How is the Value of My Car Determined in Mexico?

It may relieve you to know that the Mexican insurance companies do not determine the value of vehicles. Mexican insurance companies use one of the following reputable sources to determine a vehicle’s value: Kelly Blue Book, National Automobile Dealers Association, or CCC Information Services. 

If you would like to look up the value of your car use the following guidelines:

For Kelly Blue Book, select “Buy from a private party” and then enter your vehicle’s information. 

For National Automobile Dealers Association or CCC Information Services, select “Average Trade-In” and enter your vehicle’s information. 

Although the value of your vehicle may change over time, you can get an idea of your vehicle’s worth before purchasing insurance. If you experience a total loss, then the value of your vehicle on the date of loss will be used.

Tips on Buying Insurance in Mexico With a Stated Value:

Mexico Insurance works very differently than in the USA or Canada. In the USA, your driving history, age,  and the history of the car will all affect the cost of your insurance premium. However, in Mexico, this information is not publicly available. Therefore, the value of your vehicle is the main factor in determining the premium of your Mexican insurance policy.

When you enter the value of your car on the Mexico insurance application, that is called the “stated value.” The stated value is the MAXIMUM possible amount you will receive in the event of total loss. It is always better to overestimate rather than to underestimate your vehicle’s value.

For example: 

If you state that your vehicle is worth $20,000.00 and then your car gets stolen and  Kelly Blue Book determines that your vehicle is actually worth $24,000.00, then  $20,000 is still the MAXIMUM you could receive in compensation. On the other hand, if you state that your vehicle is worth $20,000 and at the time of loss your vehicle is only worth $15,000.00, then you would only receive a MAXIMUM of $15,000.00 in compensation. 

What Happens if My Car is Totaled in Mexico?

After you experience an accident in Mexico, an adjuster will come and assess the damage to your vehicle. If it is determined that your vehicle is a total loss, you will be offered compensation for your vehicle’s value. 

You are responsible for your vehicle even after your vehicle has been totaled. According to Mexican law, insurance companies cannot keep the salvage of American plated vehicles. This means that you will only receive a percentage of your vehicle’s stated value because the insurance company is unable to keep the vehicle and resell it to recoup expenses. 

Which Mexico Insurance Policy is Right for You?

Each underwriter has different rules when it comes to determining a total loss, so It is important to review this information to determine the right coverage for you.  

Qualitas:

Qualitas will determine your vehicle a total loss if the costs of repairs exceed 75% of the stated value of the vehicle.

Qualitas will offer you up to 90% of the stated value of your vehicle minus the deductible. However, You can get up to 100% of the stated value minus the deductible, if you can prove that you donated/ destroyed your vehicle.

More information can be found in the Terms and Conditions under Clause 3.4

Chubb:

Chubb will determine your vehicle a total loss if the costs of repairs exceed 60% of the stated value.

Chubb will offer you up to 75% of the stated value of your vehicle minus the deductible.

If Your vehicle has a rebuilt title, Chubb will offer you up to 50% of the stated value of the vehicle minus the deductible. 

More information can be found in  the Terms and Conditions  under Clause 11

Mapfre:

Mapfre will determine your vehicle a total loss if the costs of repairs exceed 50% of the vehicle’s stated value. 

Mapfre can offer you up to 100% of the stated value of your vehicle minus the deductible and you will have to sign over your vehicle to Mapfre. 

If your vehicle has a rebuilt title, Mapfre will offer you up to 50% of the vehicle’s stated value minus the deductible. 

More information can be found in the Terms and conditions under clause 7.4

Mexico has a unique insurance system. Understanding how tourist insurance in Mexico works can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing tourist car insurance. Be sure to look at the different policies options to determine which one is right for you and your needs.

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Rocky Point is a gorgeous location with so much to offer. Learn all you need to know about Rocky Point: Where to eat, where to stay, and what to do. Don’t forget to check out the insurance laws in Rocky Point to make sure you have enough coverage for your trip!

Insurance Laws

Mexico Federal Law: Civil liability is Required.

Sonora State Law: Civil liability is Required.

At Fault Compensation: There is no minimum nor maximum compensation in the event of an accident. The cost will be determined by the courts.

What does this mean? This means that per the federal and state government you are not required to have insurance in the state of Sonora and if you get into an accident, the courts will determine how much you must pay to compensate for property damage and bodily injury.
You need to consider other places you will travel to because each state has different rules. For example Hermosillo, Sonora REQUIRES liability insurance. So if you plan to visit or even drive through Hermosillo, you must have at least liability insurance.

What Insurance is best? Just because insurance is not required does not mean you do not need it. Especially in Sonora, because there is no maximum for compensation, Mexinsurance would suggest getting a higher liability limit.

Getting around the City in Rocky Point

The map will allow visitors to locate beaches as well as RV parks and other sites of the Rocky Point. The city boasts fine beaches, golf, off-roading, sport fishing, whale watching, and other area attractions that are popular with tourists. Camping, whale watching, shopping—these are just a few favorite pastimes for visitors to Rocky Point. Use the map to find major streets and thoroughfares to help you navigate the city and find all the addresses on your itinerary more easily.

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Always remember as you drive in Baja California that you are in Mexico! Even if you have superior insurance in the US that covers damage to your car, they cannot provide 3rd party damage in Mexico. Without Mexican liability insurance, you could be in trouble. See for yourself by getting a quick quote for Mexican Insurance by clicking here.

Mexico Federal Law: Civil Liability is REQUIRED.

Baja California State Law: Civil Liability is REQUIRED.

At Fault Compensation: The MINIMUM payment for property damage is about $22,405 with no maximum. The actual owed amount will be determined by the courts. For bodily injuries, there is no minimum or maximum, and the amount owed will be determined by the courts.

What Insurance is best for Baja California?

While liability is required, we would suggest getting complete coverage to make sure your vehicle is covered in the event of an accident. Because there is a minimum of $22,405 that will be owed in the event of an accident, any of our plans will work for you. However, because there is no maximum for the amount you might have to pay, at least $300,000 USD liability is suggested for Baja California.

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Shipping your personal belongings to Mexico can be overwhelming. There is much to learn and many things to consider: cost, time in transit, and customs. Whether you are transporting large items like a vehicle or smaller items, like furniture and household goods, you essentially have 3 modes of transportation: Land, Air, and Sea. As you can imagine, transportation by air is the quickest way to get your belongings as well as the most expensive, however, the more popular options are sea and land. 

Shipping to Mexico by Sea/Land:

If you decide to ship by sea or land you will be using a container to ship your goods. The containers come in different sizes such as 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet. Depending on how many items you have you may want a container all to yourself which is called Full Container Load (FCL) or you may want to share with someone else by Less than Container Load (LCL). Full Container Loads give you ultimate security. Your container will be completely yours. It will be sealed before being loaded and unsealed after it is unloaded. Another good thing is you are not required to fill the entire container. For a cheaper option or for someone that doesn’t have 20 feet of possessions, you can share a container through Less than Container Load.

Shipping a Vehicle to Mexico:

If you are shipping a vehicle or RV, the only option you have is driving it down yourself or putting it on a cargo ship. Importing a vehicle can be tricky so make sure to check out the full list of requirements for vehicles here. 

Vehicle Importation Requirements:

• The vehicle has to be in working condition.
• There can be no liens on the vehicle.
• The vehicle must have a clean title (no salvage vehicles).
•  A car from Canada may be imported IF it was never registered in Canada.
• Cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and vans must be manufactured in North America. The only exception to this rule is classic cars (30 years or old). They may be from any country of origin.

When shipping a vehicle you can either put your vehicle in a container or there is another option called Roll On/Roll Off (RORO). RORO is when the vehicle is driven onto the transportation and driven off.

RORO cars have additional requirements: 

• The vehicle must be able to move on its own. 
• There cannot be broken windows or deflated/ missing tires, deployed airbags, or any other significant body damage. 
• The doors, trunk, and hood must be able to close and be secured.
•  There cannot be any biohazard such as leaking fluids. 

RORO shipping is cheaper than container shipping for a number of reasons. First, the vehicle is exposed to the elements, Marine insurance is suggested for the transit. There are also no haulage or container costs. Another reason people choose RORO shipping is because your vehicle is less likely to be damaged from lifting accidents.

A third option is to purchase a vehicle in Mexico.

Buying a new vehicle in Mexico is similar to buying a car in your home country. You go to the dealership, you pick out the car you like, then you get to the paperwork. One thing to note is that dealerships are not in a hurry to transfer a car from another location. Meaning that the cars on the lot are what you have to choose from.

Buying a used vehicle in Mexico can be a little tricky. First, as with many things, Mexicans tend to keep things that work, so if they are selling a car beware that there may be something wrong with it. You absolutely must do your due diligence when buying a used car. Take it to a mechanic to get it checked out. Look over the vehicle yourself and be thorough. Used car dealers tend to be deceptive and will even lower the odometer ratings. Dealerships don’t offer guarantees like they might in your home country, once you pay for the car, it is yours, unless otherwise specified.

Shipping Documentation:

You will need several documents in order to ship your belongings. Your transportation company should help you know which documents you will need. 

You will need:

• Inventory of your items (Menaje de Casa)
• Bill of Landing (ocean transportation) / Airway Bill (air transportation) which includes Personal information, origin and destination ports, and addresses. 
• Contrat with the transportation company
• Certification of Origin

For more detailed information on the needed documents click here. 

Shipping Cost:

There are many factors when determining the cost such as:

-the distance

-the type of goods being transported

-mode of transportation

-weight, volume, and size of the container

-delivery service (port to port, door to door, door to port, port to door)

For more information on costs, factors click here. 

Courier Companies:

Although I cannot recommend a company from personal experience here are several that I was able to find online. 

• Easy Haul
• Latin American Cargo
• Sirelo
• Lufran International
• NEX

As you can tell shipping your belongings to Mexico requires lots of planning. Which mode of transportation will you use? How long will it take? What documents do you need? Although there is much more to learn, this article has addressed the first questions you might have as you begin planning your move to Mexico. As you know, Mexico is an incredible place with so many wonderful destinations. Save Travels!

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The Christmas Schedule

December 12: Dia de la Virgin de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe)

December 16-24: Las Posadas (The Processions)

December 24: Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)

December 25: La Navidad (Christmas Day)

December 28: Dia de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Sainted Innocents)

January 6: Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

February 2: Dia de La Candelaria (Feast of the Holy Encounter)

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Dia de la Virgin de Guadalupe  (Day of the Virgin of Guadelupe)

How it’s Celebrated: The celebrations begin on December 11 each year on the eve of Dia de la Virgin de Guadalupe with singing and dance honoring Mother Mary. December 12 is celebrated by a special ceremony at the Catholic church. Noon is when the Blessing of the Roses begins. Each person holds a rose and the story of Juan Diego is told. 

Why it’s Celebrated: The story features an indigenous man named Juan Diego in 1951. He was among the first to convert to catholicism when it was introduced by the Spanish. As the story goes, Mother Mary appeared to Juan Diego in an area called Guadalupe soon after the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Mother Mary appeared before Juan Diego and told him to tell the bishop to build a shrine to her. The bishop did not believe Juan Diego that the Virgin Mary had appeared to him and wanted proof. On December 12, Mother Mary visited Juan Diego and told him to collect roses and bring them to the bishop as a sign that Mary had visited him. When Juan Diego visited the Bishop, dozens of roses fell out of his cloak (which is still on display at Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.) This was proof enough for the bishop and the Basilica of Our lady of Guadalupe was built. Juan Diego was buried in the church which can still be seen today. This is a beautiful story of two cultures coming together to celebrate Catholicism as well as Mexican heritage. 

Las Posadas (The Processions)

How it’s Celebrated: Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration from December 16-24. Today’s Posadas celebration has piñatas for the children, delicious food, and plenty of friends and family.  The main event is a nightly procession beginning with a Novena, prayer, followed by children dressed as Mary and Joseph, and an angel dressed in white. There are many others dressed in robes and even musicians following the procession.  Luminaries light the path of the procession as it goes to several houses “seeking lodging” for a place for “Mary” to give birth and are refused entry. The participating parish selects a home each day where the posada will come, and sing and celebrate. These participating homes are called “Posadas Host”. 

Why it is celebrated: The celebration comes originally from Spain and spread to Mexico and parts of the Southwestern United States. These processions represent when Mother Mary and Joseph were looking for lodging to give birth to baby Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on December 25. 

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)

How it’s Celebrated: On Christmas Eve, families go to church at midnight to welcome Christmas Day. After that families enjoy a meal together and some families open gifts. There may be roast pork or turkey, tamales, or salt cod as the main dish.  Pozole is a soup made with chicken, pork, or hominy, and chilis, that is perfect for big families. Of course, the ensalada de Nochebuena, which is a salad with beetroot, pecans, pomegranate seeds, carrot, pineapple, and lettuce. This is a lively night full of food and don’t forget the fireworks. 

Why it is Celebrated: The midnight mass welcoming Christmas Day is called Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster.) It is called Mass of the Rooster because it is said that the only time a rooster ever crowed at midnight was the night Jesus was born. This church service tells the story of the night Jesus was born. 

La Navidad (Christmas Day)

How it is Celebrated: Christmas Day (La Navidad) is a day to spend with family. Large-lit trees, poinsettias, and nativity scenes can be seen throughout the cities and homes. Fireworks, dancing, and singing are wonderful ways to enjoy the day as well. 

Why it is Celebrated: This is the day Jesus was born.

Dia de Los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Sainted Innocents) 

How it is celebrated: This fun holiday is similar to April Fool’s Day in the USA. It includes telling bold-faced lies and playing tricks on one another. It represents the trickery of the innocent. 

Why it is celebrated: The story goes that  King Herod of Judea, located in the modern-day Middle East,  heard rumors that the new King of the Jews had been born, however, no one knew which child it would be.  In fear that this child would attempt to overthrow him, he had all the newborn babies murdered. This day is in remembrance of the innocent lives lost. 

Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day)

How it is Celebrated: This is the day the kids have been waiting for! Family and friends get together to open gifts and share a meal. There is a particular desert called Rosca de Reyes which is a sweet bread in the shape of a wreath. It is very similar to a King cake because a baby figurine representing Jesus is hidden in the bread. Whoever gets the piece with the figurine will host Dia de la Candelaria on February 2. 

Why It is Celebrated: The story goes that three kings walked for days led by the north star to find where Jesus had been born. They brought gifts to the newborn baby. 

 

Dia de la Candelaria (Feast of the Holy Encounter)

How it is Celebrated: Dia de la Candelaria is the last Christmas celebration. Families will take the Jesus figurines from their home to the local church to be blessed. Afterward, everyone goes to a host’s house (the one that found the baby Jesus in the cake on Dia de las Reyes) to celebrate with a big feast! Some Cities even have parades and festivals to celebrate this day.

Why it is Celebrated: At the time of Jesus’ birth, women were not allowed to enter the Jewish temple until 40 days after they had given birth. February 2 is exactly 40 days after December 25. At this time, Jesus would have been presented to the temple.

Christmas Decorations in Mexico:

• Poinsettia. The red poinsettia (which the Aztecs called cuetlaxochitl) originated in Mexico and is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett. Joel Poinsett was the first United States ambassador to Mexico in the 1820s. He is responsible for introducing the Poinsettia as a Navidad plant.
• Ornaments. The most traditional Christmas ornaments are handmade of straw, tin, or clay. If you would like one of your own you can find them in local shops or at the Christmas markets.
• Christmas Piñatas. Christmas Piñatas are a particular type of Piñatas. They have 7 spikes representing the 7 deadly sins.

 

Other Christmas Events:

• Pastorelas. These theatrical productions portray the shepherd’s journey to see the newborn baby Jesus, much like the 3 kings. These plays can be comedic or more serious in nature as the shepherds encounter obstacles along their journey.
• Santa. Although it has gained popularity, Santa (also known as Papa Noel) is not as common in Mexico. Although some families do celebrate Santa, who brings gifts on Christmas Eve, most gifts are brought by the three Kings on Dia de Los Reyes.

Christmas Foods:

• Romeritos is a wonderful dish made of seepweed, potato, and shrimp, cooked in a delicious mole.
• Tamales are enjoyed year-round, but especially at Christmas time.
• Bacalao is a salted codfish often eaten on Christmas Eve.
• Pozole is a soup made with pork or chicken.
• Bunuelos is a fried dough fritter sprinkled with sugar, similar to a funnel cake. Delicious.
• Ponche Navideno is a hot fruit punch made from tejocotes, guavas, and apples, and flavored with cinnamon and sugar.
• Rompope is a drink similar to eggnog (plus rum).

Christmas in Mexico is such a magical event. Even if you are not religious it is a wonderful time to dive deep into Mexican culture. There are so many events going on and special performances, you do not want to miss out! And don’t forget the delicious food! So many new treats to try.

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​​Up until now, tourists were automatically given 180 days on their FMM (tourist visa), but that has changed. Many tourists have recently complained about their vacation getting cut short because they were not allotted enough days on their FMM by the Mexico immigration officers.

Mexico News Daily reports, “Though the INM has not released an official public statement on the change of policy, an INM official in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, acknowledged having heard of the issue but said the manner in which the federal criteria for entry is applied is at the full discretion of the agent at the point of entry.” Immigration officers have always had full discretion in allotting the time for the FMM, but up until now, it has not negatively affected tourists. Mexico News Daily was able to speak with an agent from the INM who said, “’We don’t have information about the reasons they are giving less time …We don’t know if they have received some notification or internal memo.’”

What Can You Do?

​​​​​Although we have no effect on what the immigration officers decide to write on your FMM, we want to make sure you are prepared to have the best experience possible. Be sure to have all the documents you need before crossing the border.

• FMM (Tourist Visa)
• TIP
• Crossing the Border Check List

Documentation Needed for Tourist Visa:

In order to avoid having your vacation cut short, bring documentation showing the length of your stay. Mexico News Daily reports an INM Agent that suggested, “You have to show your return flight, that you have economic solvency … if you have tickets for tours, tickets for where you’re going to stay, it is also necessary to mention that.” 

Other examples include​​​​​​:

• Return Flight
• Hotel Reservations
• Tour Reservations
• Doctor Appointments

Check Your FMM At The Immigration Counter

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