Hi guys,

We have travelled through the south part of the continent (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia) and are now making our way into Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.

Our MERCOSUR driving insurance does not cover countries of the ANDEAN group, above.

Can you please advise for an adequate insurance for Peru, Ecuador and Lima?

We are currently in London and will be back in Lima next week.
Thank you

I have crossed Arica-Tacna, PE, and Copabana-Puno, PE(twice), Piura-Macara, EC, Ibarra, EC-Ipiales, CO. Only once was I asked for insurance papers (Copacabana-Puno), I simply went over to the copy shop and made a copy of my intl drivers licence cover page (in English) which they never really looked at.

I have been stopped in Lima, N of Lima (fishing for bribes) and between Juliaca & Cusco (soborno fishing as well). Only on the later was I asked for insurance papers. I produced my Intl Drvrs licence, which they read thoroughly and rejected, so I told them my paper was left at the Puno Aduanas. They allowed me to proceed to Cusco where I promised I would get another copy and take it to the tourist police. They then tired of me and let me proceed.

Little did I know, I needed to pass the spot again on my way to Arequipa, I told them I could not get a copy of my Ins in Cusco and was going back to Puno to get my original. They told me I needed to leave my passport to continue, so I gave them 20 soles (apologies fellow hubbers) and was allowed to pass.

In EC, & CO, I have never been stopped. I am sure your current papers, especially if in english will suffice on the rare occasion you may be asked for insurance papers. I was also told (by a knowlegable moto tourer that lives in Cusco) that as a foreigner, I am not able to buy I insurance in Peru.

Hope this helps.

__________________
India Himal, 3mo,2x; Kazak/Krygyz/Tajik, 3 mo; Kashi-Lhasa, China 219! 6 wk; Nepal, 4 days/trekked 55; Santiago-Ushuia-Cusco, 7 mo; Peru, 3 mo; Chile-Medellin 3 mo; Medillin-Arica, 3 mo

They'll be happy to sell you insurance in Peru....for a full year only, at a fairly steep price. That's why most do without, and that's why there's such a good business extorting from travelers without insurance. If you want to verify this you need only stop at any insurance office in any reasonable-sized town; they all sell the same product at the same price.

Most will end up not buying insurance in the countries where this is possible. Colombia requires it and it's available but the soldiers who ask for it at roadblocks will be satisfied with any old scrap of paper, including expired insurance slips from your home country. At some Colombian border crossings the aduana checks before issuing your temporary import papers, but at others they don't.

The OP sounds like one of those rare motorcycle travelers who makes an effort to always be insured. I, on the other hand, bought no insurance at all in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and one one of two trips through Colombia. Elsewhere, I bought whatever I needed to continue onwards. The general rule is that where it's required, someone will be made available who will sell it to you.

The question of what will happen in the event that you actually try to use your insurance is another matter entirely.

Hope that helps.

Mark

I was stopped by cops in Colombia over a dozen times I reckon, and never once was i asked to show the SOAT (insurance) In Colombia I got the instint impression that if you are a foreigner traveling on a moto, the cops just give you a pass. Never any problems in Colombia.

In Ecuador I was stopped a few times. They asked to see my import permit, but never anything else. Zero problems. Mostly good cops I think.

I have been in Peru for a few weeks now. Got stopped by the cops numerous times, never asked to see anything, or asked for a mordida. Without exception, they all asked what country I was from, welcomed me to Peru, told me to drive safely, and sent me on my way.

YMMV, but this is just my unique experience and I had no problems at all. In fact, the police in all three countries were very polite and very helpful when I needed directions or advice.

I have heard horror stories about the cops, but in my experiences in the last few months, I have not had any problems with the cops in these countries at all and never once was I asked for insurance. They have all been very professional with me.

__________________
http://www.southontwowheels.com

Hi,
I`ve just been in Colombia. Have been stopped to show Insurance. The nice cops even showed me the paragraph: They are allowed to immobilize your bike, even if you have an insurance but not with you at that time.

I think Peru is the same. It`s just not a good position in an argument with the police.

by the way, the insurrance in Colombia isn`t expensive and can be bought for 3 months.

Just have something to show if you want avoid an argument about money.

Edit: Almost always have had good exp with cops. Not saying they`re all evil, it`s just better to prepare for the one in hundred.

One big positive about the SOAT in Colombia is that when you break your leg trying to avoid a Volkwagan Passat all your medical expenses are taken care of.
A big relief as they start to hammer a big ol titanium rod through your shinbone!
These Colombian Doctors know their shit,as I was the third broken leg in a motorcycle accident that day!
Al

Insurance and temporary import of ur vehicles are perhaps the most essential documents one need to carry before entering cointries. Just did a ride from India to Uk on my indian 1994 bike. THE SILK ODYSSEY on FB. Any help pl let me know

Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk