----- Original Message ---- From: "scottebulger@comcast.net" <scottebulger@comcast.net> To: PUP <passagemaking-under-power@lists.samurai.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 9:12:18 AM Subject: [PUP] Offshore insurance >My question is this: How many of you cruising couples have succeeded in acquiring insurance? Yes for US, Mexico and beyond, we have our hull insurance through Markel, one of the best. Al Golden in Annapolis is my agent. Even includes "hurricane" insurance. This is important to me since I will be leaving the boat in Mexico's hurricane alley this year. Also insures for a "crew of two" which can be difficult to get. As I recall it is around $250 per month total, but the amount will vary depending on the value of the hull. >Was this an instant process or did you have to "earn your stripes"? I have been insured with them for 5 years and it was an instant process from the beginning. >Assuming you do NOT have insurance, have you been refused moorage at any marinas in the U.S., Central America, Mexico, or the >Lesser Antilles? You will need proof of liability insurance in Mexico, at any marina or port. As far as insurance in Central America, the local cruising community will fill you in once you get to Mexico. It changes. >I'm not concerned about insuring the boat against loss, but am concerned about liability. You will be required to get Mexican liability insurance. They will not accept a rider on an American policy for liability in the States. The Mexican liabilty insurance is a "stand alone" policy, they don't care whether you have hull insurance or not. You can purchase it on line. Just do a google search for Mexican marine insurance. I think mine cost around $200 per year, but the amount will vary depending on the amount of liability you purchase. They do have a minimum. You will also need to get a Mexican Temporary Import Permit (TIP). You can do this on line too. Costs around $75 for a permit that will allow you to keep the boat in Mexico for the next 10 years. Although you can get liability insurance and TIP after you arrive in Mexico, it is best to do it now over the Internet and get those out of the way to avoid confusion and running around in a foreign country where you don't speak the language well. Scott, I'd be happy to talk with you over the phone. Send me a private e-mail and I'll send you my California number. I'm not terribly experienced but I am somewhat familiar with the Mexican "Check-in Cha Cha." It's really quite easy once you get the hang of it and learn the ropes. Patrick Willard 40PH ALOHA La Paz, MX