Tag Archives: Mexican Insurance

Green Angels, Angels of Mercy

Hello to all fun loving adventurers to Mexico!

Included today maybe the most valuable item yet in our blog, information on the Green Angels, sponsored by the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico.

For tourists experiencing a mechanical breakdown, these guys and the services they provide may well be better than a Spring Break fiesta. They do not charge for their service, only parts, and any oil or gas needed to get you on your way. They advertise bilingual mechanics, but you may run into the one, or two, or however many, that may not be bilingual, at least in English! Nonetheless, when these guys show up, you will be glad they did. Oh, before I forget, tips are welcomed, though not mandatory. Don’t be a cheap tourist…

Enjoy a brief video of an actual Green Angel patrol extending their hand to a tourist experiencing a break down. We have all been there, but it is amazingly different when it is in another country. Probably more so, when breaking down in the Republic of Mexico! The video is about 6:00 + minutes, and you can basically skip to about the 1:45 mark to see the Green Angels do their thing.

Below is a link to the service area map for the Green Angels. In addition, you can also visit other programs for info from the Secretary of Tourism in Mexico.

service map

If you are still starved for more Angel info, click here for further information on the history and work they perform.

more info

Have a wonderful time, and remember, for all of your Mexico Tourist 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

Will my Arizona personal auto policy provide coverage if I drive my vehicle into Mexico?

As with most if not all border States to Mexico, each instructs you to at least purchase 3rd party liability (that is $ for the other guy if you are at fault in an accident) from a valid Mexico insurance company. FYI, they are not all the same. For the State of Arizona, the following is published for the benefit of their citizenry who wish to drive their Arizona registered vehicle into Mexico. A very valid reason as one of the most popular destinations in Mexico is just across their border…Puerto Penasco, or Rocky Point as it is commonly known.

Will my Arizona personal auto policy provide coverage if I drive my vehicle into Mexico?

“Mexican law requires that you purchase separate liability coverage from a Mexican insurer before operating your vehicle in Mexico. Your Arizona personal auto policy may provide some limited coverage on a limited basis (within 25-50 miles of the Mexican border), but this coverage does not meet the insurance requirements of the Republic of Mexico. Failure to purchase proper Mexican liability insurance may result in many hours in a Mexican jail or a heavy fine if you are involved in an accident while operating your vehicle in Mexico.”

Obviously, the answer is, YES, Mexico does require 3rd party liability from a recognized Mexican insurance company, and no, your personal auto insurance written in Arizona is not recognized in the country of Mexico. For a few dollars a day, you can purchase not only the liability insurance, but one that also comes with a large number of other covered items and benefits, such as Travel Assistance, Legal Assistance, Towing, Medical Payments, etc… All are determined by their insurance companies “Terms & Conditions”.

So don’t wait. Go and enjoy all the good things our neighbors to the South can offer. Fine dining, and not so fine dining. 4 star hotels and no star hotels. Beautiful beaches and, well, you get the picture. Lest we forget, ALL for very little dinero!

For all of your Mexico Tourist 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

Will my New Mexico Auto insurance policy cover me in Mexico?

Rather than bore you with a narrative of what I know after 32 years in the insurance business, I will just let this actual text from the New Mexico Department of Insurance answer this question:

” Will my New Mexico personal auto policy provide coverage if I drive my vehicle into Mexico?

Mexican law requires that you purchase separate liability coverage from a Mexican insurer before operating your vehicle in Mexico. Your New Mexico personal auto policy may provide some limited coverage on a limited basis (within 25-50 miles of the Mexican border); however, this coverage does not meet the insurance requirements of the Republic of Mexico. Failure to purchase proper Mexican liability insurance may result in many hours in a Mexican jail or a heavy fine if you are involved in an accident while operating your vehicle in Mexico. Check with your company or agent to determine the coverage available under your specific policy.”

After having personally assisted someone who relied upon their own personal auto policy, I know. Having to find this out, after the fact, is not very wise, but rather stupid. When for a few bucks a day, you can purchase 3rd party liability insurance which can certainly help, and won’t hurt.

Anyone who has family, friends, or even work in Mexico, can benefit from our knowledge, and certainly our insurance products for both sides of the border. We insure U.S. residents or citizens traveling to Mexico, and we can insure Mexico Residents or citizens traveling into the U.S.

So call us, write us, even fax us, for the finest service from the best insurance companies with the most competitive prices!

For all of your Mexico Tourist 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

New Liability Rules in Mexico.

This past year, something occurred in the Mexican legal system that boggles the mind.

Going from a laisser-faire attitude about its own citizens and their driving without insurance, to now requiring sometimes huge limits for 3rd party liability in certain Mexican states. Most times, Mexican Nationals, when they don’t have a liability policy from a Mexican insurance company, will just bolt or flee. Mexican law is not lax in handling those responsible for causing the accident. The “at fault” driver typically has their vehicle impounded, or if there is injury, then the owner or driver of the at fault car is jailed or held until brought before a Magistrate.

These limits are not just geared to U.S. drivers in Mexico, but also are the standard for Mexican citizens and their own personal cars.

Don’t forget that many people will drive over one state line to another, just like in the U.S., but unlike the U.S., your Mexico auto or tourist auto insurance will NOT adjust itself to the required minimum 3rd party liability limits of an adjoining state. If you are not familiar with this term, 3rd party liability, it means injuries you may cause another person, a 3rd party, not you or one of your passengers.

In addition, most visitors to Mexico, whether Paisanos or just tourists, don’t realize that most Mexican vehicles are valued close to double that of an American car, even if the same year , and model. The reason for that is the IVA, like a sales tax the Mexican Gov’t charges. This generally increases the value of the car. What does this mean to you? It means to replace a Mexican car that you have damaged, or totaled is generally significantly more than a U.S. or Canadian registered vehicle. If you don’t have enough coverage in your policies 3rd party liability limits, then you are responsible ($) for the difference.

Don’t rely on cheap insurance when in Mexico, and certainly don’t rely on some vanilla web site or even your local insurance agent who sells this on the side, when you can speak or E mail those with years of experience in this industry and get the correct answers. We are here to help you. It is what we do, it is what we are paid to do, and we are adamant about being knowledgeable about our products, and our experiences in dealing with Mexico.

To see what the actual limits for liability are for each Mexican State, go to this link. We hope this helps you become a knowledgeable consumer. Click here for posted liability limits.

We hope this helps you in your Mexico travels. If you have any questions concerning this or anything else regarding travel into Mexico. Please let us know, we will do our best to assist you.

For all of your Mexico Tourist 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

Is Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance cheap?

Mexico Tourist auto insurance, like most stateside auto insurers, is regulated by a Federal Insurance Commission. Consequently, rates for Mexico Tourist Auto insurance is submitted, and approved by this Commission. The same regulatory procedures that occur in most, if not all, U.S. states.

Whether the insurance is cheap is determined by what type and kind of insurance you want or need to have. There are currently 19 insurance companies that operate in Mexico that offer this type of insurance. Out of those, there are only six Mexican insurance companies that write at least 5% of the market share or above. The meaning there is that this market represents a small % of the over all insurance market in Mexico. Through my many conversations with numerous administrators and managers, most became involved in this market in order to generate U.S.D. (currency). They all, however, play a major role in the tourism industry, as they provide a product that allows their closest Northern neighbor access to beaches and time shares in the comfort of their own cars.

Rates or costs are determined by the type of insurance you want or need to purchase. For instance, if you want, or if your Lien Holder (who you make auto loan payments) wants you to have physical damage on your car, like theft and collision, then the rate is determined by the value of your car. Most if not all Mexican Tourist auto policies are written on what is called a ACV, or Actual Cash Value basis, and not a Stated Amount policy, where you can just name what ever value you think your car is worth, and then think that the insurance company is just going to fork over that amount…good luck.

Since a very large percentage of vehicle loans in the U.S. are what is called underwater (loan amount over the value of the vehicle), it is important to understand that the Mexican Tourist Auto policy will pay the ACV (up to the insured amount) only, as generally determined by Kelly Blue Book, or N.A.D.A. (National Automobile Dealers Association) appraisal book. Unfortunately, and this is the fault of the financial institutions that make these loans, they want the insured amount of the financed car to show at least the balance of the loan amount. Doesn’t make sense, due to the fact the insurance company will only pay up to the ACV. Another ridiculous requirement involves Ex Pats (U.S. Citizens living in Mexico) who still make U.S. car loan payments, but their financial institution requires they carry U.S. full coverage auto insurance when the insurance doesn’t even provide coverage in Mexico.

The cheapest insurance rate is for the 3rd party liability coverage, which is the only required coverage needed in Mexico. That coverage is for the “other guy”. It pays for any bodily injury or physical damage to their car, that you have caused. It is similar to that which most, if not all, U.S. states require when operating a motor vehicle in the U.S. Those rates generally start at around $ 4.00 a day for the lowest liability limits. NOTE: recently, each Mexican State determined it’s own minimum liability limits, which range from close to $5,000 U.S.D.$ to $540,000 U.S.D.$…that’s right, in U.S. Dollars! You can see the exact requirements for each Mexican State by clicking on this link, and go to the State you are traveling to. Please also note that you might be crossing from one State to another, and thus encounter differing liability limits.

The great thing about the design and cost of Mexican Tourist Automobile policies is that you can choose the limits and coverages you want, and you can purchase them by the day, six months or annual plans. Whether a policy is cheap is strictly determined by your wants and needs. Just like Flo on TV, you can name your price or adjust your costs by what coverages you choose. Never, EVER, mistake an insurance product as significant as this to be based solely on if it is “cheep”, but rather the value you can receive from it. Like, if it offers Guaranteed Bail Bond and Legal Assistance, which is a stand alone feature of some policies, and not on others. In Mexico, Mexico Tourist Auto insurance does not provide for legal representation, unless it is specified as a coverage on the declarations page. Very important, because Mexico follows Napoleonic law, your guilty UNTIL proved innocent.

For all of your Mexico Tourist 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!

So you think your covered with your U.S. insurance in Mexico?

Unfortunately many people believe this myth. Again unfortunately, it is because most of our U.S. insurance companies giving credence to this belief by implying their Mexico Border Endorsement provides coverage in Mexico. It “might” for physical damage (damage to YOUR vehicle) but NOT for the 3rd party liability exposures you encounter in Mexico.

First, a brief explanation. Automobile insurance is broken down to specific parts or types of coverage. 3rd Party Liability is the part of your auto insurance that provides monterary compensation to “others” that you have either injured or caused property damage to. It is not for you, it is your fiscal responsibility to pay a 3rd party when you are at fault in an covered accident. Just a brief note about Mexico and their 3rd Party Liability requirements, click here for the latest information regarding those limits. Special note: Your destination may entail driving through various Mexican States. It is wise to at least purchase the States highest 3rd party liability limits that you travel.

Mexico’s vehicle laws are implemented differently than those in the U.S., and require payment at the time of the accident, OR, you must posses a valid Mexico Tourist Auto policy from a Mexican insurance company. The authorities will negotiate with the Mexican insurance companies Claims Department, or Adjusters.

So your U.S. auto insurance is not applicable when in an accident in Mexico. Restitution is immediately required, and trust me, your U.S. insurance company is not going to send their U.S. Adjuster to Mexico to ajudicate your claim. Therefor, you will be required to pay out of your back pocket the damages or repair costs to the 3rd party on the spot, OR, they may impound your vehicle until restitution is made, OR, they could, and this is extremely rare, incarcerate you until restitution is made.

You may say, but my policy says I am covered, and I am an American! GOOD LUCK with that gem of a statement as your vehicle is impounded while you go back to the U.S. to get $ for this claim. OR, you can speak to your U.S. insurer, who will happily explain to you “NO problem” just bring us a copy of all the police reports and tow or drive your vehicle back to the U.S. and we will gladly pay your claim! There are numerous other scenarios where this can just only get worse, but I am not about to dissuade you from traveling to Mexico, just be wise and purchase your Mexican Tourist Auto policy prior to leaving the U.S. Inexpensive and very simple…

Another thought. I have recently pursued and have made avialable on line, the Mexico Border Endorsments from Nationwide (Texas) and Allstate (Texas). They are vague at best without specific coverage definitions, and also realistically convey that their coverage is not recognized in Mexico. Why they make it part of the policy, I will never know.

To view these documents, click on the following:

Nationwide (Texas) Mexico Border Endorsment

Allstate (Texas) Mexico Border Endorsment

We hope this helps with any questions or concerns you have about your U.S. Auto insurance and the implications that could arise if you depend solely upon that as your proof of insurance in Mexico.

For all of your Mexico Tourist 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!

 

 

 

Ya se siente la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014

Brasil-2014Al recorrer las calles de la ciudad veo cada vez a más niños y jóvenes jugando en la calle o en el parque con un balón de futbol soccer. Se empieza a llenar el ambiente de una vibra futbolera que nos aparta de lo cotidiano y nos sumerge en un mundo de pasión en el deporte.

Y aunque estamos a casi un año de que se lleve a cabo la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Brasil 2014 que será la XX edición de la Copa Mundial de Fútbol, ya se sienten las ganas de disfrutar en familia o con los amigos de esos partidos emocionantes entre cada país calificado.

Undated handout image of the official 2014 World Cup mascot, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo (the Tolypeutes tricinctus)

Esta será la segunda vez que se realiza este evento en Brasil después de la  Copa Mundial de Fútbol de 1950, entre el 24 de junio y el 16 de julio y fue la primera edición del torneo después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, resultando la selección Uruguaya campeona en aquel mundial.

El balón oficial de la Copa Mundial de 2014, ha sido bautizado con el nombre de Adidas Brazuca. Con el término “brazuca”, los brasileños definen el orgullo nacional de su forma de ser, que se refleja en la manera cómo viven el fútbol; simboliza la emoción, el orgullo y la buena voluntad de todos.

A los que somos aficionados al futbol la espera para que inicie el próximo mundial tal vez es larga pero cuando menos lo imaginamos ya estaremos a la vuelta de la esquina vislumbrando la inauguración y los partidos se nos hacen tan cortos que se nos pasa muy rápido el mundial para cuando ya estamos pensando en del 2018.

El próximo año cuando de inicio la Copa Mundial de Fútbol, alejémonos de lo cotidiano y tratemos de disfrutar de cada partido aunque no juegue nuestro equipo favorito, mientras comemos, en el taller u oficina (si es posible 🙂 ), con los amigos, ya que el deporte nos ayuda a pasar un momento agradable y sano, alejándonos por un momento de los problemas cotidianos.

argentina-vs-brazil-2010-world-cup-qualifier

Si usted es uno de los afortunados que tendrán la oportunidad de viajar y estar en persona disfrutando de cada partido en vivo, nosotros le ofrecemos una gran gama de servicios de seguros para que disfrute al máximo y viaje con tranquilidad.

Siempre que salgo con mi familia de viaje ya sea por negocio o vacaciones, en lo primero que pienso es en un seguro para el auto y máxime si es un país extranjero el cual no conozco, en donde las leyes y los sistemas de salud son distintos al mío. Procuro comprar también un seguro de salud que proteja a mi familia en caso de que alguno se enferme y no andar preocupado por los gastos médicos que nos pueden hacer pasar un mal rato y que nuestras vacaciones no sean lo que esperábamos.

Ofrecemos planes de salud y gastos médicos internacionales muy económicos así como seguros vehiculares para todo México, Centro y Sudamérica.

Estamos a sus órdenes y les deseamos que si a usted le gusta el futbol soccer tanto como a nosotros, disfrute de los partidos que puedan ver, y que gane el mejor. Y ojalá nos de la sorpresa un país que nunca haya ganado la copa.

Insurance Consultants International
mxici.com

SPRING BREAK Travel Destinations

Yes, it’s that time again. SPRING BREAK!!! Put down the books, gas up your car and head out to to visit family, or spend time with your new found school buddies. Let’s not forget our teachers and profs, as they to look forward to probably spending some quiet time without having to deal with you needy students…

Here are some travel destinations to consider. For many in the Midwest and Southwest the closest salt water and beautiful beaches are located in Puerto Penasco, or as many refer to it, Rocky Point. A beautiful village located on the Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, in the Northern part of Mexico in the State of Sonora. Getting there is easy. Head to Tuscon and take a left or right dependent upon what part of the country you are coming from on I-10.

It is a Free Zone, so border crossing is easy, and inexpensive. You do not require a vehicle permit, however you will be required to provide the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security or Customs a “Valid Passport” on your return Stateside. Have a valid Drivers License, if driving, and make certain that you do NOT wander outside of the Free Zone. Failure to observe street signs and ending up out side of the Free Zone could cost you mucho dinero or pesos if you will. It’s against Mexico’s Federal Law to operate a foreign plated vehicle without a vehicle permit outside of the Free Zone. The Hotels are awesome, food and drink plentiful. If you are going dancing or clubbing, crowds are packed into most venues.

Another popular gathering spot is in Texas, South Padre islands. Obviously you do not need to posses vehicle permits here, but if you are curious about Mexico, head over to Matamoros. You can walk or drive across. If you drive, just make sure you have Mexico Tourist Auto insurance, which we can help you with that. Mexico to satisfy your curiosity about Mexico, make sure you bring along your Passport again. If driving you do not need a vehicle permit here, as it is located on what is called the “frontera”, however if you intend on going deeper into Mexico, then you would have to purchase a vehicle permit. In ALL circumstances, you MUST cancel or turn in your Mexico Vehicle Permit upon exiting Mexico. Failure to do so could cost you time, $$$, and a lot of frustration.

Another awesome Spring Break destination is Cancun, Mexico. One of my favorite places. Clear water, awesome food, and fantastic weather. A bit pricier, especially for college students, but well worth it if your parents or you can afford it. For older, say more mature travelers, this time of year is generally not great in Cancun. Unless of course you don’t mind the noise, and watching people throwing up. I’d pick any other time to go to Cancun. I’d pick any other time to go to any of these destinations, if you are a seasoned traveler.

You will still need a U.S. passport, though driving to Cancun can be an adventure, most people will want to fly. You will also require a Visa that is provided by your airline.

We can provide you with Mexico Tourist Auto insurance and Int’l Health & Accident if your destination is Mexico or anywhere else outside of the continental U.S. Laws in Mexico differ substantially than the U.S. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to call or contact us via E Mail or this blog.

Stay safe, have fun, and watch out for each other. You want fond memories, not bad ones!

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!

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

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?

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!