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Third party insurance for Chile & Argentina
I am aware that there has been a lot of posts regarding third party insurance in SA & I understand it is now compulsory in Chile & Argentina at least. We arrive (fly) into Santiago in a weeks time and will pick our bike up, then travel over to Argentina (Mendoza) almost straight away.
I have read on other posts that third party insurance is available through ATM, but am noit sure if we can organise it in Santiago easily so we don't have problems crossing into Argentina. Can anyone help with: 1. Confirmation that ATM will be able to provide the insurance; 2. Names of other companies that sell insurance for Chile & Argentina (if ATM can't); 3. Places in Santiago where we can buy the insurance (ATM or other). Thanks, Cordy |
Hi Cords and Aash,
I have got an international insurance valid for Argentina, Brasil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay from Aseguradora Magallanes S.A. Santiago: Casa Matriz: Alonso de Cordova 5151 - Of. 1801 - Las Condes Telephone: 363 4600 Fax: 365 4860 Http://www.magallanes.cl Codigo Postal 6770985 The insurance came with the bike when I bought it, but I intent to renew it as well. Hope this helps Jens |
Details on Insurance (Seguro)
We crossed the Argentine boarder yesterday from Santiago on the Cristo Redentor Pass. We can confimr that Insurance is compulsory, you can/ must purchase at the first stop after passing out of Chile Border control for $30 US it last for 30 days same cost as car.
We had no problems with this at all, however it was the first thing asked for coming into Argentina. Aash |
Argentine insurance?
I was stopped at the Argentine border today, south of Asuncion. WHERE can I buy insurance for $30? Everyone here says it is NOT available to foreigners. Please reply asap, as I'm stranded. Thanks!!
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Hi Miah
I don’t know if you will can contact they from there but most bikers than I know and also me use this company: ATM-OASE Asociación Mutual para Conductores y Asistencia Total de Motovehículos Carabelas 281 6ª B (C1009AAA) Buenos Aires—Argentina Tel./Fax: (54-11) 4394-1750 Email: atmotos@oaseatm.com.ar www.oaseatm.com.ar They also give the MERCOSUR extension (Carta Verde) Hope all goes ok. Regards Javier & Sandra www.DakarMotos.com |
Does anyone have recent experience buying insurance when crossing from Bolivia to Chile or Argentina? I have a month or so to organize something, if I can do it beforehand. Any companies issue policies online?
TIA |
Insurance
[quote=AndyT]Does anyone have recent experience buying insurance when crossing from Bolivia to Chile or Argentina? I have a month or so to organize something, if I can do it beforehand. Any companies issue policies online?
TIA[/quoteIf you are inLa Paz, Bolivia you can get insurance that will cover you in all SA countries. It can be a little complicated with having to show the bike to them but it's cheap. It gets you through borders but I doubt it will work if want it to pay out.The company is BISA. Fraser |
Thanks Fraser. Here is what I found on the web:
www.bisaseguros.com LaPaz Bolivia Dirección: Calle Loayza No 255 Edif. Ugarte Ingeniería piso 6 Teléfono: (591-2)2318282 Fax: (591-2)2145438 I´ll look them up when I get there. |
Hi People, on Javiers advice I went to the ATM office in Buenas Aires about three weeks ago to get third party for the moto. Very helpful girls in the office but they said that the MERCUSOR cover was only available to nationals or residents, if you are travelling on a permit to transit you can only get insurance for Argentina then it is a case of buy as you go. Just in passing I have just travelled from BA to the cataracts at Iguazu most of the way there along Ruta 14. I was stopped at least twice a day by the Federales who were very polite and didnt try anything on but it was license, insurance, permit or carnet and registration docs every time. Insurance at ATM cost me 35 peso a month so it is cheap enough just to avoid the hassle. Ride safe
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[/quote] I was stopped at least twice a day by the Federales who were very polite and didnt try anything on but it was license, insurance, permit or carnet and registration docs every time. Insurance at ATM cost me 35 peso a month so it is cheap enough just to avoid the hassle. Ride safe[/quote]
I thought that you didnt need to bother getting a carnet in any parts of south america?? I had heard they are not at all necessary and all you needed was license ( and not even really that) insurance, and registration. Im confused. Anyone got words of wosdom for me?? |
Carnet & Insurance
Hi,
A couple of things. Further to Bol-ex´s info regarding third party insurance available in La Paz, we went to Bisa and were told that only nationals could get it. The lady also rang a couple of other companies in La Paz and got the same answer. We will travel on to Argentina and try to get it at the border, as we did when crossing from Santiago to Mendoza. Regarding carnets, I have been told from numerous sources it is not necessary in SA, and have not been asked for it yet (Chile, Argentina, Peru & Bolivia). However, we are yet to encounter police on Ruta 14 (which we will probably do so in the next couple of weeks!!). Coming into Bolivia from Peru at Lake Titicaca, the Bolivian customs form has a box to be filled for the carnet number, but it was not insisted on to be completed. I gave them the document number of our Australian registration papers and had no other hassles. Comments from others?? Cheers, Cords & Aasha Keep the rubber side down |
Success in Salta!!
After having no luck in La Paz, we seem to have sorted our insurance here in Salta. We crossed the border from Bolivia to Argentina a couple of days ago at Villazon, & were not asked for seguro (unlike when crossing from Santiago to Mendoza).
However, we were asked for original bike registration papers. We eventually found our certified copy which they finall accepted. In Salta, we got insurance through La Veloz Seguros SA. We dealt with Hugo Martel. The office is a small one at Belgrano 853 (Tel 0387-4310814) Email:hmseguros@arnet.com.ar He appears to be a broker for La Veloz Seguros SA, whose office is at 20 de Febrero 224. However, when we went there earlier, they said they didn´t insure for motorcycles. We suspect they thought we wanted comprehensive insurance for the bike, not the compulsory third party insurance. We found out we needed to ask for ¨Seguro Contra Tercero¨ Our policy is for 50,000 peso coverage, with a 37 peso premium per month! We pick up the policy tonight, so will try to read it in more detail, but we are under the impression it covers Mercosur countries. Hope this helps others!! Cords and Aash |
curious..
Dear Cords and Aash,
That's great news! I (probably like some others..) am looking for third party (Mercosur) insurance too. The one I can get is from an US company but costs around U$100 a month! :confused1: So I'd love to hear if your insurance indeed covers all the Mercosur countries, and if this will include Chili, since it's not a mercosur member but associate.. Ride safe, Gerbie. |
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Just wanted to write and say that I bought insurance from Magallanes in Las Condes and it worked out great. Go there, tell them how long you need insurance for, and your golden for all of south america. 6 months for all the countries down here cost me 130 US dollars. Just be make sure they charge you the right price, my friend who doesnt speak very good spanish ended up paying over 300 dollars for 4 months..... But for me all went well, it took me 15 minutes and now I have now worries for wherever I go:thumbup1: :thumbup1: :thumbup1:
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Another recommendation for Magallanes, Las Condes, Santiago
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3rd party insurance
I hear the 3rd party insurance in South Am isnt worth the paper its written on, does anyone know if I can arrange a policy from the UK? Iam a UK citizen buying a bike in the states, going through Mexico and Central America, following the Pan Am on a Harley, leavin in 8 days and kinda pooping my pants about the great unknown!
Dan, Ultra Classic Electra Glide(what a mouthful) |
insurance
try MOTO EXPRESS in New YORK,NY
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Insurance
You might want to try this company for third party liability, collision and theft. This is a US company that I used a couple of times for travel through Central and South America. They are not cheap, and I never had a claim so I do not really know how good the policy is. I was particually concerned with theft insurance. They do insure bikes from other countris. They did Insure my Canadian Registered Bike with my Canadian address.
Also, you need seperate insurance for Mexico. You might want to do this through the internet, rather than purchasing from which ever agent is closest to the border crossing. The Sunrise Group will give you recommendations for a Mexican Company. THE SUNRISE GROUP 816 Executive Drive Oviedo, FL 32765 Phone: 407-977-7001 Fax:407-977-7004 Website: sunriseworldwide.com |
Insurance for Chile and Argentina
Heres my tuppence worth based on a frustrating day. Im currently in Iquique Chile and have just organised insurance. I should probably mention that I am Scottish with a US registered bike. I was trying to get a 60 day policy to cover both Chile and Argentina. The first company, Penta Securities got as far as issuing the paperwork before I pointed out that the policy did not include Chile. It was classed as an International policy and covered Argentina, Brasil, Peru, Bolivia and Uruguay but not Chile. It was $100US for 45days cover. I cancelled. The second company, Magallanes, could either issue a National Policy for Chile or an International policy covering previous countries. I went with the National policy so at least I was covered in Chile. However once they had issued documents, I had been charged $50US for a policy with $1000US liability - for vehicles only, not people. I cancelled in the belief that it would not be acceptable under law. The girl said it was all she could sell me. Eventually went to Vivar Street - there are several brokers there selling insurance. I ended up with something that cost 30,000pesos (about $50) and gives $11,000liability - not a lot really. I think it it probably the miniumum required by law. At least I have an insurance card to show if need be. Once I get closer to Argentina I will organise a seperate policy specifically for Argentina. Unfortunately I speak no spanish and am extremely wary of the insurance being sold - as someone else mentioned I dont believe its worth the paper written on.
I should also mention that I investigated insurance for Peru in Pirua - the best I could do was $175. I decided to do without. I got stopped twice by the police. Only once did they check documents and thankfully never requested my insurance. However it does not make for a relaxing journey in the knoweledge that you could get pulled. This is probably a bigger factor than the worry / risk of actually having an accident. |
which company?
grahamshee - which company did you end up going through?
Our bikes arrive in Valparaiso in a couple of days, so have to organise Chilean insurance. Did you need the bike with you to get the insurance or just organise it with the necessary paperwork? cheers |
BCI Seguros
My Chile insurance is with BCI Seguros. I think it may be part of the BCI banking group and believe them to be a sound company. Although mine was organised with an agent, they have offices and it may be possible to contact them directly. I was in their office today in Talca trying to organise insurance for Argentina. You will need your passport and vehicle documents. I would also suggest your driving licence. From memory I used my hotel address which was OK. You do not need to show the bike.
As an aside, I tried to organise insurance today with Magallanes for Argentina. Having got through all the formalities of discussing the policy, they were unable to issue one because the computer would not recognise my Alaska licence plate. I think this was a polite way of telling me that they would only issue to Chile vehicles / residents. Hence my visit to BCI. I also spoke with another company who could issue a policy (unfortunately I forget their name) but more expensive than Magallanes with less liability cover. I plan to pursue Magallanes further at a different office - I may have been unkucky with that particular girl. If your planning extensive travel in South America I would suggest contacting the Sunrise Group in Florida - details elsewhere on this thread. May be less hassle than organising locally. |
Magallanes a no go...
Grahamshee,
thanks for that info. We might try BCI. It's quite funny, we went to Magallanes today as well and got the exact same resonse. The girls were very helpful and polite, but then it was a case of "they can't put our passport numbers into the computer". They then went off to check with their boss and came back and told us that they could only supply insurance for Chilean residents. Perhaps you talked to the same people. |
Chile & Argentina Insurance
Sir Fries,
How have you got on with your pursuit of insurance? I arrived in Santiago today and my bike is due to arrive in Valparaiso from Singapore on Monday (08/12). It's a UK registered bike and I'm a UK citizen. It would be nice to get something sorted out here in Santiago tomorrow or in Valparaiso early next week. Adam |
more seguros
Hey Adam,
We had assistance from Martina and Enzo from Villa Kunterbunt in clearing customs in Valparaiso (highly reccommended btw, especially if you´re not familiar with the system) and Enzo was adamant that you don´t need insurance for Chile, so we haven´t worried about Chilean insurance so far. We haven´t had any involvement with the Carabineros yet though, so not 100% sure whether we´ll have any problems. We got a message from Grahamshee saying that he managed to get the international insurance from Magallanes in Concepcion, so we stopped by there today and got ours there too. It was simple and quick. Probably took us about 20mins in the office and covers us for the Mercorsur countries (Argentina, Brasil, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay). Cost was about 80 000 Chilean Pesos for 5 months and about 67 000 CLP for 3 months. Sorry, I don´t have any other suggestions for places to try in Santiago or Valparaiso. I did see some places in Valpo advertising Seguro Obligatorio though on Av Colon I think. So you could try there. I have no idea if they are reputable at all, but from what I read on this site you´re mostly paying for a piece of paper to keep the police off your back and not an insurance policy that´s worth anything anyway... good luck! If you´re heading Sth let us know & we can suggest a couple of places to visit. ciao |
Thank you & yes please
Hi Nick,
Many thanks for your swift and informative reply. I have emailed Martina & Enzo and await their reply. I will be travelling south but not until after the Dakar rally which I hope to get to see in a few places. I would welcome any recommendations you care to send my way. Are you still in the south? If so, perhaps we'll meet when you turn north. All the Best Adam Short Way Round |
No requirement at border in Chile
I entered Chile yesterday from Peru -- Tacna to Arica -- and no mention was made at the border about a requirement for insurance in Chile. Lets see what happens if I get stopped by cops.
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Magellanes
I went to a Magellanes office in Santiago last week. A local motorcyclist came with me to make sure I got the right policy and paid the right price.
However, it was not possible because there computer system only allows for a 6 digit registration/licence plate and my UK licence plate is 7 digits. I'm in Valparaiso ow and still looking. If/When I find a solution I'll post the answer. I plan to go to Argentina on Saturday but I'm not sure if they'll ket me through without insurance given that any insurance office further on is likely to be closed. Any suggestions? Adam |
no questions at border...
Hey Adam,
no suggestions, but we just crossed into Argentina for the first time at San Sebastian on Tierra del Fuego and they didn´t ask for insurance. Was quick and simple. I know others have had trouble though, so I couldn´t say for sure that you´d get through with out it. Good luck and I hope you get through without any hassels. Nick |
Bike from UK
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Now in Santiago (1st April 2009) and pondering options. The police said (when my translator rang them) just show your UK (invalid) insurance! |
Hi all.
I'm from Chile and I'm pretty shure that the foreign bikes with foreing drivers don't need insurance here. Otherwise it will be asked when you get into Chile. Regarding Argentina, all the chilean bikes that cross the border from Chile to Argentina need an insurance. It will cost depending on how many days are you planning to be there. This is a specific insurance that is not sell everywhere. Only in some places. I know that near the border (Portillo/Uspallata) you can buy it. So you have to ask for the insurance needed to use in Argentina, not the obligatory for Chile. |
PLEASE HELP ....PROBLEM crossing from the Chile border into Argentina in Sico ... I didn't get my leaving immigration stamp in San Pedro (I didn't know to get it there its usually at the border when you pass through) when I got to the border they wouldn't let me through they told me no stamp no get through and also then if my bike is not insured in Australia not allowed in and also if its not registered same thing...
What can you suggest... Do you need insurance to get from Chile to Argentina?? |
I think it's a notorious border
I came from Santiago into Mendoza on Chile reg bike with no Argentina insurance and the border guard in Argentina just shrugged his shoulders, at the aduana which is combined AR/CL they were more than pleasant both to me and the Colombian biker I was riding with....I have Argentina insurance now...but maybe it's just that border in San Pedro is nasty now ???
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We have just crossed from Bolivia (via Ollague) to Chile and then to Argentina (via Paso de Jama). We looked for insurance in Calama, Chile but couldn't find anywhere that would insure our UK registered bikes (including Aseguradora Magallanes).
We weren't asked to show insurance when we crossed the borders at Ollague or San Pedro de Atacama/Jama just a few days ago. Today we bought insurance in Salta. It was 270 Argentine Pesos (about 60 USD) for 3 months. It's also valid for Chile, Bolivia, Brasil, Paraguay and Uruguay (the paperwork we were given explicitly states this). The insurance office was Federacion Patronal Seguros Avda Belgrano 819 Salta, Argentina. It was very easy (even with our limited Spanish). I think they must've done the same thing for other foreign bikers before. They used our hostel address in Salta for the paperwork. We don't know whether or not insurance is a legal requirement for foreign bikes, but we're happy to have the piece of paper now! Mark and Claire |
Ollague crossing
Hi Mark.
I am planning to make the border crossing at Ollague in 2-3 days. Was there any complications there that I should be aware of? I am a US citizen so I am pretty sure I will be hit with another $140USD reciprocity fee. I am trying to find insurance that I can buy online for Chile and Argentina. Do you have an email address for the office in Salta where you bought your insurance? Also, I'm assuming that you toured the Salar de Uyuni. Can you ride straight across it on your bike or do you have to be part of an organized tour? |
no tour required
and if I'm not mistaken, you only pay the recip fee once every few years (10?)
Maybe someone can jump in on that one There may be an insurance kiosk or store selling same at or near border...IF they ask, you probably can tell them you are headed straight there AFTER they stamp you in............................... don't offer any info , smile, be pleasant, if you are going into AR just mention how sad it is that River Plate manager got busted, going into Chile mention how those Argentines Football Club "Los Milionairios" are so poorly managed....they will understand, either side :innocent: Zig |
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Some answers to your questions...
In response to Everson65...
I am planning to make the border crossing at Ollague in 2-3 days. Was there any complications there that I should be aware of? Not as far as we (British passport holders) were concerned. It's a very remote border crossing - definitely no insurance kiosk! - with friendly officials. Had to pay a small fee to exit Bolivia. Can't remember exactly how much - might've been 30 bolivianos for both of us. Had heard about this elsewhere on the HUBB so you might be able to find the info with a search. You may already know that you can't bring fresh fruit, veg or meat into Chile I am a US citizen so I am pretty sure I will be hit with another $140USD reciprocity fee. Don't know anything about this, sorry. I am trying to find insurance that I can buy online for Chile and Argentina. Do you have an email address for the office in Salta where you bought your insurance? No email address on our documentation, sorry. Just the website for the insurance company - Federacion Patronal Seguros SA | Home | Home - don't think that will help you though. We've now done three border crossings in Chile/Argentina (Ollague, Paso de Jama and Paso San Francisco) and been stopped by police in Argentina for a roadside routine documents check and have not been asked to show proof of insurance yet. Also, I'm assuming that you toured the Salar de Uyuni. Can you ride straight across it on your bike or do you have to be part of an organized tour? No need to be part of a tour. When we were there, the salt was a little damp in patches at the access point near Colchani (just north of Uyuni) but it was easy to avoid the wet bits if you went carefully and it was only around the edges - that was the second week of September this year. We rode out as far as Isla Incahuasi and camped near there. We also rode up to Isla Pescado, but found more surface moisture there and so retreated. A friend of ours was there more recently (9th October) and found puddles of surface water and slush. He actually buried his back wheel up to the swingarm at one point. I would definitely ask around in Uyuni about the latest conditions of the Salar before venturing onto it. We found the tour drivers very friendly and happy to share route information with us. Hope this helps Mark |
At least in what to Argentina involve.
Reciprocity Fees: you only have to pay it landing by airplane into an International Airport like EZE in BA. Only to USA people and other countries that ask visa to us. Is valid for 10 years.
3rd Party Insurance: Usually as a physical verification is required they don’t issue it by internet, distrust if you find one to do it online as can be fake and not valid. Saludos |
We´re in Mendoza, Argentina now and I'm replying to the post about 3rd party insurance.
We spent an entire day in Santiago Chile looking for insurance and could not find any. We ended up risking crossing the border and while the Argentenian police at the check point weren´t happy, they let us through. In Argentina we´ve found 3rd party insurance for our New Zealand motorbike, but covering Argentina only. We´re starting to drive South this weekend so will update on insurance and how it all plays out. We will try get Chilean insurance at border as it is apparently required |
We entered Argentina on our Dutch insurance (the hell the officials at the Bermejo border don't read English let alone Dutch ;-).
We bought seguro in Salta today. Easy operation and it's valid for Bolivia, Chili, Uruguay and Argentina of course. Beware that Federacion Patronal moved to Av Toledo 442 though... |
In Valparaiso awaiting my motorcycle arrival by sea.
Since this is an old thread, has there been any movement on the topic of US nationals requiring insurance in Chile? Should I try getting insurance through Magallanes? Just wing it, and get Argentine insurance at the border? Any new info out there? |
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If in doubt, get to the 1st large town in Chile, find a Falabella superstore and ask at their insurance counter. |
Just a quick update on these topics as we have just played the game twice coming into Argentina :
#1 - the reciprocity fee is required for land border crossings, (BUY IN ADVANCE ONLINE and bring the printed receipt) no negotiation, they have signs up in even the smallest checkpoint (we just crossed at Paso de San Francisco) #2 - insurance IS REQUIRED to bring a foreign registered vehicle into Argentina. If you cross without being asked then you are lucky. Do not count on your luck as we did and were turned back at Aguas Blanca (with Bolivia). They would not let us enter with the bike even to buy insurance which we could not have purchased in Bolivia (we tried!) We came back the next day with a bit of creative photoshopping in hand and got through. |
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