(Public Service Information)

Adding supplemental benefits to insurance policies.

 

Unfortunately, most US drivers to Mexico are anxious to get the cheapest insurance and typically will only obtain a policy covering the bare essentials. Somehow this provides a sense of assurance, which unfortunately has no basis in fact or reality.

 

A basic insurance policy complying with Mexico's financial responsibility laws does not provide protection for other risks, which may be associated with an automobile accident, particularly if the insured tourist is responsible for the accident.

 

There are numerous supplemental packages offered by most insurance companies or automobile clubs ranging from emergency road service, emergency lodging and transportation within Mexico if the auto has a mechanical breakdown. Others add such items as auto hotline, tourist hotline, and towing packages.  These are good supplements and can be a great deal of help, and welcomed additions.

 

However, these services should not take precedence over supplemental coverage much needed to avoid legal problems while in Mexico.

 

As a first priority the Supplemental benefits needed, and should be an automatic request as part of the coverage, are:

 

1.      Legal Services.

Under this benefit the policy provides professional attorneys 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the legal assistance and representation before authorities in Mexico as a consequence of an automobile accident. The services include:

      Negotiate the release of the client from the hands of authorities in Mexico.

      Carry out procedures for the release of the insured vehicle.

      Guarantee the repair of property damage and any sanctions.

Post bond up to a maximum of $250,000 pesos combined single limit with automatic reinstatement of vehicle.

 

2.      Emergency Medical Evacuation.

A Mexican insurance company does not underwrite this policy.

A US company underwrites this coverage, and is a stand-alone policy offering coverage 24 hours a day for illness or accident anywhere in the world.

The coverage provides immediate access to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and certain other services when faced with a medical related emergency while in Mexico. Coverage includes:

      Medical Consultation

      Hospital Admission Guarantee

      Emergency Evacuation

      Critical Care Monitoring

      Medically Supervised Repatriation

      Transportation to join patient (immediate family)

      Care for minor children.