Renting a Car in Guadalajara Mexico (What to Know so You Don’t Get Scammed)

If you’ve been looking for info on renting a car in Guadalajara, you may have encountered conflicting information. There are official rules for how to rent a car in Mexico — and then there’s how things play out in the real world.

Don’t worry: We’re going to clear all that up in this article. You’re also going to get 10 Useful Mexico Driving Tips so you’re confident while driving a rental car in Mexico.

You’ll also learn about common Mexico car rental scams so you don’t fall victim to any hidden fees. There’s also info about Mexican car insurance, which you must legally have to drive in Mexico.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of renting a car in Guadalajara Mexico? Let’s get to it! At the end of the article, don’t miss the most frequently asked questions about renting cars in Mexico.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara With Discover Cars

I have been living in Mexico since 2018, and travel frequently within the country. What I am going to explain is my personal experience renting a car about 10 times, in five cities throughout Mexico.

When I book a Mexico car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars.

I use them because they have always had the best deals when I’ve searched, and they offer FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation. Here is the exact process I have followed to get my rental car:

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

1. Reserve Your Car Online with Discover Cars

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, which is GDL Airport in Guadalajara.

⭐️ Only rent from well-rated places

I advise you to filter by ratings because while everyone wants to get those sweet Mexico car rental deals, the cheapest place is rarely the best.

Personally, I don’t rent from locations with less than a 7 out of 10 Stars rating. It’s like the saying goes: You get what you pay for; for me, it’s not worth sacrificing some money for terrible customer service on my vacation.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

2. Opt for Full Coverage with Discover Cars

I always opt for their Full Coverage when I rent with Discover Cars — 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 Guadalajara.

For about $7-10 USD per day, Discover Cars covers up to $58,500 pesos (about $3,250 USD) of damage to the rental car.

This includes body repair work, dings, scratches, windows/glass, tires, towing, lost keys, and more.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

What’s covered with Discover Cars? (And what’s not covered?)

🤔 Will car Rental companies accept this Policy?

Legally, they have to, and personally, any company I have used has accepted this third party policy through Discover Cars.

This is just one reason I encourage you to rent from a well-rated company known for good customer service.

What has happened almost every time I’ve rented is that they will try to up-sell me to their insurance, which I decline. As mentioned, the Discover Cars policy does legally satisfy any Mexico car rental insurance requirements.

When you decline the car rental company’s insurance, they will hold about $50,000 pesos ($2,700 USD) on your credit card. When you bring the rental car back with no damage, they return your deposit in full.

If you bring the rental car back with damage, they will take it out of your deposit. From there, you’ll have to make a claim with Discover Cars, which is usually processed in 48 hours or less, according to their site.

As long as the damage is under $58,500 MXN pesos (about $3,250 USD) — which does cover a lot — Discover Cars will reimburse you under their Full Coverage Policy.

🤔 How do I make a Claim with Discover Cars?

If you need to file a claim with Discover Cars, the process is easy.

You’ll find your login credentials in your booking confirmation email, which you can use to login via your laptop or the Discover Cars app (📲 Android; 🍎 Apple).

At just $7-10 USD per day, the Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy is far cheaper than any I’ve been offered through the car rental companies themselves.

With direct policies, they usually charge about $30 USD per day.

If you would rather get full coverage Mexican insurance from the company directly, you can also do that and still rent with Discover Cars to take advantage of their great rates and NO FEE cancellation policy.

🚨 Disclaimer: Please read this!

This information is my first-hand experience of renting cars about 10 times in five Mexican cities.

Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing how your rental process will play out, but I do hope this info was helpful for your Guadalajara trip.

If you need further clarification on Discover Cars, please contact the company directly.

You can also read Discover Cars reviews on TrustPilot, where they have a 4.6 out of 5 Star rating, and more than 100,000 reviews.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara FAQ

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Guadalajara Mexico; they do. However, if you’re prepared (which you will be after you read this article), you should be perfectly safe renting a car in Guadalajara.

The one obvious caveat to the “safety” statement above is that you’ll be driving in another country, where you’re unfamiliar with driving laws and local customs.

Check out these 10 Mexico Driving Tips to help you get more comfortable driving in Guadalajara and all Mexico.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

With group tours in Guadalajara, you only have a limited amount of time to explore the sites. However, with your own rental, you set the schedule.

Unless you’re venturing off the beaten path in Jalisco State on a road trip, you’ll be just fine with mid-size or economy cars, and you shouldn’t need a full-size car, Jeep or SUV.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

A Guadalajara Airport car rental is the most convenient, since you’re flying there anyway. You’ll find the most rental car companies there, with a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

While a car rental in Guadalajara Airport might be a bit more than an off-site agency, you spend more in taxis to get to off-site car rental locations than you save in rental costs.

It also saves you time to rent a car in Guadalajara Airport — and extra time is the most precious of all travel commodities.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

I love renting with Discover Cars because I can see reviews from recent customers. Also, their FREE cancellation policy gives me a lot of piece of mind in case my travel plans change.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

5 Tips for renting a car at Guadalajara Airport

• Rent with a reputable company like Discover Cars, the company I recommend and have used myself about 10 times.
• Take photos and/or video of all scratches, dings and dents to the car’s exterior. You’ll want to do the same for the car’s interior, noting stains, rips in the fabric, etc. 
• Have all your emails accessible with any rental agreement booking information. If you want, you can print them out, though it’s not necessary.
• Some companies will not let you take the car if you don’t have Mexico car insurance, so be prepared with a backup plan.
• When returning your rental car at Guadalajara Airport, you’ll want to follow the signs saying Renta de Autos (Car Rentals), and then look for the sign of whichever company you rented from.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

They compare local, national and international companies so you always get the best rates from any Guadalajara car rental services, even in the high season from November to March, when rates are highest.

I’ve found the cheapest Guadalajara car rentals from Mex Rent A Car, America Car Rental and EuropCar Guadalajara, which all have good reviews.

Based on many bad reviews, Fox Rent A Car seems to be the worst place to rent a car in Guadalajara, so don’t skimp on excellent service for a cheap car rental.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

As you read this article, you’ll discover why you can’t believe the first price you see quoted online, and discover all your options for Mexican car insurance, which will affect the price.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

1. A Valid Driver’s License (Or IDP)

If you have a valid U.S. driver’s license, or one in a language that uses the Roman alphabet (this one), you can rent a car in Guadalajara with your country’s license.

Drivers from countries like Japan and China, which use the character alphabet, will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). 🚗💨 Need an IDP? Apply for one here.

3. You must be 25 to Rent a Car in Mexico (but some places take 18-24)

As with the U.S., people ages 25 and older can rent a car in Guadalajara from any car company with no limitations.

Some companies also rent to drivers 21-24 years of age, though they have a $10-20 USD per day surcharge for underage drivers.

There are a very small minority of Guadalajara car rental locations that rent to 18- to 20-year-olds — but they are out there.

For drivers ages 18-24, you’ll need 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.

4. Mexican Insurance is mandatory

You will need insurance to drive in Guadalajara, and all Mexico. There’s a whole section of this article that will explain everything you need to know about getting the best Mexican auto insurance, as it’s a big topic.

If you want to jump ahead, here’s the link to find out all about Mexican car insurance.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

Besides those, some common companies in Guadalajara that aren’t common in the U.S. include Peugeot and Renault, both French companies.

When you book with Discover Cars, all cars are labeled as automatic or manual (stick shift), so you know what you’re getting.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

If you prefer to use a Mexican company to support the national economy, one of the best car rental companies in Guadalajara is Mex Rent A Car.

Wherever you choose to rent cars in Guadalajara, make sure to read reviews about the company, and about that particular location.

Using a search service means you get the best deal because Discover Cars shows you every available car, and their cost. When you search all the car rental companies at once, you know you’re getting the lowest price.

5 Tips for renting a car in Mexico

• Rent with a reputable company like Discover Cars, the company I recommend and have used myself about 10 times.
• Take photos and/or video of all scratches, dings and dents to the car’s exterior. You’ll want to do the same for the car’s interior, noting stains, rips in the fabric, etc. 
• Repeat the same process as above when you drop the car off.
• Have all your emails accessible with any rental agreement booking information. If you want, you can print them out, though it’s not necessary.
• Some companies will not let you take the car if you don’t have Mexico car insurance, so be prepared with a backup plan.

renting a car in Guadalajara

You must have Mexican Personal Liability Insurance to legally drive in Mexico, and some car rental companies won’t let you take their cars unless you purchase it from them.

While Guadalajara car rental companies aren’t legally allowed to make you buy insurance from them — the most you can do is argue with them, and at worst, they just won’t let you rent the car.

This has become especially true of people who try to use U.S. credit card insurance. (More on insurance through a credit card in a minute.)

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.

Legally, third party insurance is completely valid.

However, that’s not to say an agent won’t try to up-sell you their company’s insurance. They will! Some companies actually encourage employees to do so — which is why you want to read reviews before booking.

While Mexico car rental companies aren’t technically allowed to make you buy insurance from them, the most you can do is argue with them. As a worst case scenario, they just won’t let you rent the car.

For the least amount of headaches on your Guadalajara trip, buy insurance from the company you’re renting from.

If you get full coverage, you could essentially return it in any condition, and should not have to pay them a single cent.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

When I’m renting a car in Guadalajara, I always use Discover Cars. Their full coverage policies only cost about $7-10 USD per day. ▶︎ Book now with Discover Cars.

With just Personal Liability Insurance, you’ll usually have about a $2,000+ USD deductible.

The full coverage deductible is often $0, because you’re already fully covered (though Terms and Conditions can vary by company).

🤔 What is a deductible with car insurance?

If you aren’t familiar with what a deductible is, here’s a quick explanation.

If you have a $5,000 USD deductible, and you cause $5,250 in damages to the car, you will be responsible for paying the $5,000 deductible. The insurance will cover the remaining $250, after you cover the deductible amount.

As what you select will depend on your budget, do know that cheap Mexican car insurance is one of those “you get what you pay for” type of situations.

If you’re wondering what’s the best Mexican car insurance, that would be full coverage with no deductible.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

In fact, you need to show proof of Mexican insurance to enter Mexico. No matter the U.S.-Mexico land border crossings you use, you do need car insurance to travel to Mexico before you drive across the border.

Head here to get your FREE quote from Baja Bound, a trusted name in Mexican car insurance for Americans and Canadians.

In Mexico, however, it’s very uncommon for rental car Mexico companies to do the same. If you try, the border agents will likely not let you cross any at U.S.-Mexico land borders.

🚙💨 Planning on driving into Mexico with your own car? Head to Driving to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know for a deep dive into this topic.

Renting A Car in Guadalajara

Now, some car companies will let you take a rental car with just CDW insurance; some won’t.

This is just one more reason I always opt for Full Coverage when I rent with Discover Cars.

Their policy means I am fully covered in Mexico for any damages to the car up to $58,500 pesos, and I won’t pay out of pocket.

The last time I rented a car, which was in Mexico City (notoriously more expensive than most Guadalajara rental agencies), I paid just $10 USD per day for a Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy.

OUR PICK

BEST MEXICO CAR RENTAL COMPANY: Discover Cars

When booking your Mexico car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search international corporations and local Mexican companies, so you get the best deal — and have FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental.

🚨 Horror stories of using credit card insurance in Mexico

I have been in Mexico long enough, and heard enough horror stories, that I always tell people not to rely on credit card insurance.

If you do opt for it, you’ll want to call the credit card company and double check their policies (even the fine print), so you know you’re comfortable with it.

Also, know that if anything happens to the car, you will have to pay for 100% of the damages out of pocket when you return the car. You’ll then file a claim with the credit card company, and hope they fully reimburse you 🤞

Spoiler: They don’t always do so.

Purchase Third Party Mexico Car insurance

You can also buy a separate Mexican auto insurance policy from a Mexican insurance company or a U.S. company that works with Mexican insurers, like Baja Bound, Allstate and Geico.

🚙💨 Driving to Mexico with your own car? Get your FREE quote on Mexican Insurance from Baja Bound so you can cross the U.S.-Mexico border without any issues or delays.

This is called Third Party Liability Insurance (sometimes called TPL insurance, or PLI insurance), it is 100% legal.

It is also enough to satisfy the Mexico Personal Liability Insurance requirement. Depending on where you’re renting, this can be the cheapest Mexico car insurance for drivers who need extra coverage.

Purchase general Mexico travel insurance — With a car insurance add on

Another option is to purchase a travel insurance policy for Mexico, and get an upgrade to include your Guadalajara rental car.

For this, purchase the Explorer Plan with World Nomads, one of the best Mexican travel insurance providers and top names in travel insurance.

Note: This is only offered on the Explorer Plan. ▶︎ Get your FREE quote now.

renting a car in Guadalajara

About six months before writing this article, I booked a rental car in Miami online, and had to pay an extra $200 USD in fees, taxes and additional insurance costs when I picked up the car.

If this has also happened to you, you’re already familiar with the “Mexico car rental scam,” which isn’t unique to Mexico.

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.

✅ Use this formula to calculate your Guadalajara 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.

renting a car in Guadalajara

3 Other Guadalajara travel scams to look out for

1. Non-Reset Pump Scam

In Mexico, you don’t pump your own gas. When you get to the pump, there will be an attendant who pumps and takes your payment.

When you pull up, make sure the pump is zeroed out — meaning the pump is set to $0. Some attendants will even ask you to verify before they start pumping.

2. Extra Insurance Scam

Unless you purchase Mexico car insurance from the rental agency directly, they will try to upsell you extra services and coverage.

There is no need to pay this extra insurance cost if you already have coverage — which I purchase when renting with Discover Cars, as it’s the cheapest I’ve seen.

10 Mexico Driving Tips for Guadalajara

1. It’s illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Mexico

Not only is this unsafe, it is also illegal in Mexico.

In fact, having your phone in your hand is a ticketable offense, so don’t even hold your phone while driving. (🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact: It’s also illegal to shave or put on make-up while driving.)

When packing for Mexico, don’t forget to don’t forget to bring this hands-free phone holder for the rental car.

2. Avoid driving at night in Mexico

When you live in Mexico long enough, you start to realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if they can.

If you do drive at night, stick to only main roads and paid highways, called cuota roads.

renting a car in Guadalajara

3. Beware of topes (Speed bumps)

Mexican roads are notorious for their abundant amount of topes (speed bumps).

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.

4. Download an offline map for driving in Mexico

Your cell signal will go in and out as you travel through rural areas of Mexico, so you’ll want to download an offline map from Google Maps or Maps.Me.

📲 Note: A Mexico SIM Card also comes in handy for a better signal!

While you’re at it, don’t forget to download some podcasts and songs.

renting a car in Guadalajara

5. Mexico speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour

Guadalajara Mexico street signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. For those who are curious, 1 mile is 1.6 kilometers.

Rather than doing conversion math while driving, just make sure the speed limit sign number on the road matches your car’s speedometer number.

As you might imagine, the street signs and highway signs in Mexico are also in Spanish. Here are a few you’ll want to know:

• 🛑 Alto: Stop
• 🔄 Retorno: Turn-around, which is where you make legal U-turns
• Entrada: Entrance
• Salida: Exit
• 🅿️ Estaciomiento: Parking
• Restringido: Restricted area
• 🚧 Prohibido: Entry prohibited

renting a car in Guadalajara

6. Always use the cuota roads (toll roads in Mexico)

In Mexico, there are libre, or free roads, and cuota, or paid toll roads.

For longer drives, and when traveling between cities, always opt for paid roads. Yes, they cost money, but they are much better maintained and generally considered safer.

When driving in Mexico, don’t forget to have cash for the tolls. They only accept Mexican pesos, not U.S. dollars.

renting a car in Guadalajara

7. Mexico gas stations are not self-serve

When you stop for gas in Guadalajara, an attendant will pump it for you and take your payment.

Many of these people don’t actually work for the gas station, and live off tips. When they finish, it’s customary to tip them at least $10-20 pesos ($0.50-1 USD), or more for great customer service.

8. Window cleaners will approach you at stop lights

When you’re at a stop light in Mexico, you may be approached by someone wanting to clean your car windshield.

If you want them to, there’s no set amount to pay, but $5-10 pesos (about $0.25-0.50 USD) is a standard amount — and well worth it for a clean windshield.

9. Mexico traffic lights have an extra step

In Mexico, stop lights go from green to yellow, to flashing yellow for a few seconds, to finally, a red light. Some lights go from green to flashing green for a few seconds, to yellow, to finally, a red light.

🚦 Note: You are still legally supposed to stop at the yellow light, just like in the U.S.

renting a car in Guadalajara

10. The rumors are true about Mexico cops taking bribes

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, and 3) not break any other Mexico driving laws.

Now, I’m not in any way defending this practice, and what I am about to say might be controversial for some.

However, 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 Guadalajara vacation?

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.

Final Thoughts: Renting A Car in Guadalajara

Looking to rent a car in other parts of Mexico?

Check out these linked guides so you understand the process at car rental agencies throughout the country, and you avoid getting scammed when renting a car in Mexico.

Renting a car in central mexico

• Renting a Car in Mexico City
• Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta
• Renting a Car in Mexico City Airport
• Renting a Car in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa

Renting a car in Oaxaca Mexico

• Renting a Car in Oaxaca City
• Renting a Car in Puerto Escondido
• Renting a Car in Huatulco Mexico

Renting a car in Yucatan Peninsula

• Renting a Car in Cancun Mexico
• Renting a Car in Tulum Mexico
• Renting a Car in Playa del Carmen
• Renting a Car in Riviera Maya
• Renting a Car in Merida Mexico

Renting a car in Baja Mexico

• Renting a Car in Cabo San Lucas
• Renting a Car in San Jose del Cabo
• Renting a Car in La Paz Mexico
• Renting a Car in Loreto Mexico