Is Mexico Safe?

[rockymountainoyster]

Sjoerd Priceless info on insurance.

Norschweger: radioman reported that he had to show the original title to his bike when he went into, Bolivia I think. If you are planning to head farther south it looks like you need to have some kind of original ownership certificate with all of the provisos mentioned by Sjoerd. I have been told that, for US Americans, we need to show only the original vehicle registration. I am not clear about why these countries want you to have the original title. If I wanted to try to sell my vehicle in CA or SA I would have to have the title. If they don't want me to try to sell the vehicle why do they require me to carry the document I need to do so? Just wondering.

[norschweger]

WOW! Thanks a lot for this detailed info! I really appreciate that a lot!
Do you have a scandinavian background,btw? (your name)
Sounds all good!


Norschweger, you may not have a "title" if the bike is registered in Canada . "TITLE" is a USA peculiarity.
The Canadian provincial vehicle registries (Ontario is my example) only issue an "ownership and registration" which is your proof that you have the rights to the bike and are allowed to use it legally without worries about being charged with having a stolen vehicle . This is all I have ever required to travel through Mexico and Central America
Nowhere was I ever asked to show Canadian insurance papers, they are worthless in Mexico and beyond and have no use for proving ownership.
The IMPORTANT thing is to have the same name on your Passport, your Drivers License , the motorcycle ownership and registration and your CREDIT CARD.
Your Canadian insurance is valid in the USA up to the date it expires. If the cops stop you after that date in the USA you may have a problem in states where liability insurance is compulsory .
You must buy liability for MEXICO before you cross the border.It is sold at many points in the US and it comes in a variety of types.
You can buy LIABILITY for a short trip of known time duration which lists yourname and the motorcycle VIN
This gets pricy for long durations.
You can buy "Drivers License " (DL) insurance for public liability which lists your name and drivers license number only and gives you the choice of taking a car or a bike into Mexico under the same policy.You can buy this for a FULL YEAR at a price which is less than a month for the VIN dedicated insurance.
There are varous sources for the DL insurance some cost less than others but some also will not cover motorcycles ,so investigate.

I just renewed my own DL policy for an entire year yesterday after being re-assured that it does cover bikes. For the grand sum of $163.60 I have coverage of $100 000 for liability, $50 000 for legal assistance and Travel Assistance in case of accident and mechanical breakdown where the vehicle is inoperable.My source is MexUS Insurance Services ,Inc easily found on the web.
In a single year I make a car trip and one or two motorcycle trips ,sometimes on two different bikes , and I am covered all the time by the single DL policy
If you are planning on spending more than 34 days traversing and enjoying Mexico this DL package is all you need and a money saver.
Of course fire theft and catastrophic loss of the bike are not included in this price. Most insurance companies shy away from this comprehensive insurance for bikes , or if offered they will ask a fortune. You can live with the risk if you ride sensibly and keep an eye on the bike, park in secure areas etc etc.[/QUOTE]

[norschweger]

[QUOTE=rockymountainoyster;20064707]Sjoerd Priceless info on insurance.

Norschweger: radioman reported that he had to show the original title to his bike when he went into, Bolivia I think. If you are planning to head farther south it looks like you need to have some kind of original ownership certificate with all of the provisos mentioned by Sjoerd. I have been told that, for US Americans, we need to show only the original vehicle registration. I am not clear about why these countries want you to have the original title. If I wanted to try to sell my vehicle in CA or SA I would have to have the title.Q If they don't want me to try to sell the vehicle why do they require me to carry the document I need to do so? Just wondering.[/UOTE]

So, obviously there is nothing like a real title in Canada!? I do have the Owner´s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence with the Vehicle Registration on the same page. My name on it, but as mentioned, the adress of friends in BC. Unfortunately, as they did not have the special letter for two s (ß), my last name is spelled with two s on that paper, whereas my passport shows the ß. My credit card shows two s as well though, so I guess it will be fine.

If they don't want me to try to sell the vehicle why do they require me to carry the document I need to do so? Just wondering.[/ got a point there : )

[operaflute]

I hate the idea of having my title anywhere near my vehicle. Should it get into someone else's hands, it sure would make it easy for someone to sign my vehicle over to himself!

[norschweger]

Originally Posted by airdale74451

Consider the Central or Pacific coast routes. Probably central is more scenic with Copper Canyon. Best to have title and Mexico insurance in hand when you cross.
Have a safe ride.

It will be the central part, just received a link from nice hotel owners...
Thank you!

[Snownut]

Originally Posted by operaflute

I hate the idea of having my title anywhere near my vehicle. Should it get into someone else's hands, it sure would make it easy for someone to sign my vehicle over to himself!

I was worried about the same issue but have come to the conclusion unless I sign the title over to a new owner it would still be classified as theft.. From what I understand a signed registration will suffice in almost any situation. I figure I will pack the title somewhere safe and only pull it out if specifically asked for it.

[Snownut]

Originally Posted by rockymountainoyster

Don't know about the Visa but you are good with no TVIP as long as you are in Baja. I have heard from other RR's that you can get the TVIP in La Paz before you board the ferry for the mainland. Prolly otta get visa taken care of pretty soon.

I have heard a couple different takes on this.. Can you clarify if you need a TVIP if you go into Baja Sur? I've heard if you stay North its not an issue, but if you ride through the Southern portion you need one..

[operaflute]

Perhaps even better to pack it AND a copy, and pull out the copy first. Will probably do that for all my documents.

Originally Posted by Snownut

I was worried about the same issue but have come to the conclusion unless I sign the title over to a new owner it would still be classified as theft.. From what I understand a signed registration will suffice in almost any situation. I figure I will pack the title somewhere safe and only pull it out if specifically asked for it.

[Snownut]

Originally Posted by operaflute

Perhaps even better to pack it AND a copy, and pull out the copy first. Will probably do that for all my documents.

I think that's an excellent idea.. I normally take copies for everything else, why not the title? Maybe a color copy wouldn't arouse any suspicions.. The only issue might be if your bike were stolen and the original title happened to be packed away safely on the bike.. ;)

[Turkeycreek]

Originally Posted by Snownut

I have heard a couple different takes on this.. Can you clarify if you need a TVIP if you go into Baja Sur? I've heard if you stay North its not an issue, but if you ride through the Southern portion you need one..

100% of Baja Califonia, North and South is "free zone. No permit needed. The Sonora free zone is from Aqua Prieta sotht to Hwy 2 and West to the coast and every thing west of Hwy 15 to Enpalme. You do need a visa to be be in Mexico beyond the border for more that 24 hrs.

[Snownut]

Originally Posted by Turkeycreek

100% of Baja Califonia, North and South is "free zone. No permit needed. The Sonora free zone is from Aqua Prieta sotht to Hwy 2 and West to the coast and every thing west of Hwy 15 to Enpalme. You do need a visa to be be in Mexico beyond the border for more that 24 hrs.

Great! So for a week visit a visa is needed, but as long as its strictly Baja not a TVIP.. Thank you!

[Sjoerd Bakker]

Maybe it is just a case of words and names of documents differing .In Ontario there is no word like "title " applied to the drivers license. The Ontario" vehicle permit" consists of two parts ,one half is the 'vehicle portion" the other half is the "plate portion". On the back of "vehicle portion" are the forms to be filled out by the buyer and the seller if one sells the vehicle and instructions as to what to do with those bits .
So perhaps that is what the gringos refer to as the "title' . A very simple setup and works like a charm at the borders. Likelyhood of somebody getting their name on your bike's ownership is next to nil without your cooperation and signature. Outright theft is a different matter.
.Other provinces may vary, void where prohibited by law.

[TRAVELGUY]

About 5 years ago I did a ride from USA to Costa Rica and back. I can't remember which countries required seeing my "original title" but one or more did. I can remember that one country would not accept a color copy of my title. I'm almost sure that one of the countries that required my title was Costa Rica.

Have a great trip. The Central America people are wonderful.

TravelGuy

[Arte]

FYI, by Law, starting November 2012, in México, Motorcycles pay 50% on toll highways. Fight back if they charge you as a regular vehicle.

[Craneguy]

Originally Posted by Arte

FYI, by Law, starting November 2012, in México, Motorcycles pay 50% on toll highways. Fight back if they charge you as a regular vehicle.

Read back a few posts Arte, we've been discussing that. I know the government run roads will be discounted, but is it compulsory for the private tolls too? I feel like I got a mix through the 6 tolls I used yesterday. 2 or 3 different operators.