Mexico and Car rental insurance--who has the answers?

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

Okay,

All kinds of conflicting advice over the net with respect to what insurance one can safely decline because of credit card coverage in Mexico with car rental agencies.

Anybody in the know?

Thanks,
Eric

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jan 15, 08 8:47 am

If your poor and have little assets, then just skip the insurance. If you own a home or have other valuable property, I would spend the money and get the insurance. Even when I was broke I always bought supplemental auto insurance down there.

Call me pessimistic (mostly b/c I am) but I would imagine it to be a nightmare if you get in an accident and the federales show up and you are waiving around your credit card saying "see, I have insurance"

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

I think a I agree, but boy does it sting...

w84wind · Since 23 Jan 2007 45 Posts La Ventana, BCS Mexico Â

The best way to find a rental car is online. I usually go to www.avis.com or www.travelocity.com .

Book online with all your options and any desired insurance.

They will gouge you for extras if you make changes or add things (like insurance or child seats) at the airport - just like they do in the U.S.

Check with your credit card for the insurance that they cover. Usually only Visa / Mastercard Gold/Platinum Cards provide insurance. American Express might as well. My Mastercard covers all damage to the vehicle (collision and comprehensive). BUT they have very strict requirements in order to provide the coverage, so give them a call.

A certain amount of liability insurance is provided by law with the car rental. You can buy additional liability coverage if you like.

If you rent in La Paz, they require you to buy the extra insurance. In Cabo they let you rent without it.

So, insurance really shouldn't cost you anything if you plan in advance and work with your credit card company.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

If you got an Amex Card - this seems like a deal $25 flat fee no matter how long - day, week or month

- except vehicles rented in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand.

https://www152.americanexpress.com/fsea/travel/car_rental/product.do

https://www152.americanexpress.com/fsea/travel/car_rental/coverage.do

they also have Travel Medical Protection for about $100/yr

will evac you to th nearest medical facility or send your remains to a pal of your choice - sweet!

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jan 15, 08 11:30 am

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Don't forget about Mexican law. I grew up in phoenix and took many trips down to mexico. I always bought the insurance - period. Why? Because if you get pulled over and you don't have proof of insurance they stick you in jail and basically hold your ass ransom for as much as they think you are worth.

Mexican cops are always looking for a hand out - period. They actually don't receive much of a wage, because they are expected to make their living on bilking people - seriously man I'm not bullshitting. The government simply doesn't have the money to pay for cops - so they are expected to make their living on their own.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

Visa Gold/Platinum will cover CDW insurance in Mexico provided you DECLINE the CDW the rental outfit offers. You do need to purchase the other insurance they sell, however. And, apparently AMEX does not cover "loss of use" fees, whereas Visa does. "Loss of use" would happen when the rental company says fine, you paid for the car but we have lost the ability to rent that unit for x days at y dollars

Ever feel like just walking? I just want to kite and eat fish tacos, both to excess.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

One thing the AMEX Premium Car Rental Protection program (PCRP) -you have sign up and are hit with a $25 charge everytime you rent a car - though you can cancel and re-start as many times as you like

it covers:

• Up to $5,000 per person for theft of personal property.

that sounds like a good deal - my State Farm Homeowners doesn't cover sporting equipment - kites, boards, etc - what bitches.

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

I just got back from Baja a few months ago. Search the internet for a Avis discount code. You can get 50% off. I used a credit card for theft and collision and bought supplemental liability.