Mexican Insurance Store has issued a report on the top legal
and insurance related problems experienced while driving on vacation in Mexico. Unlike
the law in the U.S., in Mexico the
assumption of guilt prevails over the assumption of innocence. The penalties
for not having insurance while traveling in Mexico can be severe.
Common Mexican Auto Insurance Problems:
1. Not Having Valid Auto Insurance.
U.S. and
Canadian auto insurance is NOT recognized in Mexico. Vacationers that don't have
auto insurance in Mexico
and have an accident may spend many hours or days in jail and have their
vehicle confiscated.
2. Not Having Comprehensive Emergency Medical Assistance
Mexico
can be a dangerous place to be without adequate emergency medical services. Most U.S. health insurance is not valid in Mexico.
3. Buying Emergency Medical Assistance that is NOT Valid in
Rural Areas
Travelers need to read the fine print in "emergency
medical assistance options". In order to save money, insurance companies
limit their coverage to major cities of Mexico. Services are provided by
third parties sub-contracted with the insurance company. It is important to
watch for this because most of Mexico
is rural and some insurance policies say they cover it, which is accurate. The
broker should tell you that in rural areas, the policy actually reads, "we
will do the best we can".
4. Emergency Medical & Travel Assistance with a monetary
limit
This is another area where the fine print can not be
overlooked. Most policies have a low monetary limit or do not cover
pre-existing conditions. Evacuation by air or land can be expensive and is not
included in many policies. Costs can reach $100,000 per patient.
5. Not Having Assistance Services for Friends and Family
Don't forget to get coverage for your traveling companions.
Ask whether there are restrictions such as up to 4 passengers.
All Auto Insurance Plans should include:
* Emergency Medical Assistance good in cities and rural
areas.
* Emergency Medical & Travel Assistance good for the
entire family with no monetary limit and guaranteed hospital admittance.
* A minimum US $20,000 in Legal Assistance & Bail Bond.
