Full Answer
How much does rental car insurance cost in Mexico?
- Liability for injury and/or damages to third parties
- Collision and comprehensive coverage for the rental vehicle
- Theft of rental vehicle
- Medical expenses for vehicle occupants
What is the best car rental in Mexico?
There is a wide selection of car rental companies in Mexico, some of them are part of international chains that you may be familiar with, such as Hertz or Thrifty.
Do I need to purchase the insurance with a rental car?
A common question for drivers who are traveling is whether they need to purchase additional car insurance for their rental cars. Often, no additional car insurance coverage is necessary because your rental car is already covered by either your credit card or current insurance coverage. It is important, however, to verify that you are covered and to find out about any additional rental car insurance coverage that you might need.
Is rental car insurance mandatory in Mexico?
When you get off the plane and walk to the counter of the car rental company, everything will appear to be going as planned. Then they tell you that you need to purchase mandatory liability insurance. All car rental companies in Mexico require you to purchase basic personal liability insurance, which is, at it's cheapest, about $20 per day.
What kind of insurance do I need to rent a car in Mexico?
Personal Liability Insurance, also referred to as Third-Party Insurance, is mandatory when renting a car in Mexico. You cannot rent a car without this coverage. Although this is the only obligatory type of insurance, it's not always enough. In fact, it's highly recommended to opt for additional coverage.
Do you need additional insurance when renting a car in Mexico?
Third party insurance is compulsory by Mexican law when you rent a car in Mexico. This insurance covers third parties for any damages in the event of a mishap, but it does not cover the renter's liability for the vehicle itself.
How much does car rental insurance cost in Mexico?
Mexico car rental rates vary, but figure about $30USD per day for an economy car with full coverage insurance.
How much is car rental insurance in Mexico per day?
Because MOST car rental companies in Mexico require you to purchase basic Personal Liability Insurance, which is, at it's cheapest, about $15-20 per day.
Do I need LDW in Mexico?
Before you decline LDW/CDW, verify that your auto policy or credit card insurance is valid for rentals in Mexico, and that it includes loss of use. To collect on your credit-card insurance, you must use that card when you rent the car and when you pay the final bill.
How do I avoid getting ripped when renting a car in Mexico?
Make a booking directly with the rental company If you have time to do a quick research you can check directly on each car rental website and see if there is some promotional rate, but always make sure what the rate includes as some offers are traps.
Does my AAA insurance cover rental cars in Mexico?
You're renting in another country. With AAA, you're covered for rental cars in the US. If you're traveling outside the country, you'll need to purchase supplemental insurance. (Mexican rentals require extra insurance anyway.)
What happens if you take a rental car into Mexico?
Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents with valid visa status can rent cars at the limited Budget locations where border crossings are allowed. Mexican border crossing officials will arrest non-compliant individuals and the car will be impounded.
Can I use AAA in Mexico?
AAA can help you get what's required through one of Mexico's largest and most reputable insurance companies. Policies range from a day to a year so you can customize coverage to fit your needs.
Is liability insurance mandatory in Mexico?
Liability car insurance in Mexico You are required by Mexican law to have liability insurance. If you cause a car accident, this covers bodily injuries and property damage to others.
Does my US car insurance cover me in Mexico?
Does Your Car Insurance Cover You In Mexico? Most typical U.S. auto insurance policies will not cover Mexico. So, if you're heading south of the border, you'll need additional coverage for the family wagon. GEICO, for example, has partners that offer Mexico-specific policies for cars, RVs and motorcycles.
Is car insurance expensive in Mexico?
Most insurance providers offer daily, 6-month, or 12-month Mexico car insurance policies. You can expect to pay anywhere from around $200 to $500 for your premium. It's often more cost-effective to go with a longer-term policy than a daily one.
How To Rent A Car In Mexico
For the most part, renting a car in Mexico is exactly the same as in the United States. You will need the following items to rent a car in Mexico:
Your US Insurance Is (Probably) Not Valid In Mexico
This is indeed quite a bummer. Many credit card plans come with rental car insurance (more info here ). However, most providers don’t extend this coverage south of the United States.
Mandatory Car Rental Insurance in Mexico
Just like the United States, Mexico has two types of car rental insurance- collision damage and liability. However, this is where the similarities between rental cars in the US and Mexico stop. Here’s why.
Additional Rental Car Insurance in Mexico Explained
Be sure to check out the section below to avoid overpaying for what may seem like a great deal, at least at first. Avoid any misunderstandings and ensure that you have the exact coverage you want.
What If You Decline Additional Car Insurance in Mexico
Here comes another bummer. When you decline additional coverage offered by your supplier and can’t provide proof of having external protection, the company may ask you for a larger security deposit.
Damaged Rental Car In Mexico
Fighting rental car damage claims can be tricky, no matter which country you’re in. This should not discourage you from renting a car in Mexico. Nonetheless, every renter should be aware of the local procedures.
Bonus- Mexico Rental Car
Unsure where to book your rental car in Mexico? Be sure to check out Rentalmoose. We’re a global car rental broker that serves over 15 000 locations worldwide.
What do I need to rent a car in Mexico?
As far as what’s required to rent a car in Mexico, there are only four things you need to have for a Mexico rental car. 1. A Valid Driver’s License. If you have a valid driver’s license in a language that uses the Roman alphabet ( this one! ), you can rent a car in Mexico with your license.
How much does it cost to clean a windshield in Mexico?
If you want them to, there’s no set amount to pay, but $5-10 pesos (about $0.25-0.50USD) is a standard amount.
How many kilometers is 1 mile in Mexico?
Mexico street signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour — and for those curious, 1 mile is 1.6 kilometers. Rather than doing conversion math while driving, just make sure the speed limit sign number on the road matches your car’s speedometer number.
Where to see Mexico?
A Mexico road trip is one of the best ways to see the country; especially places like the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California. Even if you’re not doing a full road trip, the easiest way to explore the Mexico hidden gems is by car.
Is it illegal to hold your phone while driving in Mexico?
Not only is this unsafe, it is also illegal in Mexico. In fact, having your phone in your hand is a ticketable offense, so don’t even hold your phone while driving.
Is it safe to drive on free roads in Mexico?
For longer drives, and when traveling between cities, always opt paid roads. Yes, they cost money, but they are much better maintained and generally considered safer. When driving, don’t forget to have cash for the tolls.
Can you drive at night in Mexico?
When you live in Mexico long enough, you start to realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if they can. If you do drive at night, stick to only main roads and paid highways, called couta roads.
Do credit card companies offer car protection?
Some credit card companies offer some level of rental car protection as a perk of membership — and to get you to use the card to pay for the rental.
Do you have to pay for medical insurance on a rental car?
If you rely solely on the mandatory insurance that comes with the rental car and the added protection your credit card provides, you will have to pay out of pocket for any emergency medical treatment you or your family members require — and that can get pricey.
What rental companies are there in Mexico?
You’ll find a large assortment of rental car companies in Mexico, including most of the major international chains, such as Avis, Alamo, Thrifty and Hertz. There are also plenty of national car companies, which can offer better rates but you may worry that it may be harder to settle a claim if the car is damaged.
What is per day liability insurance?
The per-day rate for liability insurance is often equal to the weekly rate for the car.
Do rental cars in Mexico require a security deposit?
Even if you can demonstrate that you have a valid liability policy that covers Mexico, the rental car company might demand a security deposit that’s returned at the end of the rental. (Note that hefty security deposits are commonplace around the world.)
Is Mexico lenient on insurance?
The legal system in Mexico is much less lenient if an accident occurs, so the insurance stakes are higher. Think twice before declining any insurance until you triple check what coverage you have.
Can an American driver leave Mexico?
In other words, Mexican authorities may not allow an American driver to leave Mexico until the injured parties receive an acceptable settlement.
Does Mexico have car rental insurance?
But Mexico has a mandatory insurance requirement that makes declining coverage a potential minefield. The dirt-cheap Mexican car rental rates don’t include insurance, which can triple the cost of the rental.
WHY YOU NEED MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE
Before you start thinking this is some money-grabbing scheme targeting foreigners, all drivers are required to have liability insurance. Unfortunately, the Mexican legal system is much less lenient if an accident occurs. When it comes to driving, Murphy’s Law is a very real threat, no matter how carefully you drive.
What does it cover?
This is basic personal liability insurance that will satisfy the mandatory insurance requirement. In case of an accident, this covers personal injury claims or material damages you cause to the other driver. However, it does not cover injuries you may suffer or damage done to the rental car.
What car rental companies are there in Mexico?
There is a wide selection of car rental companies in Mexico, some of them are part of international chains that you may be familiar with, such as Hertz or Thrifty. You may feel safer renting from one of these companies, but national car rental companies may offer more competitive rates, and the international companies are usually franchises in Mexico and may not actually offer better service than the local agencies, so it's a good idea to check reviews online to get an idea of experiences others have had.
How old do you have to be to drive in Mexico?
Drivers are usually required to be at least 25 years of age in order to rent a car in Mexico. Your current driver's license from your home country is accepted for driving in Mexico (make sure it's still valid before your trip). You will need a credit card to make a security deposit on the vehicle.
What to do when you pick up a rental car?
Car Inspection. When you pick up the car, the rental agent will inspect it with you and mark on a form any damage that the car has already sustained. Check to make sure the headlights and windshield wipers work as well. The car should have a spare tire and jack in the trunk.
What type of insurance is used for credit card?
There are different types of insurance: Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) Loss damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW). This insurance may be covered on your credit card, but double check with your credit card company in advance to be sure.
Can you take photos of a car when traveling?
Unfortunately, some travelers have found they are charged for damage that the car already had on it, so be sure to inspect the car along with the agent. It may also be a good idea to take photos with your digital camera as well in order to have proof of the condition of the car when you received it.
Do you need insurance for a car rental in Mexico?
The cost of the required insurance can easily double the cost of the rental , so be sure to add in the insurance in order to find out how much it will really cost you. You do need to have Mexican insurance because if your vehicle is involved in an accident, according to Mexican law, uninsured drivers may be arrested and held until any damage is paid for.
Do car rental companies honor credit card insurance?
And they don't honor credit card insurance in case of an accident (meaning that you will have to pay for any damages upfront and then get reimbursed later by the credit card company, if possible). ALWAYS go directly to the car rental company to book your car. They will sell you the insurance directly.
Is it worth renting a car in Cancun?
To be honest, it is indeed worth renting a car in Cancun, because you can explore places where local transportation doesn’t go, around Cancun and the surrounding. For example, you may like to explore the beautiful Cenotes near Cancun on your own and you will need a car for that.
