TIJUANA – Starting Jan.1, Baja California motorists must meet a requirement that will sound familiar to drivers north of the border: They must have liability insurance.
The state passed a reform in 2011 that makes such insurance mandatory. Minimum coverage will cost approximately 860 pesos a year (about $62) for damage to third parties of at least 260,000 pesos (about $18,632).
"From the moment you drive the public streets of the State of Baja California it's mandatory to have an insurance policy, no matter if the vehicle license is current or not, if the vehicle is from another state or even if the car does not have a license ," said Arturo Alvarado, a tax collector.
The state is asking drivers to contact their insurance company to obtain information about the various auto liability coverage options. The state will not offer auto insurance.
"You run the risk of losing everything (in an auto accident)," Alvarado said. "That's why it's so important to have liability coverage. There are so many cases when someone hurts someone else but doesn't have the ability to pay for the accident."
Starting in January, every motorist that obtains or renews their vehicle registration and license will have to present proof of valid insurance.
More information is available at:
– Baja California government office in the Río zone
– By phoning (664) 172-3017 or (800) 027-3999, if dialing from Baja California
– State government's official site
Omar.millan@sandiegored.com
