Here is a very comprehensive article that helps answer a frequent question I hear from clients moving to Panama:

http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/2010040708395597

Ten autos that will sap your wallet -- and 10 that won't:

http://finance.yahoo.com/insurance/article/107172/most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure?mod=insurance-autos

"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a unique crash test to demonstrate the advances in motor vehicle safety over the last 50 years. In this test, a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air are both going 40 mph and the vehicles collide offset, driver side to driver side. This is the same crash configuration represented by the Institute's 40 mph frontal offset barrier test, which is used to rate the frontal crash performance of new cars."

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As you probably know, in Panama all cars must have insurance in order to get the vehicle inspected, registered, and to obtain license plates. I bet the people in this video are happy they have insurance. At least in Panama we don't have to worry about snow and ice.

A client sent me this very powerful video created by the Gwent Police Dept. in Wales:



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http://tecnologia21.com/impresionante-video-sobre-los-peligros-de-enviar-sms-al-volante

I hope it will contribute to ending this terrible habit!

Hello Kevin,
Thanks again for all the help you gave us during the trauma with the van. It was a difficult time for me and you were a rock, which I know helped us through many tough spots. I am sorry when there was confusion. A lot of people were involved in coordinating the fix-it job on my end also. But it all worked out and everyone performed well. I have attached a note with some of my thoughts about the process. More.........

Buenos Dias Kevin, Carmen, and Rosita,

Dan and I wish to extend our heartfelt THANKS to all of you for helping us through the incident with the crazy lady at Price Smart who accused us of hitting her car. Kevin, you went way out of your way to assist us by coming to our aide in person. And Carmen and Rosita, your prompt response to my frantic phone call with policy number information was also greatly appreciated. And will you all please convey to Giovanni our "thanks" for staying with us throughout the whole ordeal? Additionally, please do tell Giovanni's employer that this young man is extremely professional, competent, and courteous.

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Here's our experience:

We didn't realize / remember that ours did, but when we returned from a trip to the States and found a flat tire smiling back at us, we called Kevin for a suggestion. That's when he told us to look on our insurance documents for the phone number. The guy was there in a flash.

More....

This was posted to the "Altos de Maria" Yahoo Discussion Group

Auto Insurance ... My View
Posted by: "Bob Askew" rtaskew@yahoo.com rtaskew
Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:18 am (PST)

First ... I want to say that I am no expert on auto insurance in Panama; however I am a careful observer, and I have experienced first-hand insurance issues and claims here.

I've been living here full-time (with a car) for over 3 years and have had my cars insured with Kevin Bradley.

Kevin is also a friend; we grew up together in the former Canal Zone. After he went to Texas A&M, he returned to Panama and has been here doing insurance since the early 70's -- first with the US military and Americans working with the canal, and then mostly Panamanians and now he's doing a lot of Expat business.

Me? ... I did a military career, retired and moved back here to live.

Just watching and observing Kevin do business and deal with clients, I have gotten a bit of an insight into how some of this works:

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In Panama Auto policies, the "Medical Payments" or "Gastos Medicos" option covers medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers who may be injured in an automobile accident. There may also be coverage, if as a pedestrian, a vehicle causes bodily injury to you or a member of your family. More...