Realistic Actual Cash Value For Your Mexican Insurance Policy

At Mexican Insurance Store, customers often ask what “Actual Cash Value” to put on your policy.  How do you find out?

Let’s learn how to best navigate current used car values

This is tricky since most used car values have jumped, sometimes exceeding their original price, in recent months.

Used car at dealership
Photo: Obi Onyeador

 

OK, Let’s explain a little.  When purchasing a full-coverage policy, one of the most critical questions determining your rate and coverage is ‘Actual Cash Value.’  It’s vital to get this right.  Make the value too high, and you can overpay for your policy.  If you put too low of a value, It may hurt you.  If the vehicle gets totaled, the policy will max out at the entered value.

So, how do you choose the correct Actual Cash Value For Your Mexican Insurance Policy?

Traditionally, the source the insurance companies use to determine the value of your car is Kelley Blue Book.

The team at Kelley Blue Book works very hard to keep the car values listed up to date.  Even then, late model pre-owned cars are still selling for drastically more than KBB right now.

Reputable publications, including Motor Trend and the Miami Herald covered the currently used care price phenomenon.

So, What do you do?

Lazy insurance brokers will say, use KBB, and that’s it.  Not here.  The policy stipulates ‘Actual Cash Value.’  While KBB is a starting point, it’s not the end of the line.  Let’s say you have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 TRD Double Cab in excellent condition.  KBB lists the private party range between $37,142 and $40,103.  Dealer prices are also available.  They are the most reliable.

No Now, go to a website that lists used cars from name-brand dealers (These are dealers associated with a new car brand such as Toyota, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, etc.).  Don’t use the values at the independent lots as these have less credibility in the eyes of an insurance company.

There are a number of places to find this out.  Car Gurus (below), Auto Trader, or a dealer’s website works.  Use the same year, model, and features.

Now, before you enter $47,000 as the value, make sure that there are several models listed at similar prices.  If a reasonable person would conclude that the car on offer is very similar to the care you have insured, the value will hold in the event of a payout.

There is a pitfall with this method.  Let’s say the value comes down to normal levels during your policy’s duration.  If your vehicle is totaled, you may not get the full value your policy is insured for.

Naturally, if your policy duration is relatively short (less than 30 days), you have nothing to worry about.  Go with the higher amount.  If you are buying a 6-month or 1-year policy, it’s better to go with the high private-party or dealer value on KBB.

There you have it.

No matter what, enjoy your trip through Mexico and rely on us to take good care of you.

14 Comments. Leave new

  • Luciano Mcclung
    January 30, 2022 6:45 pm

    Mexican auto insurance is for you, your car, and the people aboard inside. There can never be more helpful and trusting than having this insurance. The claim benefits are more than enough to settle a problem between two parties.

  • Driving in Mexico requires readiness to face challenges on the road. Imagine, how overwhelming it is to drive on the road without any source of protection.

  • Jerrell Sutherland
    April 4, 2022 8:45 pm

    When you visit Mexico’s open-air markets, don’t immediately accept the initial price they offer you. You can bargain the price and the vendor might give the lower price you ask for.

  • Lavern Hatton
    April 26, 2022 7:42 pm

    It is safe to travel in most cities with Mexican car insurance. It is fairly safe in most areas. Although there are a few occurrences of drug-related incidents.

  • Racquel Crowder
    May 11, 2022 6:48 pm

    Non-essential travel is a must for this global pandemic. Certainly, it includes delaying travels to Mexico, even if you have Mexican car insurance.

  • Abdul Beckwith
    May 13, 2022 6:49 pm

    In Mexico, there are correct ways of driving that guarantees security while hitting the road. Mexican auto insurance is a must for driving.

  • Drivers texting, dialing or talking in their mobile phones can be risky. Being busy doing other things and inattentive in driving can result to possible accidents.

  • Adrianna Hurst
    May 27, 2022 10:46 pm

    American visitors can be sure that the people in San Felipe are helpful in showing directions, accommodations, giving recommendations for cuisines, shopping, and more. San Felipe locals are more than willing to help.

  • Mathilda Minton
    June 1, 2022 6:33 pm

    Drinking tap water in Mexico is not recommended because the distribution system can make the source water contaminated.

  • Cheyenne Wiles
    June 17, 2022 11:09 pm

    No air conditioner, not a problem. There are helpful tips to staying cool. Just consider a bit of ice, a spinning fan, cold drinks, and the like.

  • Shaun Huffman
    June 27, 2022 6:41 pm

    Compared to a US auto insurance policy, the cost of Mexican auto insurance isn’t expensive. The price is affordable.

  • Elden Rocha
    July 12, 2022 6:20 pm

    Be complete in your hours of sleep before driving. Many accidents happen because drivers lack the sleep and they often feel drowsy while traveling. This is super risky to everyone aboard the car. Having Mexican auto insurance can’t help in escaping from likely accident.

  • Nicki Gaskins
    August 5, 2022 10:18 pm

    What attracts most of the travelers to visit Mexico is the weather, culture, seashores. Mexico is a well-known country for spending vacations, including a home base for students and pensioners.

  • Brenton Stamper
    September 12, 2022 6:39 pm

    Carnival events are a weeklong celebration in Mexico. What more can you ask? It’s great fun to discover a lot of things in Mexico.

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