Tag Archives: Mexican Tourist Auto Policy

Ready Lanes users cross faster into the United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has undertaken a new directive to better direct the thousands of vehicles that use the four major ports of entry along the El Paso, Cd. Juarez.

This will allow the thousands who commute the opportunity to greatly reduce their wait time on the bridge. Anyone who has “parked” on the bridge can well attest, that this newest procedure may well be the best idea to come along since the tortilla.

For more, in depth information, please visit the El Paso Times at;

http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2015/10/29/cbp-educate-commuters-use-ready-lanes/74654252/

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 via our easy and simple apps via your PC, tablet, or Cell Phone! 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

Rules for bringing Prescription (Rx) Meds from Mexico

medications
The spiraling costs of prescription medication in the U.S. lures many a U.S. citizen into Mexico for “cheap prescriptions”. U.S. Customs does not have specific statistics, but it is safe to say that millions of prescriptions are filled for U.S. citizens, and then illegally brought into the U.S.

Many people think that Mexico is lax in their control and laws regarding medications, including controlled substances. Many think all they have to do is visit a border pharmacy and request what ever medication it is they want. To use an old saying, “Nothing could be further from the truth”.

Mexico’s laws governing prescription drugs or medications is similar to that of the U.S. A prescription from a licensed (federally registered doctor) is required for controlled medications. If you do not do so , it is a serious crime for you and the seller, including pharmacists. AND, by law, Mexican pharmacies do not honor foreign written prescriptions.

Popular controlled medications in the U.S. such as Demerol, Ambian, Vicodin, and their generic equivalents, are not sold over the counter, and must be prescribed by a Mexican physician. If you are able to procure one of these controlled substances without the required prescription by a Federally registered M.D., the Mexican authorities can arrest you and the seller for sale and possession of a controlled substance. WARNING, you could land in a Mexican prison from 10 months to 15 years. Don’t think your American Embassy is going to bend over backwards to assist you either, contrary to thoughts of many. They will contact your kin, give you a few blankets and some vitamins, and then say “adios”. You are now at the mercy of the Mexican judicial system. Mordida, or the “bite” (bribery) does NOT ensure your release in Mexico, as many U.S. citizens have come to find out.

If you are wondering which medications are considered controlled in Mexico, you can find out by visiting the Mexican web site, cofepris.gob.mx, for a list of both generic and brand named medications.

If you are wondering what you must provide the Customs Inspectors at the Port of Entry, you will need to provide a U.S. prescription used to purchase your medication in Mexico. There is a very helpful web site for U.S. Customs and Border Protection that you can use for bringing in medications from Mexico at: www.cbp.gov

We hope this information and web links help. 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

What are the Time Zones in Mexico?

One of the considerations and requirements of living on the U.S. Mexican border has to be understanding the Time Zones and how they affect both countries. Especially if you do business or commute to work from one side of the border to the other.

I have been involved in the International Insurance industry since 1989, specializing in Mexico, which makes it doubly important to know the Time Zones in Mexico. Additionally, living in El Paso Texas, we are the only major city in the State of Texas that is on the Mountain Time Zone and not the Central Time Zone. We need to know these zones because we deal with numerous offices, agencies, and of course customers throughout Mexico, including Mexico City.

There are three (3) Time Zones in Mexico as compared to the U.S. four (4) time zones in the continental U.S. The majority population lives in Mexico City and Merida locals, and is the same time as our Central Time Zone in the U.S.

The next time zone begins North of Puerto Vallarta, but does not include Puerto Vallarta. It does include the very popular Mazatlan, and Baja Sur (Sur meaning South). This area represents a major play ground for Americans and Canadians, especially those who enjoy the warmth of the beautiful Pacific and Sea of Cortez. Major cities in this Time Zone are Loreto, La Paz and the extremely popular Los Cabos.

Closer to home, our home, is the State of Chihuahua and includes the city of Chihuahua, as well as Ciudad Juarez, that sits next to El Paso Texas. This large area, usually described as the Texas of Mexico, is located in the Mountain Time Zone (one hour between U.S. Central and Pacific Time Zones)

Baja Norte (North) uses the same time as California, Pacific Time, while the entire State of Sonora (located in Northern Mexico, directly East of Baja Norte and bordering Arizona) does not participate in changing their clocks at any time during the year.

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!

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

When do I need a Vehicle Permit to travel into Mexico?

Technically, it is referred to as a Temporary Import Permit, but from here forward, will be referred to as Vehicle Permit. You are temporarily importing the vehicle into the Republic of Mexico, for your personal use when traveling into the interior of mainland Mexico.

There is NO need for a Vehicle Permit if you are traveling anywhere in Baja California.
NO Vehicle Permit is needed if traveling to what is referred to as the “Frontera” or immediate border that contacts Mexico to the U.S mainland of Mexico (NOT Baja California) This area generally covers all mainland Mexican border cities and towns, such as Cd. Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoras, customarily up to 26 kilometers…You only need a Vehicle Permit along the Frontera if your stay is going to be longer than 72 consecutive hours.

You will need a Vehicle Permit when traveling into the interior of mainland Mexico, generally just outside of each Mexican border city, heading into the interior of mainland Mexico. Left click your mouse onto the Map of Mexico below. Note: This is informational only, and subject to change, as everything is. It is your responsibility to verify requirements prior to your trip.

WARNING: if you proceed past the last Port of Entry outside of the Free Zone or Frontera, as mentioned above or denoted on the map, without applying and acquiring the Vehicle Permit, your vehicle will be subject to confiscation, which is NOT a covered condition on your Mexican Tourist Auto Policy.

Vehicle Permit Expirations are determined by the type of visit you are making in Mexico. As a tourist/visitor to Mexico, they are good for up to 180 days. It is important that you know when your Permit is scheduled to expire, and that you not be in the mainland interior of Mexico with an expired permit. You are also required, by Mexican law, to turn in your Vehicle Permit prior to its expiration date, and prior to reentering the U.S. You can do this at any Port of Entry while exiting Mexico, but the Port that issued your Permit is best. Failure to follow this requirement could lead to fines, revocation of the importation bond you purchased when getting your Vehicle Permit, and quite probably a huge inconvenience if you ever visit the interior of Mexico in the future. Advice: DON”T DO IT!

If you leave Mexico to reenter the U.S. prior to your Permits expiration with plans to reenter Mexico in the future, you (the owner) should stop at the Aduana (Banjercito) offices at the border to request a permit to exit and return multiple times, or have Aduana remove the import-sticker. Most people accustomed to frequenting Mexico do not do this, as it is an inconvenience. However, and I saw this on another blog, and it is correct, if your permitted vehicle is stolen, totaled, or sold while in the U.S. then you have lost the opportunity to properly turn in your Mexico Vehicle Permit, and brother, you are already in the system! Your Bond is forfeited, and your right to import another future vehicle is jeopardized and possibly permanently terminated.

All countries have their sovereign laws, and some might seem quirky, or unnecessary. The primary reason(s) behind Mexico’s vehicle laws is because for years hundreds of thousands of U.S. Registered vehicles were sold illegally in Mexico without the proper importation duties and taxes paid. This is how they combat that…

We are here to assist, advise, council, and educate our friends who travel, and not just sell them a piece of paper.

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!

Thanksgiving travel is up! Go to Mexico!

Not just in U.S., but Mexico too!

According to AAA, predicts 43 million Americans will travel over 50 miles from their home this year. That is up by only o.7% over last year, as personal income remains tight.

Out of New York, a leading Travel Agency, CheapOair, announced it’s top 10 International and National destinations. Leading the International destination, as usual, Cancun garners top spot from the Northeast part of the U.S. I am sure a few people suffering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy would love to be able to kick back for a few days in a place that does not resemble a war zone.

AAA also states that due to the drop in gas prices, it is still cheaper to drive the family during this holiday than to fly. Thanks to a an average decline of 35 cents per gallon since last month.

We didn’t receive any concrete numbers for vehicle travel from the U.S. and Canada to Mexico, but it always remains one of the busiest travel times for Mexican Ex Pats to visit family and friends.

If you want to know what is needed when traveling to Mexico by car, please visit banjercito, to see what documents, and permits will be needed. Stick to the Mexican Toll Roads for faster and more reliable road conditions.

Other items needed:

1. Vehicle Title or Registration (if still making car payments, you will need a “Letter of Permission” from the Lien Holder.), we can help.

2. Valid U.S. Passport

3. A Valid U.S. issued Credit Card (Debit Cards will be debited a dollar amount according to the year of your vehicle)

4. A Mexican Tourist Auto Policy underwritten by a Mexican Insurance Co. Though your U.S. Auto Insurer may say you have coverage, Mexican authorities do not recognize it!

5. Very Important! Don’t forget to turn in your Vehicle Permit when you EXIT Mexico!

Beautiful Puerto Penasco, Mazatlan, and all of Baja are just a few hours away from most of the U.S. Southwestern States for those who just want to relax and enjoy the sun.

For those visiting family, your loved ones can’t wait to see you!

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 can happen when you do not have Mexico Auto insurance

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!