Moving to Yuma (Phoenix: relocating, insurance, budget)

[redwingfan1]

My husband has accepted a new job and we will be relocating to Yuma (hopefully soon..lol) and I have a question. I called my auto insurance company to explain about hubby's job. She reasurred me that he would be covered without a problem. However, when I mentioned that he would be driving across the boarder every day in connection with his job, she told me that he would not be insured while he was in Mexicali..yikes! In fact, she told me that "no American Insurer" would issue coverage to someone driving in Mexico. Even if it is only 10-20 miles across the boarder. Anyway, my question is this: Is there some sort of supplemental insurance that people get when they have to drive their private vehicles to work in Mexicali? We live near the Windsor Ontario/Detroit boarder, and to be honest, this never came up. My agent told me that we would have coverage in the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe, but not Mexico. I don't get it.

Also, what are the nicest communities surrounding Yuma? Thanks....RW1

[azloafer]

Originally Posted by redwingfan1

My husband has accepted a new job and we will be relocating to Yuma (hopefully soon..lol) and I have a question. I called my auto insurance company to explain about hubby's job. She reasurred me that he would be covered without a problem. However, when I mentioned that he would be driving across the boarder every day in connection with his job, she told me that he would not be insured while he was in Mexicali..yikes! In fact, she told me that "no American Insurer" would issue coverage to someone driving in Mexico. Even if it is only 10-20 miles across the boarder. Anyway, my question is this: Is there some sort of supplemental insurance that people get when they have to drive their private vehicles to work in Mexicali? We live near the Windsor Ontario/Detroit boarder, and to be honest, this never came up. My agent told me that we would have coverage in the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe, but not Mexico. I don't get it.

Also, what are the nicest communities surrounding Yuma? Thanks....RW1

There are agencies in the US that do sell Mexican Auto Ins. Keep in mind that without the Mexican Insurance an accident (no matter who is at fault) causes your car to be impounded. My isurance agent said, "good luck in getting it back!" In Mexico you are guilty first and have to prove your innocence; It's not like the the US laws. I drove in Mexico twice with the Mexican insurance, but the driving there is something else! It is something to do only if you are forced to.

[sfw1979]

Hello there..
Can I ask what is his job that he will have to drive accross the border everyday? I don't know much about that because I would walk accross theborder to shop/lunch etc and never drove...

as far as living...I think the best place to live is in the foothills...It kind of sucks big time in the winter because of all the snowbirds but my son went to Sunrise Elementry and we loved it, great school. I don't know what your budget is but you could look at erayuma.com for some listings. Try to get a pool home at all costs...it's a must for the summer//good luck!

[redwingfan1]

Hi Sfw1979!
Thanks for the info! My hubby is going to be working for an American company that is located in Mexicali. I am thinking that the company will take care of the insurance part, but I thought it never hurts to check..lol.
Also, thanks for the info on the Foothills area. I think that we will definately wind up renting at first. And a house with a pool will be a must..lol. Thanks again...

[Trump]

A Mexican company must underwrite the auto insurance for travel into Mexico based on my understanding. I used to cross the border daily for job related purposes. Mexican insurance is easily purchased in the US near the border at a variety of places. The rates as I recall were not that bad. Policies ranging from one day to a month or more are available. Since your husband will be working down there I would be more concerned about the work status his employer is arranging for him. Like the US, the Mexican government has work visas of sort and does not look kindly toward Americans violating their laws. Back to the driving. Also make sure your husband obtains the required International Driver's License if he plans to regularly drive in Mexico. That's also easily obtainable in the US. Lastly, driving in Mexico is not anything to fear. Respect their laws, be considerate and there will be no problems. In fact, the experience will probably turn out to be very rewarding and fun. Good luck!

[Trump]

I forgot to also comment on Yuma, the other part of your question. There is plenty of information on the city here if you search for it. Yuma has grown considerably in the past 10 years and the changes astound me every time I drive through the community. I have no idea what areas are better than others but chances are you will be able to find something to your liking. However, considering that you are coming from Ann Arbor be prepared for the summer heat. It will be HOT. You may want to spend one summer in Yuma before planting your roots permanently. In other words, rent for a while before buying a home. And the cultural differences ....

[redwingfan1]

Beeser,

Thanks for the info. Yep, we are absolutely planning on renting first!lol. And the heat seems to be the first thing that we hear about. But, considering that it is April 11, and we are expecting snow and freezing rain, not to mention the 64 inches that the U.P of Mi just got, I think that I will take the heat. As long as we have air, and a pool, I should be good...lol

[sfw1979]

redwing,
make sure you update us and tell us what you think of AZ!! Good luck with your move!

[redwingfan1]

Will do!!lol

[uconn99]

Sorry to be negative but the only reason I would want to be in Yuma is because it is closer to San Diego than Phoenix. I hope everything works out, enojy!