DRIVING TIPS

The toll on the Cuota is now 24 pesos. The toll road receipt is your insurance receipt should you have an accident while driving on the Cuota. The Cuota also has the “Green Angel” service. They are radio-dispatched GREEN trucks to help distressed vehicles. There are telephones about every 2 miles. The Green Angels carry gasoline, battery cables, etc.

While driving in downtown Rosarito, the far right lane is NOT a driving lane. This is for taxi pick ups and a lane to make backing out of parking easier. DO NOT PARK where the curb is YELLOW …....YOU WILL BE TOWED & the fine is 70 bucks with the towing charge and a 4 hour ordeal! Trust me on this one! Been there ~ Did that!

A very IMPORTANT DRIVING TIP IS if you are driving on the “old road” (highway 1, a two lane road) and you want to turn LEFT and stop because of oncoming traffic to make that left turn and you are rear-ended, IT’S YOUR FAULT! The PROPER left turn rule is this: If you have traffic in your rear view mirror, you are to pull off to the right shoulder and let all traffic clear before making your left turn. If there is no shoulder to pull off on to, then you pass your desired turn location and go where you can turn around.

AUTO INSURANCE IN MEXICO

It is extremely important to obtain Mexican Auto Insurance. If you plan ahead, you can save more than buying insurance at the border at $13.00 a day. There are companies who will write an annual policy, for multiple entry, that is well worth doing if you make 4 or 5 trips a year. This can be accomplished by mail or fax and credit card. The reason this insurance is so important is, if you are in any kind of fender-bender or accident, they can impound your car until fault is found. IF you have the liability insurance FROM MEXICO, this guarantees you have the capability to take care of damages, in the event you are found to be at fault, and thereby, don’t have to deal with as many challenges. (Recently we read horror stories reported by L.A. Times and San Diego Union because a “tourist” didn’t properly plan their trip and protect themselves by buying $7.00 a day liability insurance. Of course, the media just loves getting hold of the bad news, never any of the good!)

There are three major agencies in our area you can select for your daily Mexico Insurance, full time coverage or renters/homeowner’s insurance. You can insure your “driver’s license” for liability only which covers you with any car you are driving. SOME (not all ) United States insurance carriers cover you within 75 miles in Mexico, but Mexico Authorities do NOT recognize U.S. coverage in case there are injuries, so you STILL NEED liability insurance for MEXICO even if your coverage is good within that 75 mile limit. DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

CRISTINA SOSA INSURANCE AGENCY- Cristina offers all types of insurance for your insurance needs. She is bi-lingual and offers really good service.
(01152 664-684-1045

Quadros Agency - For all your insurance needs, located in Quinta Plaza Shopping Center near the Caliente Racing Book.
(01152) 661-612-1239

Bernie’s Insurance (Arceley) - can be reached at (01152) 661-612-1028 for all your insurance needs, located in Quinta Shopping Center next to Georgio’s Pizza on the main boulevard. Bernie’s can arrange by phone & fax your insurance prior to your trip.

NOTE: Friends and I have been here many years and we never have a problem with the police. The old tales are not the way it is. If you abide by the laws, you will not have any problems. If you break the law in Mexico, it is the same as if you would break the law in the U.S. The U.S. Consulate warns that drugs and firearms are considered to be very dangerous to bring to Mexico. Those two things are against the law and possession of same can be very serious.

Always remember you are a guest in Mexico!
Be an “Ugly American” and you’ll be treated likewise.

GASOLINE
There are several Pemex Stations in Rosarito. Unleaded at the moment, is $1.70 per gallon.
Buy your gasoline in pesos for the best deal & don’t let your tank get really low. On some holiday weekends, the demand from tourists causes them to have long lines, especially if a Motor home Caravan of 100 rigs appear at once...and they do! Remember it’s best to purchase your gasoline in Pesos…… Currently 111.15 to the dollar.

All American Retreat’s intention is to accommodate corporate retreats, employee incentive trips, family reunions, church and club retreats, weddings/receptions, and ski or surf trips.