Can You Take a Rental Car to Mexico?
Yes, you can take a rental car to Mexico from the United States. However, it comes with certain authorization, obligatory insurance policy purchased in Mexico through a rental company, and others.
Besides, rental cars should be returned to the original pick-up location, as one-way services are not available for cross-border travel. In addition to this, some companies in the country also limit the driving distance to up to 250 miles.
So, it is suggested to check with the operator for detailed information.
Documents Needed for Renting a Car and Driving to Mexico
Before exploring the options of car rentals with cross-border services to Mexico, one must understand the basic requirements for this. Though company-to-company requirements may slightly vary, some will remain the same.
Here are the details:
Citizenship proofs (should be submitted by Canadian and US tourists).
A valid visa or permanent residency of the US, if the renters are not US citizens.
IDs, such as a birth certificate or a passport, issued by the government.
Automobile liability insurance or car insurance purchased from a Mexican company.
Government-issued tourist cards.
Entry permits from the Mexican Government.
Car rental contract with proper registration-related documents.
Intimation to the car rental company regarding the travel plans to Mexico.
Which Rental Car Companies Allow You to Drive to Mexico?
Not all car rental companies allow border crossing to Mexico. However, one can have the services of prominent operators, such as Budget, Avis, Hertz, Fox, etc. These companies need pre-authorization, Mexican-based insurance, and others.
While getting a cheap car rental in Miami from these, one must know the key requirements along with restrictions exists with their services:
Written Authorization: Renters should inform the car rental company of the permission to take their vehicles across borders, including Mexico.
Auto Insurance: Remember, a US-based insurance policy is not valid/accepted in Mexico. Thus, it is necessary to buy a special liability insurance from a Mexican company.
Distance Restrictions: Most car rental service providers have mentioned the border limits of 250 miles from the country’s border.
One-Way or Round-Trip: Remember that one-way car rentals are not provided by the US companies. Hence, it is necessary to return the car to the main drop-off points.
Requirements of the Driver: The primary driver should have a valid and active license with no DUI convictions. Also, the age of the renters should be at least 25 years and more.
Documentation: Always carry the license, passport, rental agreement, ID proofs, and other relevant documents to drive the car to Mexico.
Vehicle-Related Limitations: There are many of the best car rental companies that allow border crossing to Mexico, but do not allow renting cargo vans, large passenger cars, or luxury cars.
TIP: Stands for the Temporary Import Permit, which is needed to cross the country’s border and drive to Mexico. However, it also depends on how far a person wants to travel.
What to Consider While Driving a Rental Car to Mexico?
While using a car rental to drive through Mexico, one must keep certain points in mind to eliminate legal and other potential issues. Alongside, considering the same will prevent additional fees and penalties.
Insurance is Mandatory: It is NOT OPTIONAL at all when renting a car for a Mexico trip. Without Mexican automobile insurance, one cannot enter the country.
Restrictions of the Companies: Only a few service providers exist that offer cross-border rentals. So, check the same ahead of time.
Obligatory Documents: Carrying certain documents is mandatory. These include a primary driver’s valid/active license, visa and passport, government-issued IDs, rental contract, and more.
Driving Conditions: To book a rental, the driving background should be clean, accident-free, and have no DUIs. After pickup, always drive on safe, well-lit, and well-maintained roads.
Carry Cash: When in Mexico, pay tolls, gas fees, parking charges, etc. in cash. This is because card readers here might not work for foreign ones.
Driver’s Age: No car rental company in the country allows underage drivers to rent and drive a car to Mexico. The age should be 25 years or older for this.
Security Deposits: When taking a car to drive to Mexico, security deposits are mandatory. A credit card will be required for the payment of this.
