Mexico is a big country, with plenty to explore and many charming attractions off the beaten path. No wonder many adventurous travelers decide to ditch the crowds and take to the open road on their Mexico vacation. While a few things about renting a car in Mexico may be the same as the US (they do drive on the right side of the road, after all), there are a few important tips you need to know before walking in the door of a Mexican car rental agency.
How do I rent a car in Mexico?
Most of the major international car rental companies operate in Mexico, including Budget, Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz. You’ll also find other reputable rental companies in Mexico in major tourist destinations across the country. You can either book online or try for a walk-in reservation, but you’ll want to plan ahead and secure a reservation if you plan on renting a car in Mexico during peak vacation or holiday times. If you plan on getting a walk-in reservation, it’s helpful to speak some Spanish so you can review the documents and understand any limitations.
Your car rental company may also have locations at major airports, such as Mexico City or Cancun. Always check the hours of operation so you aren’t left stranded without a car if you arrive on a late flight.
Will my regular car insurance cover me in Mexico?
When you rent a car within the United States, your regular car insurance often covers you. The same cannot be said about renting a car in Mexico. In fact, most US car insurance policies specifically exclude driving in Mexico from their coverage.
Some travelers also assume that if they make their Mexico car rental reservation with a credit card they’ll be protected. Some credit cards do offer rental car coverage, but not all cards do and those that do often exclude liability coverage, instead covering damage to the vehicle only. Even if the credit card you book with has some form of rental vehicle coverage, there may be some country-specific exclusions.
That’s why it’s important to have travel insurance that includes rental car coverage. With battleface, your rental vehicle damage coverage will reimburse you up to a maximum amount noted in your policy for events like collisions, vandalism, and theft. Plus, your travel insurance rental car coverage includes both you and your traveling companion as drivers, as long as you are both listed on the rental agreement.
What kind of car insurance do I need in Mexico?
While the rental car company you choose will likely offer you insurance coverage, it’s hard to be sure exactly what level of coverage is included–especially if you don’t speak Spanish. And, since your American-based car insurance probably won’t, and your credit card may not, cover you when renting a car in Mexico, it’s incredibly important to be protected.
It’s easy and affordable to add car rental coverage to your battleface travel insurance policy. And when you do, you can get comprehensive coverage with no deductible for minor expenses and only a $250 deductible for big-ticket repairs or replacements.
With battleface rental car coverage, your rental vehicle damage coverage will reimburse you up to a maximum amount for all kinds of unexpected events, like collisions, vandalism, theft, fire, and weather-related damage. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing you have 24/7 access to our travel expert team, who are just a phone call away whenever you need help.
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
Overall, yes, it is safe to rent a car in Mexico. However, whenever you’re traveling away from home, it’s important to be vigilant. Have a cell phone that works in-country both for GPS and in case of an emergency. If you’re driving in remote areas, particularly dangerous regions, or are traveling alone, avoid driving at night. Speaking at least a little Spanish comes in handy in any unexpected situations.
It’s also important to follow the rules of the road. Many of Mexico’s traffic laws will be familiar to American drivers. Just be sure to stick to the speed limit. It’s common for police officers to pull over foreigners and request bribes, so don’t give them any reason to pull you over. And speaking of money, be sure to have some pesos on hand–many of Mexico’s roads have inexpensive, but frequent, tolls.
In certain parts of the country, gas stations may be less frequent than what you’re used to in the United States. This is especially true outside of major cities. So remember to always have plenty of gas in the tank. Also keep in mind that gas stations in Mexico price fuel by the liter versus the gallon.
Read more about staying healthy and safe while traveling in Mexico.
Can you rent a car in Mexico with a U.S license?
Yes, if you have a valid United States driver’s license, you won’t need an international license and will be able to get a rental car in Mexico.
In summary, renting a car in Mexico for a road trip can be a great way to explore the country, but it’s important to plan ahead. Rent your car with a reputable company, map out your route ahead of time, and always have a travel insurance policy that includes rental car damage coverage.
How safe is Mexico City?
As the largest city in North America, Mexico City is bursting with unforgettable travel experiences, from an incredible array of world-class museums and cultural experiences
What’s the climate in Canada like?
Canada is a vast country which rightly has a reputation for cold and snowy weather. Its northern latitude positioning and the presence of the massive
