Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Dec 2012
sellheim's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Colombia
Posts: 53
Exclamation Urgent: If and where insurance for Argentina in Southern Patagonia

Hi

anyone who crossed recently: do I need insurance to cross from Chile into Argentina? Or are they as stringent at the border as they are with importing bikes and maybe deny me entry?

And if so, does anyone know where in Southern Patagonia in Argentina where you can get mandatory insurance ? Im crossing soon around the O'Higgins area from Chile. I could only find the one insurance company the guy nicely posted from Zanella ATM in Bariloce, way too far north for me. Please help , thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Dec 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
Two and a half years ago I crossed the border repeatedly in both directions without ever needing insurance. In fact, the only time anyone mentioned insurance was heading over the low pass toward Bariloche from Puerto Montt, where the border guard was roundly ridiculed by the locals standing in line when he asked about my insurance. He let me through without further complaint.

I understand that things may have toughened up since then, but most of the stories I've heard have involved entering northern Argentina, not the south. If you're riding a motorbike across from O'Higgins, they'll be so surprised to see you that you'll probably have to remind them of their duties anyway--no motorbikes making that crossing when I was in the neighborhood. I know someone who did it with a DRZ400 and said it was really, really hard.

One more thing to bear in mind: after Jan 7th 2013 you'll need to pre-pay any reciprocity fees at all land, air and boat points of entry. At least, that's the theory. So if you haven't paid and come from a place like the USA, they're not supposed to let you in. The requirement is that you pay in advance on-line using a credit card. Note that this is only hearsay at this point, although they sounded serious about it.

YMMV, of course.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Dec 2012
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by sellheim View Post
Hi

anyone who crossed recently: do I need insurance to cross from Chile into Argentina? Or are they as stringent at the border as they are with importing bikes and maybe deny me entry?

And if so, does anyone know where in Southern Patagonia in Argentina where you can get mandatory insurance ? Im crossing soon around the O'Higgins area from Chile. I could only find the one insurance company the guy nicely posted from Zanella ATM in Bariloce, way too far north for me. Please help , thanks
They did check ours back in November when we crossed at Los Andes. And the Bolivians also wanted to see it.

Ask around the local town you are in, look for Seguros General. There should be a small shop somewhere as it is mandatory. Every one knows you need it, no one ever seems to know where to find it :-)
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: 600km North from Ushuaia.
Posts: 140
I went to Chile last week and they didn't ask for the insurance, but they did beofre. Even though they aren't going to ask for it, it's cool to have it just in case.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Apr 2013
sellheim's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Colombia
Posts: 53
Some Borders Insurance is Required

Hi all,

Just a reply, follow up and update to my older post from my Argentina/ Chile border crossings with regards to motorbike insurance in Argentina.

When I crossed from Chile into Argentina at Paso Roballo I didn't have motorbike insurance. I was used to paying for insurance when it was mandatory for entry in Central America and South America at the convieniently located insurance offices at the borders. This is a fairly remote border as compared to the more major ones.....

The Argentinian border guard asked for my "international insurance", I pleaded ignorance, but he was quiet determined that he wouldn't let me enter without it. Eventually another biker friend who spoke better spanish persuaded the officer that I would buy the insurance when I crossed into Argentina at the next town. The officers then stamped me and my bike into Argentina and said I could probably get it at Perito Moreno or south at El Calafate. They also said that the police officers may not be so friendly if they caught me without insurance. I was heading south so I chanced it to El Calafate.

The main reason I was concerned with getting insurance, was because a friend of mine a month earlier was asked for all forms of identification and insurances after being pulled over. Including: the usual moto paperwork, passport, home country drivers licence, international drivers licence (I had never been asked for this in 42,000kms through the Americas), some form of motorbike insurance and a few other obscure papers that he luckily had. My friend believed he was just trying to catch him out to get a bribe. Therefore I wasn't keen in being in that situation.

When I arrived at El Calafate I was directed to Federacion Patronal Seguros S.A.

They were very helpful, Samantha Guibe was the officer who assisted me,

the address is Gobernador Gregores No. 1206 P. Alta Oficina 6 El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Tel: (02902) 494824
email: infofedpat@cotecal.com.ar

the insurance cost 153 pesos or $22 USD for 4 months
the insurance also covered Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brasil and Paraguay.
Apparently you can buy it online at www.fedpat.com.ar or pay more to extend the coverage online or over the phone.

I believe there is another one in Perito Moreno from other posts.

At the other Argentinian border crossings in southern Patagonia I crossed multiple times near San Sebastian and near Puerto Natales, I wasn't asked once for insurance.

So yeah, I guess its up to the rider if you want to take the chance.


cheers and hopefully this helps other riders out

Dom

ps does anyone know if it is illegal to ride a motorbike in Argentina without insurance?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: 600km North from Ushuaia.
Posts: 140
Quote:
ps does anyone know if it is illegal to ride a motorbike in Argentina without insurance?
Yup
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Homeless Somewhere
Posts: 1,165
Great info thanks and useful for us forward planning knowing the rules seem to be changing and tightening all the time.
__________________
Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Apr 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 42
We crossed at Chile Chico and many places near Tierra del Fuego and were never asked for insurance. The only time we were asked was when we crossed from Uruguay back to Argentina (at Concordia). Aduana officials actually called the insurance company to verify the policy was for real.

If you get stuck, you can email Klaus at info@abgefahren.info He is a german expat living in El Bolson, who has setup a system to help travelers get legit insurance for Argentina. He does everything via email, but it does take a few days to process. He charges a fee (25-50 Euros), but for us, it was worth the cost to not have to spend an entire day driving around looking for someone in Chile to sell it to us. His policies are also MECROSUR, so they will cover you in many other countries throughout South America.

Good luck!
__________________
Seattle to Argentina - Starting Oct 2011
www.LifeRemotely.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Argentina
Posts: 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by sellheim View Post
ps does anyone know if it is illegal to ride a motorbike in Argentina without insurance?
Hi there, yes, a liability coverage for motorvehicles is mandatory by law. It must cover damages or lesions to third parties up to a certain amount of money (approx 100,000 U$). Insurance policies also cover the vehicle in MERCOSUR countries (Argentina. Brasil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Uruguay).
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:18.