FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the premium so inexpensive compared to other companies?

Why do I have to fill out an application or endorsement form?

Who can drive a tourist vehicle in Mexico?

Does my US / Canadian vehicle registration need to be current?

Do I have to carry US / Canadian insurance as well as my Mexican insurance?

What happens if I have a claim, do I call you?

Do the adjusters speak English?

Do you have offices all over Mexico?

Does Lewis and Lewis offer US / Canadian Insurance?

Can I insure a rental car?

Can I insure a motorcycle?

Can I change the vehicle insured on my policy?

Am I covered if an uninsured motorist hits me?

What is considered Business Use?

Is the VIP Endorsement a good thing to add to my coverage?

Q. Why is the premium so inexpensive compared to other companies?

A. The Law of Large Numbers and our relationship with the underwriter. We have thousands of vehicles insured in our fleet portfolio of clients, which generate an excellent loss ratio of around 29.5% to 34.95% per year. The client and the Company benefit, it’s a win-win for all parties involved..

Q. Why do I have to fill out an application or endorsement form?

A. The underwriter requires that the client submit all new vehicles, changes of vehicle, changes in value, etc. in writing. We cannot take that information over the phone. We can mail or fax an application, or you can find one on line to print, or submit electronically.

Q. Who can drive a tourist vehicle in Mexico?

A. Lewis and Lewis Tourist Mexican Auto Insurance Eligibility is captioned below:

Eligible people include:

• Short-term visitors to Mexico.
• Residents of Mexico who are not Mexican citizens.
• People who work in Mexico who are not Mexican citizens.
• People who have non-immigrant visas or permits.

(*) Mexican citizens are eligible if:

• You are a dual citizen who does not reside permanently in Mexico
• You have a U.S. Green card and do not reside permanently in Mexico.
• You are married to a non-Mexican citizen non-immigrant.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please call us at (310) 207-7700 or (800) 966-6830, (310) 207-7700 or (800) 966-6830, and we will be happy to review it for you.

Q. Does my US / Canadian vehicle registration need to be current?

A. It is recommended that you have current US / Canadian registration of your vehicle, to avoid any and all problems that may arise with the Mexican authorities. However, your Lewis and Lewis Mexican Tourist Auto Insurance policy through Qualitas will at least cover Liability Only without the vehicles and/or unit(s) in tow registration(s) being current.

Many of our clients have found that South Dakota can facilitate vehicle registration. Vehicle registration will have to be brought current prior to settlement of a total loss claim.

Q. Do I have to carry US / Canadian insurance as well as my Mexican insurance?

A. No, Qualitas does not require that you carry US / Canadian insurance for your Lewis and Lewis Mexican Tourist Auto Insurance to be valid. However, the policy you purchase from Lewis and Lewis does not cover you in the USA, Canada or outside of the Republic of Mexico.

Q. What happens if I have a claim, do I call you?

A. In the event of an accident or theft, you must file the claim while you are still in Mexico. You can do this by calling the toll free Claim Hotline from Mexico, dialing:

(800) 800-2880; (800) 288-6700 or using a foreign cellular telephone with international service (55) 1253-4736 (foreign in Mexico would be USA or Canada). You will be assigned a claim file number, and a local, available adjuster will be dispatched to you. Do not call Lewis and Lewis to file your claim. If you have an existing claim (that has been filed and is being worked on) that you are in need of help and / or information about, Lewis and Lewis can help to act as a liaison between you and the Company.

Q. Do the adjusters speak English?

A. Yes, most do. . If needed, please request an English speaking adjuster when you call to report your claim.

Q. Do you have offices all over Mexico?

A. Lewis and Lewis is an agent for the underwriter, Qualitas Compania de Seguros, S.A.de C.V.. We have one office in Los Angeles, and Qualitas has offices and adjusters throughout Mexico.

Q. Does Lewis and Lewis offer US / Canadian Insurance?

A. Not currently

Q. Can I insure a rental car with Lewis and Lewis?

A. Yes, Full coverage is available for foreign rental vehicles entering Mexico. Mexican plated rentals are only eligible for liability only coverage through our Driver’s License insurance.

Q. Can I insure a motorcycle?

A. Yes. *medical payments are always excluded

Q. Can I change the vehicle insured on my policy?

A. You may change the vehicle insured on your policy to a different vehicle during the policy period. Unfortunately, you cannot change back to the previously insured vehicle during the same policy period. There will be a $40.00 endorsement fee or a $15.00 policy fee depending on the policy term. There will be an additional premium if the value of the “new” vehicle or unit in tow is of a higher value than what was previously insured.

Q. Am I covered if an uninsured motorist hits me?

A. If you have purchased a full coverage policy, yes, you are covered for collision no matter if the other party is insured or uninsured. Please see your policy for details of coverage. If you would like to increase your medical payments, in the event that the other party is not insured, you can purchase the Uninsured Motorist Option that will increase your medical payments limit to $20,000 per person / $100,000 per accident & waive your collision deductible if you are hit by an uninsured motorist.

Q. What is considered Business Use?

A. Business Use is Business-related driving away from your normal place of work, such as if driving is a permanent aspect of your job, or taking Clients to see a property, or if you're selling goods or services while on the road. Business Use does not provide coverage if you are using the insured vehicle as a livery service (i.e. a vehicle for hire, taxi, Uber, Lyft, etc.). Business Use can be added for an additional fee of 20% of the base premium.

Q. Is the VIP Endorsement a good thing to add to my coverage?

A. Yes. The VIP Endorsement adds coverage for Vandalism, Partial Theft, Flash Flood and Emergency Expenses all of which are not covered by the standard policy. The VIP Endorsement also reduces the glass deductible to $100. The cost is an additional 10% of the base premium.