Question: I want to purchase full coverage for my vehicle. Why is my quote for liability only.
Answer: There are a few potential reasons why you can only purchase a liability only Mexican car insurance quote. Baja Bound's FAQ says it does not offer full coverage on vehicles or motorhomes over 25 years old (call them), and does not cover vehicles from Mexico, racing or off-road use, or commercial use. Check the eligibility rules on the quote you are looking at.
Question: If we are involved in an accident, what do we do?
Answer: If you are in an accident, immediately call the number listed on the face of your policy. An adjuster will be immediately assigned and come to the scene to help with next steps. Baja Bound's FAQ says claims must be filed in Mexico before returning to the U.S. DO NOT under any circumstance leave the scene and report the accident later.
Question: Do I need to carry the policy with me?
Answer: Keep a copy of your policy in the insured vehicle whenever you drive it.
Question: How do I know the insurance I am buying is from a reputable company?
Answer: All of our carriers have a A+ or better rating from AM Best, who rates insurance companies. All three companies are also owned by much larger, global insurance companies. You can find additional information on each company here:
- ABA
- El Aguila
- GNP
Question: What is the fixed deductible option on some policies?
Answer: Deductibles vary by policy. Check the deductible on your quote so you are not surprised by an unexpected large deductible in the event of a loss.
Question: In the event of a loss, how is the value of my vehicle determined?
Answer: Insurance companies use the NADA Guide to determine the value of the vehicle based on the Actual Cash Value. (ACV)
Question: Are claims paid in Mexican Pesos or US Dollars?
Answer: Baja Bound says its companies pay claims based on U.S./Canadian repair rates and in U.S. dollars whenever possible (Baja Bound FAQ).
Question: How can I get a quote for Mexican auto insurance?
Answer: SmartGringo links to Baja Bound, which quotes and sells the policy. You can get a quote online here.
Question: What cannot be covered?
Answer: Exclusions are set by each policy, so read the exclusions section before you buy. Baja Bound's FAQ lists what it cannot cover: vehicles from Mexico, drivers with Mexican licences, racing or off-road use, vehicles not on conventional roads (the beach, for example), and commercial use. Things to check on the wording of the policy you are looking at:
- Whether off-road use or racing is excluded
- Whether commercial use is excluded
- What happens to a claim if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Whether personal items in the vehicle are covered
Question: What are Medical Payments?
Answer: Medical payments on your policy means that the driver and passengers of the insured vehicle will receive medical coverage if they are in an accident; Baja Bound's auto page lists it as a coverage. Limits can vary depending on your policy.
Question: What if I did not add another driver on the policy when it was issued?
Answer: Baja Bound's FAQ says other drivers are covered if they hold a valid licence, and there is no need to list them; it also says drivers with Mexican licences are not covered. Check the driver terms on your policy.
Question: Can I get coverage on items I am towing?
Answer: Declare anything you tow when you quote, and ask Baja Bound how to add a trailer. Also ask whether a self propelled vehicle like a boat, motorcycle, ATV, etc., needs its own policy to be covered.
Question: Can I cancel my policy?
Answer: Yes. Refunds will be credited to the credit card you used when you purchased the policy. Check the cancellation and refund terms on your policy before you buy; they say whether a policy can be cancelled and how any refund is made. Baja Bound's FAQ says that once a policy is active, changes may be made by speaking with one of its agents.
Question: Can I bring a leased vehicle into Mexico and can I get insurance coverage for it?
Answer: Ask your lessor whether the lease allows the car to be driven into Mexico, and declare the lessor on the policy application if the form asks for it. The Consulate General of Mexico in Montreal lists lease or credit papers among the documents for a temporary vehicle import permit; for the full list, see what you need before you drive into Mexico.
Question: If I am in an accident, do I have to have repairs done in Mexico or can I bring it back to the States for repair?
Answer: As long as your vehicle is in safe driving condition, you can choose to have your vehicle repaired in the States, however you must make your claim at the time of the accident and not when you return home to the States. Baja Bound's FAQ says claims must be filed in Mexico before returning to the U.S.
Question: What if my personal items are stolen from my vehicle, like my cell phone?
Answer: Check whether personal items are covered under the temporary Mexican auto insurance policy you are looking at, and whether your homeowners or renters insurance policy covers them instead.
Taking your own car? Get your policy online.