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

Looking into a Loreto Car Rental?

You’ve come to the right place, as I live in Mexico, and I’m going to walk you through the process of renting a car in Loreto Mexico.

I’ve rented cars in five cities in Mexico, so I’m here to demystify everything for you. By the end of the article, you’re going to feel comfortable with the entire Mexico car rental process.

First and foremost, most travelers want to know about the best place to rent a car in Loreto. When I rent a car in Mexico, I recommend and use Discover Cars, and you’ll see why in this article.

If you’ve been looking for tips on renting a car in Loreto Mexico, 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’ll also learn about common Mexico car rental scams so you don’t fall victim to any hidden fees when getting your rental. There’s also info about Mexican car insurance, which is mandatory for all car rentals in Loreto Mexico.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of Loreto car rentals? Let’s get to it! After you read all the tips for renting a car in Loreto Mexico, don’t miss the 10 Mexico Driving Tips at the end of the article.

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Renting a Car in Loreto Mexico 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:

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 LTO Airport in Loreto Mexico.

⭐️ Only rent from well-rated places

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 Loreto Mexico

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 Loreto.

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 Loreto Mexico

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

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 hope this info was helpful for planning your Loreto 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 4.5 out of 5 Star rating, and about 100,000 reviews.

Renting a Car in Loreto Mexico: FAQ

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Loreto; they do. However, if you’re prepared (you will be after reading this article), you’ll feel safe renting a car in Loreto Mexico.

🚨 Always check reviews when renting a car in Loreto

One of the most important tips for renting a car in Mexico is this: Make sure you’re renting with a company that has good reviews. Even if it’s a car rental company you know and love, some locations are better than others.

I recommend and use Discover Cars because they compare local and international companies so you get the best rates from any Loreto car rental services. Also, you can read reviews before booking.

I’ll be reiterating this point throughout the article because, quite frankly, renting a car in Loreto (or anywhere in the world) isn’t always the smoothest or most pleasant process.

I have personally been scammed by a low-rated car rental company (in Miami, not Mexico) — so now, I happily pay more to rent from a reputable company.

renting a car in Loreto Mexico

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 Loreto, Los Cabos, the Baja California Peninsula, and all Mexico.

If you’re just staying in more developed cities and towns like Loreto, Mulegé, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and Todos Santos, a car will suffice.

🐄 Lookout for Cows on the Roads in Baja Mexico

Yes, you read that right! In Loreto, it’s not uncommon to have to slow down or even fully stop as you wait for a cow to cross the road. You might also see other animals, both large and small.

Pay extra attention when getting on the Loreto Airport toll road, but really, just always keep your eyes on the road for approaching animals.

renting a car in Loreto Mexico

You might be wondering, Do you need a car in Loreto Mexico?

In the city itself, you might not, but a car rental in Loreto Mexico gives you the freedom to explore where you want, when you want, and for as much time as you want.

With your own car, you can venture off the beaten path in Baja California to see the lesser-visited beach towns and Baja sites, and get a better sense of the area.

Now, if you just want to lay on the best beaches in Loreto, drink in hand while soaking up the sun, skip the rental.

Instead, opt for this best Loreto Airport Transportation Shuttle — which is just $10 USD each way — to get to your hotel and use cabs to get around as needed. To see the sites, you can book these best Loreto tours.

renting a car in Loreto Mexico

When renting a car in Mexico, you may see rates as low as $5-10 USD per day 😲 If this seems too good to be true, it is.

This base cost doesn’t factor in fees, taxes and the legally-required Mexico car rental insurance, all of which you will have to pay for. Loreto Mexico rental rates vary, but assume about $30 USD per day for your rental car.

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

renting a car in Loreto Mexico

Discover Cars compares local, national and international companies so you always get the best Loreto car rental rates — even in the high season from of November to March, when cars cost the most.

I’ve personally found the cheapest Loreto car rentals from Thrifty Loreto Rental Cars or Dollar Loreto Rental Cars, which both have excellent reviews.

There’s also Mex Rent A Car Loreto, which always has cheap Loreto car rentals in Mexico, but isn’t as highly-rated as Thrifty or Dollar.

You can also find deals from the top companies in the Loreto low season months of May to October. These include Hertz Loreto Airport, Europcar Loreto and Thrifty Car Rentals Loreto.

🚨 Worst place to rent a car in Loreto

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

Always remember, you get what you pay for, so look for a combo of a great price and great ratings before booking your Loreto rental cars.

3. A Valid Credit Card or Debit Card

When renting a car in Loreto Mexico, they will swipe your credit or debit card to have on file in the event you damage the car.

Different companies hold a different amount of money, but it’s usually about $1,500-3,000 USD. When you return the car undamaged, you’ll get that money back.

🚙💨 Car Rental Loreto Tips: When leaving a card on file for any Loreto car rental, opt for your credit card over debit card.

When you use debit cards, the company removes the money from your account — but with a credit card, the money is just on hold, not taken. If the money is debited, you might be (temporarily) out thousands on your Loreto vacation!

Note: If you opt for full coverage insurance through the car rental company, they often don’t hold any money. This insurance is usually about $30 USD per day.

4. Mexico Car Insurance is mandatory

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

If you want to jump ahead, use this link to find out all about mandatory insurance in Mexico.

renting a car in Loreto Mexico

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

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

Note: If you have any questions like this, don’t hesitate to ask when you pick up your reservation at the car rental agency; they are there to help.

renting a car in Loreto Mexico

If you prefer to use a Mexican company to support the national economy, two of the best Loreto Mexico car rental companies are Mex Rent A Car Loreto and Europcar Rental Cars Loreto.

🚙💨 Car Rental Loreto Tips: Wherever you choose to rent cars in Loreto, make sure to read reviews about the company, and about that particular location.

While some companies are generally good overall, they still might have a location that’s sub-par. Since many car rental companies operate as a franchise, customer service can vary greatly from one location to the next.

Using an aggregate search service means you get the best deals, because Discover Cars checks all Loreto Mexico car rental company options at once. With their search tool, you get the best prices from the highest-rated companies.

Loreto Airport Car Rentals: FAQ

The Loreto Airport address is México 1 Km. 5, Centro, 23880 Loreto, Baja California Sur (📍map). The drive from Loreto Airport to Downtown Loreto Mexico takes about 15 minutes in normal traffic.

A Loreto Airport car rental is the most convenient, since you’re flying there anyway, and you will need some way to get to Loreto, which is about 15 minutes from the airport in normal traffic.

You’ll find the most rental car companies there, with a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

Keep in mind that many visitors want a Jeep or 4X4 to go off-road in Loreto at the Loreto Dunes. If that interests you, book early because those can go quickly, especially in the Loreto high season of November to March.

🤔 Is the airport cheaper than off-site rental agencies?

While a car rental in Loreto Airport might cost a bit more than an off-site agency, you end up spending more in taxis to get to said off-site location than you save in rental costs.

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

Renting A Car in Loreto airport

Different people can have a totally different experience with the same company, but if you do have a preference, you’ll find all the top international car rental companies and corporations in Loreto Airport.

If you prefer to use a Mexican company to support the national economy, two of the best car rental companies in Loreto are Mex Rent A Car Loreto and Europcar Rental Cars Loreto.

Renting A Car in Loreto airport

Renting A Car in Loreto airport

5 Tips for Renting a Car in Loreto 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 Loreto 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 Loreto Mexico

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 Loreto Mexico 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 Loreto 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 Loreto Mexico

When I’m renting a car in Loreto Mexico, 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).

If you’re wondering, What’s the best Mexican car insurance? The answer would be full coverage with no deductible.

🤔 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 Loreto Mexico

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 Loreto Mexico

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 Loreto rental agencies), I paid just $10 USD per day for a Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy.

🚨 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 in Loreto. 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 Loreto Mexico 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 Loreto Mexico

How this is legal anywhere, we may never know, but here’s the rundown on this common rental car scam:

Renting A Car in Loreto Mexico

How to avoid this Loreto rental car scam

When looking online to rent a car in Loreto Baja California, you’ll see rates as low as $5 USD per day. You’re probably thinking that’s too good to be true, and you’re right.

This base cost doesn’t factor in a slew of fees, taxes and the legally-required Mexico car rental insurance, all of which you have to pay for.

To avoid this most notorious of Mexico travel scams, simply double the price you see online listed as the base price for the car if you’re taking the minimum insurance, and triple it for full coverage.

This new amount is closer to what you end up paying anyway — and now you won’t feel so scammed.

✅ BEST WAY TO CALCULATE Loreto CAR RENTAL COSTS

Renting A Car in Loreto Mexico

3 Other Loreto 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.

Renting A Car in Loreto Mexico

10 Loreto Driving Tips for Mexico

1. Avoid driving at night in Mexico

When you live in Mexico as long as I have, you realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if possible.

If you do drive at night, remember many Loreto roads aren’t well lit at night, so stick to only main roads and paid highways, called cuota roads, during nighttime hours.

2. Always use the cuota Loreto (Toll roads in Mexico)

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

For longer drives and those epic Baja California road trips, always opt for the cuota roads. While the toll roads do cost more, they are better maintained and generally considered safer for drivers.

🚙💨 Car Rental Loreto Tips: When driving in Loreto, make sure to have small bills and coins to pay for the tolls. Some take U.S. dollars, but it’s still better to have pesos.

4. Download an offline map for driving in Loreto

Your cell signal may go in and out as you’re driving in Loreto Mexico, especially when venturing to more rural places in the Baja Peninsula — so you’ll want to download an offline map from Google Maps or Maps.Me.

📲 Car Rental Loreto Mexico Tips: For the best possible cell signal, get a Mexico SIM Card.

Renting A Car in Loreto Mexicoca

5. Mexico speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour

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

Rather than having to do math as you’re driving in Loreto Mexico, just make sure the number on the speed limit sign matches the number on your speedometer.

As you might imagine, the street signs and highway signs in Loreto 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
• Restringido: Restricted area
• Prohibido: Entry prohibited

6. Loreto gas stations are not self-serve

When you stop for gas, an attendant will pump it for you and take the payment. Many attendants don’t work for the gas station, and live off tips.

When they finish, it’s customary to tip them $10-20 Mexican pesos ($0.50-1USD), or more if you ask them to perform a service like checking your tires.

Renting A Car in Loreto Mexico

7. Don’t use your cell phone while driving in Mexico

Not only is it unsafe to use your phone while driving, it’s also illegal in Mexico.

In fact, even just holding your phone is an easy way for you to get pulled over, as it’s a ticketable offense. When packing for Mexico, don’t forget to don’t forget to bring this hands-free phone holder for the rental car.

🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Facts: It’s also illegal to put on make-up or shave while driving.

Renting A Car in Loreto Mexico

8. Window cleaners may approach you at stop lights

When you’re at stop lights in Loreto, you may be approached by someone offering to clean the car windshield.

There’s no set amount to pay for this, but $10 pesos ($0.50 USD) is a standard amount — and well worth it for a nice, 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 red.

🚦 Note: This doesn’t mean you should speed up to get through a yellow light; you are still legally required to stop at yellow lights, just like in the United States.

Renting A Car in Loreto Mexico

10. Yes, Mexico cops do take 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.

Note: I’m not in any way defending this practice, but I am saying the easiest way to make the 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 Loreto Mexico 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, but if you see anything about Mexico Article 152 online, it’s no longer operational.

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 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 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 central Mexico

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