Rental Car in Mexico

Obtaining a rental car in Mexico can be fairly painless if you shop around first.

Many of the international auto rental companies such as Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar Rent a Car, Avis, Budget, National and so on, are available in Mexico.

Prior to any trip, we usually anticipate our needs and book accordingly online.

So if we book a resort that is 45 minutes outside of Cancun and know we will visit Cancun for shopping and sight seeing, we'll book our car rental in advance; allowing us the chance to shop around first using the net.

Mexico truly is a great country to visit.  And after a few visits you realize that things aren't run the same as back home.  Things are a little more "laid back"...

For instance, don't be too alarmed if the car model and size you reserved online isn't available when you arrive to pickup your car rental in Mexico.

This isn't to say that there will be a mid-sized tractor waiting for you, but you may have to be a little more flexible here than you would be back home.

The car rental companies will do their best to give you what you want - just be prepared for not getting exactly what you want :)

A few things to keep in mind when booking a rental car for your trip to Mexico:

• If you reserve a rental car in Mexico, as apposed to online before you go, be prepared to use your credit card.  Even if you want to pay cash you may have to leave your credit card imprint.
   

• Check with your credit card company before you book to see if they may provide adequate insurance coverage for the car rental. 
   

• Different car rental companies have different policies - be sure to read the booking specifics before reserving.
   

• When arriving to pick up the vehicle, ask at the front desk if there are any special price upgrades available.  Your credit card company may also have access to free upgrades.
   

• Before you leave the rental agency, be sure to compare the checklist they fill out against all items on the list; such as the fuel gauge, scratches or dents on the vehicle, cracks in the windshield, etc.  Point out any discrepancies you find and make sure they adjust the checklist for any differences or you could end up being responsible for those items.
   

• Look in the trunk to be sure there is a spare tire and tire jack.
   

• Do not let anyone else drive the auto rental that is not specified on the rental agreement.  Doing so may void the insurance coverage.