I've done some extensive research into what car rental insurance is mandatory by law in Mexico and have found that only Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) which is normally included in the price o
I've done some extensive research into what car rental insurance is mandatory by law in Mexico and have found that only
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) which is normally included in the price of the rental or about $11 per day if it is not - is mandatory.
Loss damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW) are generally covered by most US based credit cards or a credit card with car rental insurance on it. If you select LDW/CDW insurance from the rental company, your credit card coverage becomes invalid. In order for your credit card coverage to be valid you must pay for the full price of the rental on your credit card and decline LDW/CDW from the rental company. The car rental companies often combine these options and use different names to fool the renter into purchasing them.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is another option which is not covered by your credit card company but is also not required.
If unsure - contact your credit card company about its policies. At the end of the day, the car rental company has the last say and could force you to pay for all the insurance options or deny you the rental. If they do just go to the next car rental agency.
I know Ace Rent a Car at the Cancun Airport clearly states which insurance is optional and which in mandatory on its website.
Hope this saves some people some money as Mexican car rental companies are famous for over charging tourists for things that aren't required. Also make sure everything is working in the car before leaving the parking lot. Doors, lights, radio, and windows.
Good Advise! I also suggest using Alamo as they have been very good to us many times for rentals in the Los Cabos area. (Cabo San Lucas)
Also, be sure and check the windshield closely for any pebble nicks that could spread and crack in the hot Mexican sun, especially if the windshield gets wet.
Good Advise! I also suggest using Alamo as they have been very good to us many times for rentals in the Los Cabos area. (Cabo San Lucas)Also, be sure and check the windshield closely for any pebble nicks that could spread and crack in the hot Mexican sun, especially if the windshield gets wet.Hope this helps,Denduke Posted by denduke
Good point. May I add that if you take the rental car company's CDW/LDW insurance - the deductible is very high like $2000. So it really makes no sense to pay for CDW/LDW from the rental company ($25+ per day) then have to pay a ridiculous $2000+ deductible should something happen.
Liability insurance is a key factor here. You will not get liability coverage through your credit card; it must be purchased separately IF it is not already included in the cost of the rental car. Failure to have liability coverage written by a company licensed to do business in Mexico is a very good way to introduce yourself to the Mexican legal system in the event of an accident.
And speaking of liability, if you manage to cause damage to federal or state infrastructure (i.e., you take out a road sign, fence, signal, etc.) you are liable for its repair/replacement.
Incidentally while traveling on federal toll roads in Mexico your toll includes basic insurance - keep your toll receipts as that's your evidence of this coverage.
And it should go without saying but it's amazing how many tourists seem to think Mexico doesn't have any traffic laws or bothers to enforce them. Each state in Mexico has it's own vehicle code and DMV. Generally speaking the laws are very similar between the Mexican states, just like between US states. And just like in the USA, driving under the influence is a criminal offense in Mexico and is taken very seriously. If you are stopped for suspicion of DUI, you must submit to a mandatory BA test (often a blood draw). Last time I checked the legal limit in Mexico across all states was .08%, just like in the USA.
Third party liability coverage is not mandatory. You could waive the coverage on your rental car contract if it is a separate purchase; a lot of rental car companies automatically include it though. Ask!
As I mentioned earlier, if you get in an accident and cause damage to other persons or property without liability insurance then you will get a rude introduction to the Mexican legal system including in all likelihood a trip to jail.
