10 Mexico Car Rental Tips You Need to Read Before You Rent (So You Don’t Get Scammed)
Planning to get a Mexico rental car?
You’ve landed on the right article, and with the right guide! I’ve been living in Mexico since 2018, and rented cars MANY times, and in many different cities.
If you plan to rent a car, you’re going to want to read the 10 Essential Mexico Car Rental Tips I list below — so you’re prepared, and so that you don’t get scammed.
Ready to learn the ins and outs of renting a car in Mexico so you feel confident and comfortable with the entire process?
Let’s get to it, starting with the most frequently asked question about renting cars in Mexico — What’s the best Mexico car rental company?!
The Top 10 Tips for Renting a Car in Mexico
1. Rent with a reputable company
Everyone wants to know what’s the best Mexico car rental company? For me, when I book a Mexico car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars.
I am loyal to them because they always seem to have the best rates, and they offer FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation.
While at the end of the day the answer to the best Mexican car rental question is a matter of opinion, I also love using Discover Cars because of their “filter by ratings” option (see below).
What I have found renting cars in places like Cancun, Mexico City, Tulum, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, Merida, and more, is that while I loved a company in one city, they might not be so great in another city.
For me, it’s less about the company, and more about the particular office, as many locations are franchises. Some simply care more about their customers.
This is where reviews come in, and I’m about to tell you the exact steps I take to make sure I’m always renting from a well-reviewed location.
🏆 How to find the best Mexican car rental agency
- Head to the Discover Cars website and input your travel dates and preferred pick-up location. For more travelers, this will be the airport in the city you’re visiting.
- You then filter by ratings because while everyone wants to get those sweet Mexico car rental deals, the cheapest place is rarely the best.
- I toggle on the option for “Very good 7+” because I don’t rent from local agencies with less than a 7 out of 10 Stars rating.
While often cheap on paper, I’ve found lower-rated rental agencies tend have LOTS of additional fees and extra costs, which send travelers into a fits rage 😵💫
It’s like the saying goes: You get what you pay for! If your budget permits, I suggest spending a bit more so you can rent with the best-rated company possible.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Opt for Full Coverage with Discover Cars
I always opt for Full Coverage when I rent with Discover Cars because of their competitive rates — and I’m not alone!
According to the Discover Cars site, 85% of customers use their Full Coverage Policy to enjoy peace of mind when renting in Mexico.
For about $7-10 USD per day, Discover Cars covers up to $58,500 pesos (about $3,300 USD) of damage to the rental car.
This includes body repair work, dings, scratches, windows/glass, tires, towing, lost keys, and more.
Mexico car rental Tips
2. Mexico car rental requirements
As far as what’s required to rent a car in Mexico, there are four things you need to have for a Mexico rental car:
- Mexican insurance
- Valid driving license
- Valid credit card
- To be age 25 or older (though there are exceptions; more on that in a bit)
Since each of these needs to be explained in detail, you’ll find info on them all below.
Mexico car rental Tips
3. Understanding Mexican car insurance
You’re not covered through your U.S. or Canadian policy, your European or New Zealand policy, etc., while driving in Mexico, so you will need insurance.
You must have Mexican Personal Liability Insurance to legally drive in Mexico, which you can purchase through the rental agency or a third party.
Legally, third-party insurance is valid. However, some car rental agencies will try to up-sell you their insurance, so be prepared to decline it if you’re already insured.
Some companies even encourage their employees to up-sell tourists who don’t know any better — which is why you should only rent from agencies with good reviews.
⚠️ Third Party Mexico Driving insurance
I rent cars in Mexico a few times each year, and have never had any issues using the Full Coverage Policy I have purchased through Discover Cars.
However, that’s not to say unscrupulous agents haven’t tried to up-sell me their company’s insurance. They have — but I know better!
⚠️ Credit Card Insurance in Mexico
Some U.S. credit cards provide Collision Damage Waiver (CDW insurance) for their card holders.
This is not the equivalent of Personal Liability Insurance, which you’re required to have by law while driving in Mexico.
While I actually have coverage through one of my credit cards, I also know that some car companies will let you take a rental car with just CDW insurance; some won’t.
As I don’t like to take chances — this is just one more reason I always opt for Full Coverage when I rent with Discover Cars.
Mexico car rental Tips
4. Using a foreign driver’s license in Mexico
If you have a valid U.S. driver’s license, or a driver’s license in a language that uses the Roman alphabet/Latin alphabet (this alphabet), you can rent a car in Mexico with your country’s license.
Drivers from countries like Japan and China, which use the character alphabet, will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
This international driver’s license is basically a translation of your national license into the Roman alphabet so they can read it in Mexico.
🚗💨 Need an IDP? Apply for one here. This company issues your IDP in less than 10 minutes, and it stays valid for up to three years.
Mexico car rental Tips
5. You will need a credit card or debit card to rent
When you rent a car in Mexico, they will swipe your credit or debit card to have on file in the event you damage the car.
If there is, they will take the amount out of this deposit to cover it. If there’s not, they will return the entire deposit to you in full.
Different companies hold a different amount of money, but from my experience I’ve been charged $1,000-3,000 USD, depending on the value of the car.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Use Your Credit Card; Not Your Debit Card
When leaving a card on file for your Mexico car rental, opt for a credit over debit card.
When you use a debit for this, the money will be removed from your account (then returned when you return the car), but with the credit card, it’s just on hold.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Opt for Full Coverage Insurance
If you purchase full coverage insurance through the car rental company directly, they often hold a much smaller amount of money; about $200-500 USD.
Prices vary, but the rental agency usually charges about $30 USD per day for this level of coverage.
It is pricey, but some travelers feel better paying that, and enjoying the peace of mind full coverage brings, versus putting down a massive deposit.
Mexico car rental Tips
6. You must be 25 to rent a car in Mexico — but some place rent to ages 18-24
While the Mexico driving age is 18, most companies won’t rent to drivers under 25.
As with the U.S., people ages 25 and older can rent a car in Mexico from any car company with no limitations.
⚠️ Underage Mexico Car Rentals for Ages 18-24
Some companies will rent to drivers 21-24 years of age, though they impose a $10-25 USD per day surcharge for underage drivers.
There are a very small minority of Mexico car rental locations that will rent a car to 18- to 20-year-olds — but they are out there.
For drivers ages 18-24, you’ll want to call places directly to find a local Mexican rental company offering underage rentals.
You’ll also want to double check each company’s policy before booking, and ask them for all associated fees for underage renters.
Mexico car rental Tips
6. The Mexican car rental scam (And how to avoid it)
What’s commonly known as a scam that’s specific to renting a car in Mexico, is a common practice at U.S. car rental companies as well.
A year before writing this article, I booked a rental car in Miami online. When I picked it up, I had to pay an extra $200 USD in fees, taxes and additional insurance costs 😳
If this has also happened to you, you’re already familiar with the “Mexico car rental scam” — which isn’t unique to Mexico, but is a standard practice in the car rental industry.
If you’re lucky enough to have never fallen victim, the “scam” in question is that most renters don’t read the fine print (who does?!) and aren’t aware of the fees, taxes, etc., that get tacked on.
For many, the price you end up paying is often double what you saw online when you booked the car — making this feel like one of the worst travel scams in Mexico.
⚠️ Pro Tip: How to avoid this common Mexico travel scam
When renting a car in Mexico, you may see rates as low as $5-10 USD per day — and if those rental car rates seem too good to be true, they are!
This base cost doesn’t factor in a whole slew of fees, taxes and the legally-required Mexico car rental insurance, all of which you do have to pay for.
To avoid this most notorious of Mexico travel scams, double the base price you see listed online if you’re taking the minimum insurance. For full coverage, triple it.
This new amount is closer to what you end up paying anyway — and now you won’t feel “scammed” when you see the actual rental cost.
🧮 How to calculate your Mexico car rental cost
For a car listed online as $10 USD per day, assume you’ll actually pay $20 per day for this car with Mexico Personal Liability Insurance (minimum coverage), and $30 per day with full Mexican insurance coverage.
Annoying? Sure is — But this is just the way car rental companies seem to work, no matter where you rent a car anywhere in the world.
Mexico car rental Tips
7. Take photos before taking the car
While the car rental agent will take photos of any damage to the car and note it on your rental paperwork, I also take my own photos and videos.
When doing so, I take photos of all scratches, dings and dents to the car’s exterior, and then do a full video walk-around noting the same damage I have in photos.
You’ll want to do the same for the car’s interior, noting stains, rips in the fabric, etc.
If you’re getting any extras, like a GPS navigation system, roof rack, or car seat, note any damage to those items as well.
It’s in your best interest to repeat the same process outlined above when you drop the car off. I keep the photos and videos until my full deposit is returned.
Mexico car rental Tips
8. Stick shift vs automatic rental cars in Mexico
I have found that in the U.S., you can’t rent a car with manual transmission (AKA stick shift car) anywhere! They’re all automatic transmissions.
However, most Mexican car rental agencies offer stick shift rentals — so be aware of that when you’re booking.
Many rentals are automatic transmission, unless you’re renting a specialty vehicle like a dune buggy or a luxury sports car. For those, you’ll likely have a manual car.
Now, if you want a stick shift because you prefer driving them, you’ll find economy and mid-size cars with manual transmission available too.
When booking, make sure your rental says manual transmission for a stick-shift car, and automatic transmission for an automatic car.
Mexico car rental Tips
9. Beware of topes (Mexico speed bumps)
Mexican roads are notorious for their abundant amount of topes. Pronounced toe-pays (or toe-pay in singular), these are speed bumps in Mexico.
While some roads have yellow road signs alerting you to the topes, keep your eyes on the road at all times, because some topes don’t have a sign.
If you go over one too fast, you can do some serious damage to your rental car, and you might compromise getting your full deposit back.
Mexico car rental Tips
10. Inquire about local toll payment systems
In Mexico, there are libre, or free roads, and cuota, or paid toll roads.
As a general rule, always use the cuota roads. Yes, they do cost money — but they’re generally MUCH better maintained, and considered safer to use.
When using the toll roads in Mexico, you must pay in cash for the tolls. They only accept Mexican pesos, not U.S. dollars.
Depending on where you’re traveling in Mexico, some states have electronic payment systems like IAVE, ViaPass, Tag-PASE, and Telepeaje-Chihuahua.
Though not all rental car companies in Mexico offer these, I always ask when I’m renting because the toll passes are super convenient.
Mexico car rental Tips
BONUS: The rumors are true about Mexico cops taking bribes
This is more of a Mexico driving tip, but I wanted to include it here so you’re aware. If you need other similar info, check out these Top 10 Mexico Driving Tips.
If the cops pull you over — and they usually only will if you give them a reason to — they may expect a cash “payment” in exchange for not ticketing you.
The best ways to insure this doesn’t happen to you is to: 1) not speed, 2) not be on your phone while driving, and 3) not break any other Mexico driving laws.
Now, I’m not defending this practice, and what I’m about to say will be controversial for some: The easiest way to make this problem go away is by paying them 🤷♀️
The worst thing you can do is argue because they can take you to jail — and is that where you want to spend your Mexico vacation?
👮 What to do if you’re pulled over in Mexico
If you want to dispute the ticket because you know you’re in the right, calmly tell the officer something to the effect of “I’ll take the ticket” (Dame mi multa, por favor).
They will need to take you to a local police station when doing this, and if they know the ticket is bogus, they won’t risk their own job to do so.
👮 Article 152 & Tarjeton Turistico
About 10 years ago, the Mexican government implemented Article 152, though efforts fell flat.
The Tarjetón Turístico tourist card was intended to end police bribes on tourists, so it’s sad the program failed.
In the event you come across any info online about Mexico Article 152, the program is no longer operational.
Mexico Car Rental Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
For the vast majority of travelers, yes, it’s perfectly safe to rent a car and drive it in Mexico. In fact, I’ve done it MANY times!
Of course, not all agencies are created equal — so make sure you opt for Discover Cars, the best car rental in Mexico.
Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
For the most part, it is considered safe to drive in Mexico.
As a large country, Mexico road trips are popular, and most drivers enjoy a problem-free trip.
The one obvious caveat to that statement is you’ll be driving in another country, where you’re unfamiliar with driving laws, road rules and local customs.
How much does renting a car in Mexico cost?
Mexico car rental rates vary, but figure about $30 USD per day for smaller cars or an economy car with full coverage insurance.
I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars — the company I’ve used many times, in many cities in Mexico.
It’s also the one I always encourage others to use as well because they offer an easy way to rent a car, and from my experience, they always have the best rates.
Should I rent a car in Mexico?
Car rentals in Mexico give you freedom — both to venture off the beaten path to the best Mexico hidden gems, and the ability to explore at your own pace.
With group tours in Mexico, you only have a limited amount of time to explore, but with your own rental, you set the schedule.
As driving in Mexico is generally considered safe, and renting a car in Mexico is usually a simple, hassle-free process — I think a lot of travelers really do want to rent a car, even if they don’t know it.
One of the most important things to keep in mind for a Mexico car rental is to rent with a reputable company like Discover Cars (and get their Full Coverage Policy).
What kind of Mexican cars are for rent?
The most common types of rental cars in Mexico are Nissan, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Kia.
Besides those, some common companies in Mexico that aren’t common in the U.S. include Peugeot and Renault, two French car companies.
What’s the cheapest car rental company in Mexico?
I recommend and use Discover Cars. It compares local, national and international companies so you get the best rates (even in the high season).
Often, I’ve found the cheapest Mexico car rental companies are America Car Rental, Mex Rent A Car and Cactus Car Rentals — all of which are on Discover Cars.
However, remember to always check ratings before you book! You get what you pay for, so never go with a low-rated company.
Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Mexico
Renting a car in Mexico is a great way to see a lot of places in a short amount of time.
Often it’s the only way to visit the best off the beaten path hidden gems, far away from the tourists.
As I mentioned a few times, the company I use and recommend is Discover Cars — you can check their car rental rates and availability here.
Renting a car a specific part of Mexico?
Check out the Mexico car rental blogs linked below to understand the process at car rental agencies throughout the country, so you avoid getting scammed when renting a car in Mexico.