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How To Buy Mexican Auto Insurance Using This Little Known Technique.

October 11th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Learn Why Your Current Auto And Medical Plans Are Not Enough

Mexico consistently ranks amongst the top ten destinations for travelers. Its tropical resorts and mountain retreats offer a range of activities from shopping to adventure sports. It also creates the right circumstances for accidents and injuries.

According to the Department of State, the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, many American visitors assume the standards of security and safety are the same as they are in the U.S. These presumptions have lead not only to serous injuries, but even deaths. Compounded by differences in Mexican law, accidents and medical emergencies can become a costly and bureaucratic nightmare. As a result, the Department of State urges citizens to take responsibility for their safety, and to also ensure that they have the auto and medical insurance needed.

Driving and Mexican Law

Mexico?s law is based on Napoleonic Code where guilt is assumed over innocence. As a result, all drivers must have a Mexican insurance policy from a company authorized to do business in Mexico to cover damages or injuries.

?U.S liability insurance is simply not valid in Mexico,? says Linden Gray, Director of the http://MexicanInsuranceStore.com. ?That even includes most of the major U.S. collision and comprehensive coverage plans.?

In addition to the required Mexican auto insurance, you should also consider a plan that covers legal aid and bond fees.

?In Mexico, it is considered a felony to have a traffic accident, says Gray. ?While the police are investigating who is at fault, your vehicle may be impounded and you will be detained by Mexican authorities.?

The Department of State further warns U.S. travelers that they can be prevented from leaving the country even if ?life-saving medical care? is required.

Emergency Medical Services

Mexico has a free national health care system; however, visitors are not entitled to this service. Tourists can only receive medical treatment and medications from private clinics and hospitals. Gray?s company strongly urges customers to check their medical insurance company to confirm whether their policy applies in Mexico and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Surprisingly, most Mexican auto insurance plans will only help you find a facility, and may only cover up to four passengers. Many medical assistance plans only cover portions of the cost depending on location, activity or cause of injury. For those with the Social Security Medicare Program, costs for hospital or medical care outside the United States are not covered at all.

?It?s important to fill the gaps and exclusions that your auto and medical insurances have,? says Gray. ?In addition to Mexican auto insurance, travelers should add an emergency medical assistance option because most health plans exclude medical evacuation in foreign countries.?

Gray recommends a plan like Assist America which is used by the American Medical Association and the American Red Cross. This type of plan provides services such as emergency medical evacuations, critical care monitoring, and guaranteed hospital admission.

Selecting A Plan

The easiest and quickest way to find Mexican auto insurance is online. When selecting a plan, look for one that offers the following:

? Third Party (Civil) Liability
? Medical Expenses for Driver and Occupants
? Assist America Medical and Travel Assistance
? Physical Damage and Total Theft of Vehicle
? Legal Assistance and Bail Bond
? Roadside Assistance
? Partial Theft and Vandalism
? Guaranteed Hospital Admission

Make sure the plan covers you during your entire stay. Most plans have daily, six month, and annual policies.

In addition, take into consideration the type of activities you plan to enjoy and their locations. Look for medical emergency assistance plans with very few limitations or exclusions such as:

? Maximum Of Number of Passengers (Other Plans Only Cover Up To 4 Passengers)
? Limits less than%100,000 per passenger for Any Medical Assistance Service Including Expensive Air Or Land Evacuation.
? Rural Mexico Territory Exclusion. (Almost all emergency assistance wording says ?We will do the best we can in rural Mexico?)
? Exclusions For Pre-Conditions (Except Late Pregnancy)
? Sport Or Adventure Activity Exclusions (Surfing, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Mountain Climbing, Snorkeling, Kayaking Or Diving In Mexico Are All OK with Assist America )
? Civil War Or Terrorism Exclusions

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Mexican Car Insurance – What To Do If You Get Into An Accident

September 29th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer 1 comment

Auto accidents are considered both civil and criminal offenses in Mexico. Even if the accident is minor, you should be prepared to provide proper documentation to authorities, and you should report any insurance claims immediately. Failure to report a claim before leaving Mexico subjects the claim to denial by any Mexican Insurance Company.

Must Have Documents

A driving accident can become a costly and bureaucratic nightmare if you do not have the proper documentation. You should carry the following documents with you.

1. Mexican Auto Insurance Policy: You must have Mexican Auto Insurance issued by a company recognized by the Mexican government. In addition to the policy, you should have premium payment receipt, accident instructions, and contact information for your provider.

2. Valid Driver’s License: The license should have your photo and match the name on the title or registration of your vehicle.

3. Vehicle Title or Registration Receipt: The title or registration should be up in your name or the insurance policy should identify the owner by name and the principal driver. Unregistered vehicles or vehicles with expired tags will have their vehicles confiscated.

4. Proof of Citizenship: Drivers License, Birth certificate, passport, or notarized proof of citizenship. (Must have passport in 2008)

5. Permission Letter From Bank or Lien Holder: If you do not own the title on the car, and you will be traveling beyond the border zone, (Approx. 70 miles from the border) you must have a letter of permission from the bank or lien holder for financed cars, rental cars, leased cars, or company cars (on company stationary).

6. Credit Card: A credit card, such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, in your name.

7. Vehicle Permit: If traveling beyond the border zone, you must obtain a temporary import permit, and display it on your windshield while in Mexico.

8. Affidavit of Vehicle Return to the United States: If traveling beyond the border areas, you must sign an affidavit promising to return your vehicle back to the United States, and pay a refundable deposit.

When An Accident Occurs

In an event of an accident be prepared to do the following:

1. Do not move your vehicle until Mexican police arrive.
2. Contact your medical emergency assistance provider if necessary.
3. Contact your insurance provider.
4. Remain with your vehicle until the Auto Insurance Adjuster arrives.
5. Complete the Accident Report.
6. Complete and sign a parts inventory form before having your car towed.

After The Accident

Following the accident, you will need to obtain the following documents for insurance claims:

1. Police Report: A Copy of the original report filed by the Mexican Authorities.

2. Medical Report: Your insurance company will provide a form that must be signed by a licensed physician who provided the medical services.

3. Medical Invoices: Any invoice issued by the hospital, physicians, and pharmacy.

Finally, allow your insurance company to manage issues related to the accident. Do not reach any verbal agreements or sign any written agreements with the other party. Most importantly, do not assume liability in the accident. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process, and will inform you of any liabilities, if any, that you have incurred.

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