” medical facility (hospital/clinic) while the Air Ambulance guarantees transportation to the nearest medical facility, and then back home to your “Home Hospital” in the country where you are from. Huge difference! (Note: Most Air Ambulance services are not insurance, and thus not guaranteed! In addition, service is not available worldwide but many provide service in all of North America, including Mexico, as well as the Caribbean)

Travel Insurance generally insures your financial investment in your trip. Such as the cost of lost luggage, cancelled flights, or the non-refundable loss of tour costs associated with a cancellation due to an acute onset of a medical condition, injury or death, but it may not cover costs of medical attention needed abroad.

Travel Medical Insurance covers costs of needed medical attention when traveling abroad. Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside of the U.S. Medicare and Medicaid is also not provided or accepted outside of the U.S. This coverage is generally available by the day, week, month or year, and is usually (dependent upon age) very reasonable in costs from about $3.00 USD$ a day, and less if 30 days or more is purchased.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

Will my U.S. Health Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, and Medical Evacuation cover me in Mexico?

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The following was taken from the Dept. of State regarding some of the medical risks and payment for services of foreign travel.

“Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000.

The Dept of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policies apply over seas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health care costs outside of the U.S. unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for Medical services outside the U.S

If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.”

For a few dollars a day, you can protect yourself from any unforeseen medical expenses. Go to our web site below, and click on the caduceus for the very best international health and accident plans.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

Does your U.S. Auto Insurance cover you in Mexico?

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YES, and NO. It depends upon the scenario encountered. For example…

It depends entirely upon what type of coverage you have and what State your policy is issued.

For instance, in the State of Texas, which obviously borders Mexico, there is what is commonly referred to as a “Border Endorsement” to your Texas Auto Policy.

This particular endorsement, however has some serious restrictions and limits.

Currently, the Texas Dept of Insurance provides some very limited information as to what your Texas Auto policy will cover. Everything, and I mean everything written in this publication does not address whether your policy will or not cover you in Mexico. It is ambiguous at best, and misleading in some respects.

Read below:
*Driving in Other States, Canada, and Mexico
A Texas automobile insurance policy usually meets the financial responsibility requirements of other U.S. states and Canada. Mexico, however, does not recognize U.S. auto liability policies.

Mexican authorities can hold drivers criminally and financially responsible for any auto accidents they cause. If you’re in an accident that results in an injury, police may detain you until they determine who is at fault. You will have to show that you either have insurance recognized by the Mexican government or the financial ability to pay any judgment against you.

Some U.S. companies provide a free endorsement extending your policy’s coverage to infrequent trips of up to 10 days and as far as 25 miles into Mexico. You can buy coverage for longer stays, but it is usually valid only within 25 miles of the border. In addition, these endorsements might not meet Mexican legal requirements.

You may be able to buy a Mexico “tourist” endorsement for your U.S. policy. This endorsement extends your liability coverage to pay costs exceeding a Mexican liability policy’s limits. It covers trips of any distance and any length of time. Ask your agent which endorsements your insurance company offers.

The aforementioned was taken directly from the Texas Dept of Insurance Web Site for Auto Publications.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR Email us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

What can happen when you do not have Mexico Auto insurance

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Whether you can purchase your Liability coverage through your Texas auto policy to cover you in Mexico is a moot point.

It clearly states that Mexico does NOT recognize U.S Auto Liability policies. Subsequently, it doesn’t matter whether you have the Endorsement or not. Why the Texas Dept of Insurance even prints this disclosure is beyond me…

I recently had a person call my office to seek our help and assistance in respect to an accident he had while recently in Cd. Juarez. I had previously insured this gentleman with a Mexico Tourist Auto policy, but unfortunately he was under the impression that his Texas Auto Policy would suffice. Yes, he did have the Border Endorsement as described in the Texas Dept of Insurance (TDI) publication, however when he presented it to the authorities at the scene of the accident they told him “ call your adjuster or agent and have them arrive to make immediate restitution ($) to the 3rd party” (the person whom he collided).

That’s right, immediate, because according to their law, Mexico only recognizes two things when property damage or medical costs are attributed to the offender. This was on a late Thursday afternoon. And when he called he was desperate. Having neither a Mexican Tourist Auto policy, nor the money needed to pay the 3rd party (approximately $ 1,500 USD$)

With my experience and contacts developed over the years, I did what I could to help him. Unfortunately, insurance offices were closed. He had to visit the Juarez Hilton for the night.

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR E mail us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!

If I have Mexico Insurance, does it keep me out of jail

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Yes, and No! Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance is NOT a “get out of jail free” card, in light of most peoples impressions. Many insurance agents neglect or flat leave out that possibility, even after purchasing their Mexico insurance.

In Mexico, a car accident is or can be considered a criminal offense, and not a civil offense as is common in the U.S. and Canada. If you injure someone, and they end up in the hospital, (even yourself, as ridiculous as that sounds) then that is generally when the authorities get involved. Granted, their involvement is also determined by the seriousness of the injuries to everyone involved.

Consequently, if injuries are serious, or even fatal, then there is the likelihood you will end up before a Magistrate (a Judge) who determines the Mexican courts course of action. Many Mexico Tourist Auto policies provide for Legal Representation (as ours does) and the payment of Bail Bonds just for this reason.

It is very, very, rare for someone to be held in jail if they posses a valid Mexico Tourist Auto policy, OR enough US currency to address the payment for all fines, medical care etc. After all, the Mexican Gov’t, especially now, wants to encourage as much travel in Mexico as possible, especially to the well known tourist destinations. Putting tourists in jail for minor traffic accidents will not help their cause.

Lack of authorized Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, fatalities, severe injuries, and drinking and driving are but a very few of the ways you can make your way to a Mexican jail. In many respects, much like the U.S.

Check out our site at www.mxici.com . If you have any questions feel free to E Mail us at ici@mxici.com . Or simply call us at 1-800-434-3966. We appreciate your business.

How do I obtain a Vehicle Permit for Mexico.

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1. First, you must provide an original Vehicle Title or Registered Receipt.

2. If your vehicle is being financed, leased, rented, or is a company car, you must provide a notarized “Letter of Permission” from the owner (Lien Holder) on their respective companies letterhead. Most institutions are well aware of what is needed. If not, let us know and we will provide further details.

3. You must provide a VALID Drivers License with photo of applicant. Note: they do NOT accept Mexican Drivers Licenses. Must be foreign to Mexico.

4. Pay a “Importation Fee” of $ 48.84 USD. The fee can be purchased, at same price, at Mexican Consulate, Online, or while crossing at border.

We recommend you purchase your Vehicle Permit on the link below. The English tab is on the upper right side of their site.

www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/

This will save you time, and help you to become an informed traveler.

5. A “Guarantee Deposit” for the return of the vehicle to the US, will be applied to all vehicles. The amount of the guarantee will be determined by the year of the vehicle.

The guarantee will be refunded upon cancellation of the permit at Banjercito offices, prior to the expiration date of the permit. The refund will be made in the same form as the deposit was made, i.e. Credit Card, or Debit Card. HINT: Do not allow the Card you used to purchase the “Permit” expire, as it could hinder you from receiving your refund! After all, this is bureaucracy at its best!

a. 2007 – newer $400.00 USD$

b. 2001 – 2006 $300.00 USD$

c. 2000 – older $200.00 USD$

6. If the vehicle is not returned to the US prior to the expiration date of
the permit or the permit is not cancelled upon exiting Mexico, the guarantee deposit will be forfeited.

NOTE: NO VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT IS NECESSARY TO DRIVE IN THE ENTIRE BAJA PENINSULA OR ROCKY POINT.

We recommend you begin the registration process through the Banjercito link from 10-14 days prior to your departure. Happy travels!

For all of your Mexico Auto and International health insurance needs, please
call us at 1-800-434-3966 OR E mail us at ici@mxici.com or visit us at www.mxici.com We appreciate your business!