Mexican Auto Insurance - Full Coverage on 1985 Westfalia?

[scottjk]

Has anyone had any experience insuring their vans in Mexico. I'm looking for full coverage for my 1985 Westfalia EJ25 conversion with a rough market value of $15,000. It seems that every provider I have looked at only offers liability for cars older than 15 years.

I realize that just like in the states the implied value of 20k won't be covered but I'd like to get something in the unfortunate event of a total loss.

Aside from that situation if anyone has recommendation on Mexican Auto Insurance companies I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

Scott
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[0cean]

Hate to say it, but your on your own down there. I take my 87 Vanagon on surf trips once a month and hope it comes back. I looked all over for full coverage, but no one would cover it.

The good news is that aaa will work in Mexico. That's a little help.

If you do find a company that will cover it, please post the info.

Good luck

[Syncrozilla]

I doubt you will find any short term insurance that will provide full coverage on and older vehicle. Many in the overlanding community have used Thum insurance as they will write a policy that will cover all of central America or all of any continent at a time which greatly simplifies long distance travel. Afaik they don't sell add on coverage though or short term policies. Good luck
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Please do not message me on TheSamba. Use my email, [email protected]

[scottjk]

Good call on AAA. I have never had it because I have towing insurance through my provider but I'll look in to that further.
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[DubNuts]

.
Untill recently I never knew that US auto insurance does not cover your auto in Mexico.. I believe that with some companies you can add a rider on your policy but it's very limited. Strangly most US auto insurance will cover your rig in Canada.. Whats up wit-tat eha?

You can also purchase coverage in Mexico once you cross the Border. Not sure what it covers or how good it is?

I know a owner of a company that writes this type auto coverage. You can buy it for a short term use to cover the duration of your stay or for longer periods of time. I'm waiting for the company to send me their website info.
.

[Gauche1968]

[dixoncj]

Not sure if it still works this way, because I haven't had this done for awhile, but if you go to any AAA office in Southern California, you can buy Mexican insurance BEFORE you cross the border. Make SURE that the company you buy from via AAA (they have 2 or 3) will allow you to have collision or other repair damage done NORTH OF THE BORDER. Some will not. I took my Syncro Westy to Baja and got in a fender bender. Thanks be to God for AAA. Got the mexi adjuster to show up in Ensenada, filled out the forms, got an estimate from the body shop in San Diego that the mexi agent worked with and a few weeks later had a check in hand from Mexi insurance company in USD for the work.
Saved me a huge hassle.

[whafalia]

I joined Vagabondos del Mar and got a top drawer annual policy for just a few dollars more than 3 weeks coverage was going to cost. I've not had to make a claim but the organization is run by savvy baja travelers. Per topic though, could not get full coverage on my 84. But I could go to crab feeds with coots with large trailers at sacramento area KOAs in the baja off-season .

[crazyvwvanman]

Looking online at AAA SoCal the Mexican insurance won't cover damage or loss to vehicles over 20 years old. I hope someone can come up with a way to get this coverage.

The potential for fraud is high so I understand why the companies would avoid this but there must be a way.

As of this year Mexican liability insurance is required in Baja. It used to be just a very good idea.

Mark

[r39o]

I checked with a few specialty carriers and looked at several programs.

NO coverage for what you ask.
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[scottjk]

Just got off the phone with Lewis & Lewis and I was told that if I got an appraisal they would insure if for that amount.

http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com/
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[crazyvwvanman]

Thank you, that was the company name I was trying to remember from a couple years ago. Please let us know how it works out if you get such a policy from them.

Mark

[kbeefy]

[Wildthings]

Drive a junker to Mexico and don't worry about it, just buy liability before you go in. As said above 1 year policies are cheap compared to short term policies.

[scottjk]

I don't have a "Junker" that has off grid solar, shower, refrigerator, new EJ25, memory foam bed, Nokian tires, and a killer stereo. But thanks for the idea.

Just spoke to another provider. They got one of their underwriters to fully cover the van but now we are discussing value. She quoted NADA high retail at just over 10k. I'm trying to get at least 15k so it won't be a complete catastrophe during a total loss.

The following link comes recommended from the BajaNomad website. I'll keep everyone informed about how it all turns out.

http://www.bajabound.com/

ps. Just spoke to a national auto appraiser and it will run me $375 for a value report. Insurance is such a gamble.
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[scottjk]

So I just got the email back from Baja Bound.

"So we got permission to insure for VW for 18,000. In case of a total loss HDI's appraisers in the U.S. will value your VW and if you have receipts like you mention that is what you would show them in time when the claim is reported. Also if any of your friends or yourself have an appraisal that would work perfectly when determining the value. They do take in account depreciation in case you have the appraisal done for example in 2008 then they would take those years that havegone by".

Looks promising. More than any other place I have spoken with. Cost of a 6 month policy is $326.
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[kbeefy]

interesting... the insurance I purchased is through Baja Bound. I'll Email them and see if I can amend my policy.
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86 syncro CHC, NorthWesty subbie 2.5, decoupler, locker, custom interior, 225/75r16 Duratrack's on CLK's, Toyo cabin heater, ARB fridge, 300w Zamp Solar, Gowesty bumpers/skid/rails, Fiama awning

'86 Syncro Westy. Stock for now.

2000 F350 7.3 CC LB 11' Northland Cabover

2006 Subbie OBXT

2002 Tacoma DoubleCab 4x4

1969 Mustang Basket Case 351c/FMX/9

http://kbeefy.blogspot.com/

[scottjk]

I'd heard about doing this for a different situation but I think this advice is excellent.

If you decide to have a professional appraisal done on your van take the written appraisal along with pictures of your van and seal them in an envelope. Then send it to yourself so in the event of a total loss you have dated documented proof of the appraisal with pictures that can be unsealed during the court process.
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[kbeefy]

Baja Bound has already contacted they're underwriters and gotten a reply for me...

[floggingmolly]

Good to know. I use Bajabound and really like them. Good to know for future use. Thanks guys for looking in to it.
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'85 Wolfsburg Weekender