To obtain Mexican auto insurance for a UC vehicle, complete a Request for Mexican Auto Insurance (available at www.riskmanagement.ucsb.edu) and submit it to UCSB Risk Management at least two weeks in advance of your trip to Mexico.

A department control point must review, approve, and sign the Request for Mexican Auto Insurance.

UC Risk Management will fax the approved Request to UCSB's broker for Mexican auto insurance, MacAfee & Edwards: tel: (800) 334-7950.

MacAfee & Edwards will obtain a policy of Mexican auto insurance from the Mexican auto insurance company Mapfre Tepeyac for the vehicle and in the name of the drivers identified in the Request (only drivers listed on the Request can drive the UC vehicle, as they will be the only ones insured).

MacAfee & Edwards will fax or mail the policy to the department of the employee requesting the insurance.

MacAfee & Edwards will also fax or mail the invoice for the policy. This invoice must be paid within 10 days of receipt. Mail the payment to:

MacAfee & Edwards
260 S. Los Robles, Ste. 303
Pasadena, CA 91101
tel: (800) 334-7950
fax: (626) 792-7322

If the department fails to pay the invoice in a timely manner, MacAfee & Edwards will refuse to process future requests without payment in advance.

Mexican law requires that you have Mexican auto liability insurance if you are driving in Mexico. (Mexican auto liability insurance covers costs of injuries or property damage that you cause to third parties).

UCSB Risk Management requires that people driving UCSB vehicles into Mexico purchase auto physical damage insurance as well before entering Mexico. (Mexican auto physical damage insurance will cover costs to repair your UCSB vehicle in Mexico if it is necessary in order to drive the vehicle back to the States).

Auto insurance policies issued in the States are not recognized in Mexico.

Incidents involving US citizens who have been involved in traffic accidents in Mexico have highlighted the fact that significant differences exist between the legal systems of Mexico and the United States. US citizens who have been involved in accidents in Mexico will tell you accidents are not handled the way they are in the States and most will tell you they were not prepared for how they are handled.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Mexico, you will be detained until the authorities can determine fault. If you are found to be at fault, you will be required to demonstrate financial responsibility and post a bond to cover the estimated costs of the accident before you are released. Financial responsibility can be demonstrated in one of two ways: (1) possession of cash, or (2) possession of an automobile insurance policy issued by an authorized Mexican insurance company.

If you are unable to prove financial responsibility you will probably be jailed until such time as you can meet your financial obligations. If you have insurance the authorities are more likely to be confident from the outset that you have the ability to meet the financial obligations you may have incurred as a result of an accident. Your detention is more likely to be brief and, if prolonged due to the complexity of the accident or for other reasons, more likely to be in a hotel suite than a jail cell. A policy of Mexican insurance will also provide you with the services of the insurance company adjuster and attorney who will be able to render invaluable assistance in dealing with the Mexican authorities.

Liability to third parties for bodily injury resulting from accident. Limits of coverage are $40,000 per person/$80,000 per accident.

Liability to third parties for property damage resulting from accident. Limits of coverage are $40,000 per accident.

Expenses incurred by the driver or occupants of the insured vehicle by reason of bodily injuries sustained in an accident. Limits of coverage are $2,000 per person/$10,000 per accident.

Collision coverage for the UCSB vehicle with limits up to actual cash value of vehicle and a $500 deductible.

Comprehensive coverage for the UCSB vehicle with limits up to actual cash value of vehicle and a $500 deductible.

Legal aid.

Travel Assistance.

Tourist permit - Available at immigration offices at the border.

Passport - Although US citizens can enter Mexico with an original birth certificate (or certified copy) and photo identification, we highly recommend that UC travelers carry a passport, as the bearer of a passport is less likely to suffer delays or inconvenience, particularly in the event of a vehicle accident.

Current driver's license

Credit card - In the event of a vehicle accident, unexpected expenses could make the ability to access large amounts of cash extremely useful

Proof of a policy of Mexican auto insurance. To obtain, complete the Request for Mexican Auto Insurance (available at <www.riskmanagement.ucsb.edu>) and submit it to UCSB Risk Management two weeks in advance of trip. Risk Management will review it, sign it, and forward it to MacAfee & Edwards who will obtain the policy. Only those listed on the policy can drive the vehicle. MacAfee & Edwards will fax or mail the policy to your department.

Vehicle Registration - When picking up from Transportation Services, check vehicle for registration.

An Authorization to Drive UC Vehicle in Mexico letter. To obtain, complete the Authorization to Drive UC Vehicle in Mexico (available at <www.riskmanagement.ucsb.edu>) and submit it to UCSB Risk Management two weeks in advance of trip. Risk Management will review it, sign it, and return it to you prior to your departure. This form shows that you have permission to drive the UC vehicle into Mexico; only those listed on this form should drive the vehicle. It will also indicate that you have permission to take a boat and trailer into Mexico if you plan to do that.

Boat registration (if you are taking a boat and trailer)

The UC Waiver of Liability - Elective/Voluntary Activity - All persons, with the exception of employees in the course and scope of their employment, must sign and submit a UC Waiver of Liability - Elective/Voluntary Activity before leaving for Mexico. Waivers must be retained by the department.

Make copies of all documents and keep them in a separate location from the originals.

Provide copies of all documents to someone in the States who can fax them to you in an emergency.

Carry a cell phone and charger that will work in Mexico.

Take traveler's checks; if you are in an accident you will need cash.

Give someone your itinerary; agree to call at prearranged times.

Make arrangements with someone in the States who has access to funds and the ability to transfer them to Mexico.

If you are in an accident in Mexico, a cell phone can be indispensable. It can provide the principal means you will have of communicating with the campus and any contacts you have in the States. The police are not likely to provide much help if you want to use their phone to make numerous phone calls, much less long distance calls. If you have access to a cell phone, you should take it. Check with the phone company to make certain that it will work in Mexico. You should also take a battery charger and make certain it will work in Mexico too. If you don't have a cell phone, purchasing one is definitely worth considering.

UC vehicles are not to be taken anywhere in Mexico except the 16-mile deep Border Zone or Free Trade Zone (including the Baja California peninsula and the Sonora Free Trade Zone).

For travel beyond these points, Mexico requires travelers to obtain a Vehicle Importation Permit. A Vehicle Importation Permit requires the traveler to post a bond.

There are significant penalties if you take a vehicle outside the Border Zone or Free Trade Zone without posting a bond and obtaining a Vehicle Importation Permit. If the authorities stop you, you will probably be put in jail and your vehicle will be impounded. You will have to pay a substantial penalty to get it back.

If you intend to tow a boat and trailer to Mexico, you must notify the insurance company in advance to have insurance coverage. If you do not, not only will the boat and trailer not be covered, the insurance company will deny coverage for any damage caused to the vehicle in an accident in which it was towing the non-disclosed boat and trailer. To obtain coverage for a boat and trailer that you are towing into Mexico, submit the completed Request for Mexican Automobile Insurance to campus Risk Management and provide the required information about the boat and trailer that you will be taking.

You must also be able to demonstrate to the Mexican authorities that you are taking the boat and trailer to Mexico with the permission of the University. When you complete the Authorization to Drive UC Vehicle in Mexico, provide the required information about the boat and trailer that you are taking. Submit the completed form to UCSB Risk Management two weeks in advance of your trip. Risk Management will review it, sign it, and return it to you prior to your departure. This form will show that you have permission to take the UC boat and trailer into Mexico.

In the unlikely event you will be fishing in Mexico, you must obtain a fishing permit for anyone who will be present on the boat and a permit for the boat. If you do not intend to fish, the Mexican government does not require that you obtain a permit. If you intend to sport fish, be advised that it is strictly regulated in Mexico.

Remain calm. Expressing anger, frustration, or outrage will probably make matters worse. Expect to be very much inconvenienced. Cooperate fully with the police and your insurance company in order to resolve the issues that are a result of the accident you have become involved in.

Do not move the vehicles until you are given permission by the authorities. Under certain circumstances it may be appropriate to move the vehicles to prevent traffic tie-ups.

Aid the injured, set out flares if possible.

Call the Baja California (Norte) Emergency Response Hotline at 066. This is the Mexican equivalent to 911. Make certain they send out an accident investigator (perito) to do an accident report.

Call Mapfre Teyepac, the Mexican insurance company, as soon as possible after the accident occurs and before you leave Mexico: toll free 01-800-02-663-5800 or 01-800-02-665-5100. (In many cases Mapfre Teyepac will want to send out an adjuster). Be prepared to provide the following information:

Policyholder's name
Policyholder's driver's license
Policy number
Agent's name (MacAfee & Edwards)
Description of the insured vehicle
Description of the third party's vehicle (if applicable)
Exact location of the accident
Your cell number
Brief description of accident

If possible, before the accident investigator and insurance agent arrive, obtain license number(s) of other vehicles; name(s) and phone number(s) of registered owner(s); name(s) and phone number(s) of driver(s); damage to other vehicle (s); names & phone numbers of witnesses.

Take photos if you have a camera.

Draw a diagram of the accident.

If possible, obtain facts about injured person(s); about other property damaged.

Call your department contact on the campus as soon as possible. Advise as to your injuries, injuries to others, damage to your car, damages to the property of others. Ask your contact to call UCSB Risk Management, UCSB Worker's Compensation, and Transportation Services. If necessary, request that Risk Management contact MacAfee & Edwards so that they can contact Mapfre Tepeyac and begin the process of providing the insurance and legal services available under the policy.

At the scene of the accident DO NOT DISCUSS THE ACCIDENT except with the Police, your department contact, your insurance adjuster, and your attorney. When you return to campus do not speak with anyone about the accident except your supervisor, the Third Party Administrator, and campus Risk Management.

At the scene of the accident do not argue, admit liability, or offer to pay for damages regardless of facts. Do not sign any papers.

Protect your vehicle and other property from further damage.

If there are injuries or property damage the police will probably ask you to accompany them to the police station. You may be asked to make a statement. You have the right to not make a statement. You have the right to have someone present while you are questioned: a friend, your adjuster, or attorney. If you have no one with you and the adjuster or attorney has not yet arrived, you may, if you wish, name the United States Consul and ask the police to contact the United States Consulate.

You and anyone else involved in the accident may be detained and the vehicles impounded until the police determine that there is sufficient insurance to pay for any damage or injuries. The experiences of US citizens who have been in accidents in Mexico suggests that, if anyone is injured, you will spend some time in jail until the insurance company attorney arrives and, hopefully, gets you out of jail and into a hotel.

Expect to be inconvenienced. Be patient, cooperative, and polite. Expressing anger, frustration, or outrage will probably make matters worse. Prepare yourself to spend as much time it takes to settle matters; resolve yourself to the fact that you may not now have time to do what you came to Mexico to do.

Use your cell phone to call your claims adjuster and attorney as soon as possible.

Use your cell phone to contact your department contact or campus Risk Management as soon as possible. They can assist you by contacting MacAfee & Edwards, the insurance broker, and making certain that the insurance company, Mapfre Tepeyac, has the information that they need and that they are working to provide the insurance, medical, and legal services available under the policy.

If your vehicle has been totaled, you should see if there is any way to get your belongings taken to a hotel. The experiences of some US citizens who have written about their accidents in Mexico suggest that once a totaled vehicle has been impounded, it may be difficult to retrieve personal belongings.

The police know that most US citizens will have insurance. They will generally help you contact your adjuster.

The adjuster will complete an accident report and secure a copy of the police report. You should ask for copies of both. If your vehicle is damaged the adjuster will assist in getting it to a shop where it can be repaired.

All accidents or losses occurring in Mexico must be reported to the Mexican insurance company, Mapfre Teyepac, before you leave Mexico. Failure to do so jeopardizes your coverage and the company may deny your claim. Call Mapfre Teyepac as soon as possible after the accident occurs and certainly before you leave Mexico: toll free 01-800-02-663-5800 or 01-800-02-665-5100. (In many cases Mapfre Teyepac will want to send out an adjuster). Be prepared to provide the following information:

Policyholder's name
Policyholder's driver's license
Policy number
Agent's name (MacAfee & Edwards)
Description of the insured vehicle
Description of the third party's vehicle (if applicable)
Exact location of the accident
Your cell number
Brief description of accident

If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation you should always politely insist on a written citation that you can pay at the police station or by mail. Be aware that speed limits in Mexico are set in kilometers. The speed limit on highways is usually 55 mph. When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest it by filing an appeal. This involves going before the nearest municipal judge. You can also seek assistance by calling the Tourist Assistance Hot Line at 078.

If you have a driving emergency, you can call the Green Angels. To help motorists on major highways, the Mexican Tourism Ministry operates a fleet of more than 275 pickup trucks, known as the Angeles Verdes, or Green Angels. Similar to the AAA in the U.S., the Green Angels patrol sections of the major highway routes in Baja. The bilingual drivers provide mechanical help, first aid, radio-telephone communication, basic supplies and small parts, towing, tourist information, and protection. Services are free, but spare parts, fuel, and lubricants are provided at cost. To reach the local Green Angels, call their toll-free hot line at tel. 01-800-903-9200. If you do need their service, tipping them for their services is suggested.

Driving in Mexico can be more dangerous than in the States. If possible, avoid driving at night; drive during the day. You decrease the possibility of being stopped and having your property stolen. Beware of foreign objects in the road; these may have been placed there to stop an unsuspecting driver. Do not pick up hitchhikers. If you drive during the day road signs will be easier to read, road hazards are easier to see and avoid, and there are normally more cars traveling so that, in the event of a mishap, it is easier to get assistance. You should avoid driving fast and be prepared to stop at any time. Some of the dangers you can encounter when driving in Mexico are:

• Lack of fencing in rural areas of Mexico allows livestock to roam where they can to find food; loose livestock can appear in the road at any time;
• There are usually no warning signals at construction sites.
• Many bicycles have no reflectors or lights.
• Some cars only have one headlight and no brake lights.
• Driving signals may mean different things in Mexico than in the United States; avoid accidents by keeping your distance.
• Speed bumps can be substantial and can cause damage if you hit them too fast.
• Stop or proceed very carefully at all intersections; don't expect other drivers to come to stop at intersections because you think you have the right of way.
• Yellow lights are a signal to stop, not just slow down.
• You can be cited for a traffic violation if you make a right on a red light.
• You can be cited for a traffic violation if you use a cell phone while driving

Insurance Co.: Mapfre Tepayec: toll free 01-800-02-663-5800 or 01-800-02-665-5100.

Insurance Agent - MacAcfee & Edwards: tel. (800) 334-7950; fax (626) 792-7322

Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) National Road Emergency Servs.: tel. 01-800-903-9200

Baja California (Norte) Emergency Response Hotline: tel. 066

Tourist Assistance Office, Baja Calif. State Tourism Dept.: tel. 078, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

UCSB Risk Management: tel. (805) 893-2860; fax (805) 893-8521.

The American Consulate General (M - F 8:00 - 4:30, except U.S. and Mexican holidays) is located at:

Ave. Tapachula # 96, Colonia Hipodromo, 22420 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico tel. (664) 622-7400; fax: (664) 622-7625; from U.S. 011-52 (664) 622-7400 In case of emergency involving US citizens, call Consulate General duty officer at: 001 (619) 692-2154

Tips for Travelers to Mexico, State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs
http://travel.state.gov/travel/mexico.html

Baja California State Tourism Department
www.turismobc.gob.mx/ingles/home.htm