Baja Car Insurance: Traveling Coverage Policies

Baja car insurance is a must if you are planning a road trip to this northwestern state of Mexico. For those who are not so sure about what Baja California is all about, here is some information. Baja, which became a state in 1953, is known for its numerous islands and is, hence, a tourist attraction. Due to its proximity to the United States, several people think US insurance coverage will suffice there. However, this is not true. You need Mexican auto coverage if you are traveling to Baja.

Get The Right Coverage

Many travelers stop at the Mexican border and buy auto insurance then and there. With no research involved and hardly any time to read through the coverage details, most folks do not know anything about the policy unless they end up having an accident. The right thing to do before you travel to Baja would be to plan and buy your auto insurance, be it for your own vehicle or a rental car. One thing to keep in mind before buying a policy for your own vehicle is to see if the insurers will allow you to return to the US and get it repaired. Several insurance companies insist that the vehicle be repaired in Mexico itself. In case the insurers allow repairs to be made in the US, check the hourly labor rate that they will pay, as US rate are much higher. You don’t want to end up paying the difference from your pocket.

Legal Service

It is important that your Baja car insurance policy includes attorney fees, court costs and bail. This is necessary because you will definitely need a lawyer if you are involved in a serious accident. If not, you could end up paying a huge amount of money as attorney fees and related costs. Moreover, it is best to get the right legal advice when stuck in such a situation in a foreign country.

Mexican Law Requirements

Even if your US insurance offers limited coverage, it is usually not more than 50 miles of the Mexican border. Moreover, the Government of Mexico has made it mandatory that you purchase separate liability coverage from a Mexican insurer before operating your vehicle in Mexico. It is important to note that liability coverage by your US insurers is not valid here.

Check Policies Online

The Internet is the best place to search for Baja policies. With a little time on hand, you can scan all the policies offered to suit your convenience. Several companies offer excellent policies. BajaBound.com is one such auto insurance company. Their insurance policy comes in three terms: Daily, six month or annual. Claims are settled in US dollars (not pesos) and based upon US repair rates. They allow repairs to be made in the US, Canada or Mexico. They also offer partial theft and vandalism coverage in addition to a 24/7 toll-free hotlines for roadside, travel, legal and claims assistance.