West Coast Global Insurance Services

If you spend part of the year in Mexico and have a house and a boat in the country, you face double the risk. A single storm, for example, could damage your property and your vessel in the same night. But if you have a valid insurance policy, both your house and boat have protection even when you are thousands of miles away.  Seasonal ownership does not equal less risk.  Many seasonal residents in Mexico assume that part-time living means less need for insurance. The longer your home or boat sits unoccupied, the greater the risk becomes. Empty properties can attract unwanted attention, and even small maintenance issues can turn into costly repairs if they go unnoticed for weeks or months. Having the right coverage in place helps protect your investment and gives you peace of mind while you’re away. Why not spend a little now to save a lot later? When you compare the cost of insurance to what you’d spend repairing storm damage to your home or replacing stolen boat equipment, th...

If you want to take your boat to Mexico, you must get Mexico boat insurance. Your U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico, so it will not be accepted by Mexican marinas and authorities. If you don’t have a valid policy, expect to pay fines or be denied access to dock your boat.  What does your boat insurance cover when you are on the water? When your boat is out on the water, it can face risks such as collisions, fires, or even total loss. With Mexico boat insurance, you’re protected from those kinds of events. A strong policy covers your boat along with key equipment like engines, sails, electronics, and navigation systems. Liability coverage is just as important. It protects you if your boat causes injury to someone or damages another vessel or dock. In fact, many marinas in Mexico require proof of liability insurance before allowing you to dock, so having it in place keeps things simple and stress-free. Mexico’s coasts also see tropical storms and hurricanes. A good policy will co...

Your U.S. or Canadian car insurance is not valid once you cross the border into Mexico. Mexico requires every driver to carry liability insurance from an insurance company licensed in Mexico. If you drive without this insurance and are pulled over, your car could be impounded. In some situations, you could even be detained.  What kind of protection does your Mexico car insurance give you? ● Liability coverage is required by Mexican law. It covers damage or injuries you cause to other people or their property in a car accident.  ● Collision and comprehensive coverage is for your own car. It covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged or stolen.  ● Medical expense coverage pays the hospital bills for you and your passengers.  ● Legal assistance and bail bond coverage will be useful if you get into an accident that is being investigated by authorities. Many policies also include coverage for roadside assistance or protection against vandalis...

 Winter and spring break are some of the busiest travel seasons for people driving from the U.S. and Canada into Mexico. If you are planning a road trip during these seasons, you need to be prepared. One of the most important things you should know is that your U.S. or Canadian auto insurance will not cover you once you are in Mexico. Even if your policy mentions “international coverage,” it is not valid under Mexico auto insurance requirements. Mexico requires all drivers to carry liability insurance from a company licensed in Mexico. This is what the insurance officers will ask to see during traffic stop. Without this insurance, you risk getting fined or even having your car impounded by the authorities until the situation is resolved. This is why more travelers now buy their Mexico insurance online before they leave home. When you do it in advance, you can compare different plans and read the details carefully. It also means that you are covered as soon as you enter Mexico....

 If you are planning to cross into Mexico by car, you must get the right Mexico auto insurance . Your U.S. auto insurance does not satisfy Mexican insurance law requirements. Even if your U.S. policy claims to include “international” coverage, it still will not be accepted as valid liability insurance in Mexico. The only way to drive legally in Mexico is to carry liability insurance from a company licensed in Mexico. Without it, you could face serious legal and financial problems if you get in an accident. [U.S. auto insurance policies do not meet Mexican legal requirements. Even if your policy mentions international coverage, it is not accepted as valid liability insurance in Mexico. To drive legally, you must carry liability coverage issued by an insurance company licensed in Mexico.] Once you know you need Mexican insurance, step 2 is deciding what level of coverage is best for your travel plans. Some travelers feel comfortable with basic liability insurance. This covers the ...

In the U.S., home insurance usually comes as a single package. With it, you get coverage for the building’s structure, personal belongings, and liability. Mexico home insurance policies are more modular. You can pick up the coverage you need and skip what you don’t.  Another key difference is how property values are determined. In the U.S., insurance companies usually calculate your home’s replacement cost using standard tools and estimators. In Mexico, however, you’ll be the one to declare the insured value of your property. To avoid being underinsured or paying for more coverage than you need, it’s best to work with an insurance agency that can help you estimate that value accurately. What kinds of risks do homes in Mexico face? A home in Mexico doesn’t face the same types of risks as one in, say, Wisconsin. For instance, some regions in Mexico are more prone to natural events like hurricanes or earthquakes. However, not every policy automatically includes protection for these k...