Mexico Marine Liability Insurance Requirements
Mexico liability insurance is required under certain situations and not under others. For instance, if the boat is used on lakes and is being trailered into Mexico, then liability insurance isn't required, but if the boat is going to dock at a Mexican seaport, then you must have Mexico marine liability insurance. Although Mexico boat insurance is not required in all cases, it's highly recommended, as U.S. or Canadian boat insurance isn't valid in Mexico; only insurance companies registered in Mexico are recognized there.
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Repercussions
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Mexican insurance is recommended in all instances, even though it may not be legally required. Mexican law differs from U.S. law in that a boater who has an accident and can't pay for the damages is taken into police custody until the fines and damages are paid. These fines vary from state to state and depend on whether the state, municipal or federal police are handling the investigation. Generally speaking, the foreigner is found to be at fault and is liable for property and medical damages, which can often run into tens of thousands of dollars, especially if injuries occurred in the accident.
Purchase of Insurance
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Mexican marine liability insurance can be purchased when you enter the country, at the marina you dock in or online at websites such as Mariners Mexico, Adventure Mexican Insurance Services and Baja Bound (see Resources.) Be sure that the company you do choose is fully accredited and licensed to sell Mexican marine liability insurance.
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Liability Coverage
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Marine liability insurance pays for any injury or damage caused to a third-party boat if there's an accident and you're found to be at fault. This insurance covers the boat while it's navigating or being towed by a vehicle. Certain Mexican auto insurance policies offer liability insurance should the boat be in a vehicle accident while being towed, but once the boat is disconnected and placed in the water, the coverage is no longer valid unless specific marine liability insurance is purchased.
Alcohol Abuse
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Even when you have liability marine insurance, navigating or driving under the influence of alcohol voids your insurance policy in an accident, and you may be placed under police custody until the damages are paid.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit boat image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
