Duty on stolen motorcycle-Mexico

**lend** · #1 2 Sep 2004

I understand that I would be responsible to pay duty to the Mexican goverment on my Motorycle if I leave it in Mexico. I am unable to get information as to what happens if I am unable to remove the motorcycle from Mexico as a result of it being stolen. I can not seem to get an answer on this from the Mexican Government.
Insurance Companies advise me that they will only insure for the value of the bike and will not insure for any duty. I would welcome any suggestions as to how I get some information on this. I also have the same qestion/concern for every other Central American Country.

**chris** · #2 2 Sep 2004

Don't let it get it stolen?
ChrisB

**JamesCo** · #3 3 Sep 2004

I think you're thinking about this too much. Have you ever heard of anyone paying duty for, say, an expensive camera that got nicked while on holiday in Costa Rica? The same principle applies to your bike: you have an valuable asset that would be taxable if it is permanently imported, but that's not the case if it has been stolen. Think about all those people in LA whose cars are stolen and end up south of the border; they're not hit with the duty next time they go partying in Tijuana

Relax, park wisely, use a big lock. Don't expect insurance to do anything but get you across the border legally.

Have fun,
James

**Grant Johnson** · #4 3 Sep 2004

General experience wiht this question says that IF you inform the police of the theft and you go through all the procedures andpaperwork, there is no problem. As long as they believe you, in other words there is some evidence it really was stolen, no problem. Police reports are taken as sufficient evidence by Carnet authorites and customs, so I see no reason why there would be a probem.

If the bike is "stolen" in order to sell it, then all bets are off.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com