Mexican car rental insurance a must

Automobile insurance, which isn’t a simple topic at any time, becomes even more complex when renting a car. Add to that renting in Mexico, and the points to consider increase exponentially.

Rather than driving across the U.S. border from Arizona into Mexico, it can make sense to rent a car on the Mexican side. In fact, some U.S. car rental companies won’t rent to drivers who plan to cross into Mexico. Many of those who do won’t permit drivers to cross below the 28th parallel. What that means is for a trip from Tucson, Arizona to Mexico City in a U.S.-rented car isn’t likely to happen.

Experienced car renters will tell you they’re often pressured by rental agents to buy insurance when they rent in the U.S.

Most of us who rent cars already carry automobile insurance, which often covers driving in a rental vehicle. Even if you don’t have this coverage, normally if you rent the car using a major credit card, the necessary secondary protection is provided by that card. It’s a good idea, then, to find out about these options before travel.

Renting a car outside the U.S. is a different matter, and in Mexico, it’s important to remember that U.S. insurance coverage means nothing, and that being in an accident without coverage can mean going to jail.

If you decide to decline the Mexican auto insurance and use only what your credit card provides, the rental company may add a charge of 10 per cent of the car’s commercial value to your bill. If you don’t have an accident, or the car isn’t stolen, then that amount will be refunded. Note also, that if do you take the Mexican auto insurance, the coverage provided by your credit card may be voided.

It’s best to buy the Mexican insurance rather than to take the risk. It will cost approximately $30 a day, or more, but should protect you from any liability.