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SunFan

Nov 4, 2011, 1:53 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1394 views)

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Driving to Mexico.

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I've read the forum posts and used Roly's valuable site and believe I have a plan. Can you give me a reality Check?

My wife and I are driving from Toronto in mid-December. We hope to skip between snow storms. She has a great small Acura with low mileage that would work well Lakeside.

We have our FM2s and a rental in Chula Vista Norte.

Here's what I propose to do. Am I on the right track?

1. Arrange Mexican car insurance on the web in advance. I understand its desirable to have a policy with a local agent in case of an accident. Any recommendations for a good company?

2. At the Mexican customs and immigration station register the car. How can I make sure I'm recognized as a second driver?

3. I understand we can continue to use our Canadian drivers licenses until they expire and can continue to use the Canadian vehicle license plates as long as our visas are current.

4 At some point apply for Mexican drivers licenses and switch to Mexican plates. I'm aware of the car insurance rate differences and the possible tendency to be a target with non Jalisco plates. When should this be done - ASAP or stretch it out as long as possible?

Your advice would be most appreciated.

George

Rolly

Nov 4, 2011, 2:07 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1388 views)

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Re: [SunFan] Driving to Mexico.

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2. At the Mexican customs and immigration station register the car. How can I make sure I'm recognized as a second driver?
Customs (Aduana) automatically recognizes all family members as authorized drivers. You should read Article 106. Second drivers are a matter to be discussed with your insurance agent.

4 At some point apply for Mexican drivers licenses and switch to Mexican plates. I'm aware of the car insurance rate differences and the possible tendency to be a target with non Jalisco plates. When should this be done - ASAP or stretch it out as long as possible?
A Mexican driver's license is a good idea. Nationalizing the car so you can have Mexican plates is another matter. A very expensive one that is probably not worth the hassle and costs. Read more here.

Rolly Pirate

Rolly

Nov 4, 2011, 2:46 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1364 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Driving to Mexico.

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For insurance of all types in the Ajijic area, the consensus seems to Jesus Tejeda who reps AXA Insurance.
jtejeda17@hotmail.com. Cell 33-3667-0449.
Enter his name in the search function to find glowing praise of this guy

Rolly Pirate

RickS

Nov 4, 2011, 7:14 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1323 views)

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Re: [SunFan] Driving to Mexico.

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"1. Arrange Mexican car insurance on the web in advance. I understand its desirable to have a policy with a local agent in case of an accident. Any recommendations for a good company?"

It's my understanding that Jesus Tejeda of Ajijic does not sell to anyone who does not live in the area. If this is so, just go online and get a 6-month policy and when you are in Ajijic and ready, consider Tejeda.

Many people on this forum recommend one of the following insurance companies. Assuming you are familiar with what coverage you should consider. All are easy to use:

Lewis & Lewis broker : http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com/

Bob Acosta/San Xavier Insurance: http://www.mexican-autoinsurance.com/

Mexican Insurance Store: http://mexicaninsurancestore.com/

Adventure Mexican Insurance Company: http://www.mexadventure.com/...mynqwCFYYAQAodKwkN_Q

SunFan

Nov 8, 2011, 4:22 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1205 views)

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Re: [RickS] Driving to Mexico.

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Jesus Tejada sent me a great quote with two options. Liability at $50,000 or $100,000. The premium difference is $175 USD over a base price of $525/year.

I suspect I have something to learn here. I believe it's called a learning moment. LOL

I currently carry $2,000,000 PL/PD liability in Toronto. The basic policy is one million and it's just a few bucks a year to double that coverage.

Is $50,000 adequate? Should I go for $100,000 or more?

Advice please.

George

YucaLandia

Nov 8, 2011, 5:21 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1195 views)

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Re: [SunFan] Driving to Mexico.

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Depends if you are ok with sitting in detention (for days? with no food & no bottled water?).

If the other people in the accident make more $$ in initial claims, then you sit in jail indefinitely until a financial agreement is worked out. Think: "Totaled" Porsche Cayenne MSRP $46,700 - $104,800 USD, and some injuries...

Even parties driving less snazzy cars think of large damage requests when they see NOB plates. One local guy on a moto recently demanded $1,000,000 pesos, and the expat sat in jail for 3 days until things were settled.
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Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

RickS

Nov 8, 2011, 8:11 PM

Post #7 of 9 (1162 views)

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Re: [SunFan] Driving to Mexico.

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Although Mexico is less 'sue-happy', $50,000 seems to be a bit low for my comfort. I just today got a 6-month policy and chose $300,000 CSL (Combined Single Limit) Liability. I would not get less than $100,000 but that's just me. I would also remind you that some quotes cover only "Total Theft" which does not protect one, in Mexico, from such things as vandalism and partial theft. I personally always make sure I have coverage for the latter, which is sometimes referred to as the "Elite Package".

And this is also 'just me', but I would go online and get a couple of more quotes..... say from Lewis & Lewis and San Xavier.... just to make sure Jesus Tejada's quote was not out of line. There is sometimes quite a bit of difference between quotes and the online process is very easy. Both of these brokers have been in business for a very long time and one should be able to trust their products and reputation.

Also, some (all?) companies use 'ranges' for the car valuation, such that a $ quote is the same within that range. For example one range might be $15,001 to $20,000 so that you will get the same $ quote whether you value your car at $15,200 or $19,750. Now it is NOT this valuation that the insurance company will use in case of total theft. But for sure if you put only $15,200 on your policy (thinking you might be saving money on the policy) and your car would have actually been 'worth' more (say, $18500), you can bet you won't get more than $15,200. So put the highest valuation 'within the range' while not going over the actual Blue Book value of your vehicle. Also it is smart to have some documentation (proof) of the exact model and options on your vehicle and maybe even some pictures of said. Because without this, and in the event of total theft, you will have nothing to keep the insurance company 'honest' when they start valuing your vehicle. Obviously it would be important to keep this 'documentation' somewhere other than in the glove compartment of the (now stolen) vehicle :>)

YucaLandia

Nov 8, 2011, 8:48 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1156 views)

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Re: [RickS] Driving to Mexico.

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Unfortunately, with the number of big Beamers, massive Mercedes, and pushy Porsches on the road, it does not take a lawsuit happy event or culture to create a situation where the simple replacement costs and simple medical costs exceed a $50,000 USD liability limit policy. $1 million pesos of various types of liability protection - including $1 milliion pesos in fiscal protection to keep the driver out of detention - seems minimally prudent. This protection costs us under $2,000 pesos per vehicle for annual coverage.
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E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Nov 8, 2011, 8:49 PM)

SunFan

Nov 10, 2011, 11:22 AM

Post #9 of 9 (1073 views)

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Re: [SunFan] Driving to Mexico.

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Many thanks for excellent advice.

I'm now trying to analyze 5 different quotes! I'm sure the folks who create all the cell phone plans must have started out in business creating insurance policies.

Hasta pronto

Jorge