Renting a Car in San Jose del Cabo (What to Know so You Don’t Get Scammed)

woman renting a car in san jose del cabo mexico
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Looking into a Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo. When I rent a car in Mexico, I recommend and use Discover Cars, and you’ll see why in this article.

OUR PICK

red car on the beach

BEST MEXICO CAR RENTAL COMPANY: Discover Cars

When booking your Mexico car rental online, I recommend 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.

If you’ve been looking for tips on renting a car in San Jose del Cabo, 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 Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo.

Ready to learn the ins and outs of San Jose del Cabo car rentals? Let’s get to it!

After you read all the tips for renting a car in San Jose del Cabo, don’t miss the 10 Mexico Driving Tips and Frequently Asked Questions about Cabo travel at the end of the article.

[lwptoc]

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

Renting a Car in San Jose del Cabo With Discover Cars

renting a car in 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 SJD Airport in San Jose del Cabo.

⭐️ Only rent from well-rated places

discover cars ratings

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 San Jose del Cabo

2. Opt for Full Coverage with Discover Cars

discover cars insurance

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 San Jose del Cabo.

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 San Jose del Cabo

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

discover cars insurance

🤔 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?

discover cars reviews

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 Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo

Where is Cabo Mexico?

Let’s start with the big Is it Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas? question before we talk about renting a car in Los Cabos Mexico.

🗺️ Cabo Map

Los Cabos, meaning “the Cays” in English, is a large municipality. The two most popular places for visitors within Los Cabos Municipality are Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, located about 30-45 minutes apart.

The Cabo Airport is located in San Jose del Cabo, and Cabo International Airport (code: SJD) is the best place for renting a car in Los Cabos.

For answers to other common questions about Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos, check out the San Jose del Cabo FAQ towards the end of this article.

Renting a Car in San Jose del Cabo Mexico: FAQ

Is it safe to rent a car in San Jose del Cabo?

Yes — For the vast majority of travelers, Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo) are two of the safest places in Mexico.

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

🚨 Always check reviews when renting a car in Cabo

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 San Jose del Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo (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 San Jose del Cabo

Is it safe to drive in San Jose del Cabo?

For the most part, it’s considered safe to drive in San Jose del Cabo and much of Mexico. As a large country, Mexico road trips are popular, and most drivers enjoy a problem-free trip.

road in cabo san lucas mexico
The Autopista San José del Cabo-Cabo San Lucas is the road you’ll take to Cabo San Lucas. (Photo: Presidencia de la República Mexicana, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

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 San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos, the Baja California Peninsula, and all Mexico.

How are the roads in San Jose del Cabo Mexico?

Baja California Mexico is a bit wild and untamed — which is part of its charm. The roads are mostly good, but many rent a 4X4, Jeep or SUV to really explore the area.

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

🚨🐮 Lookout for Cows on the Roads in Cabo

Yes, you read that right! In Cabo, 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 Cabo Airport toll road, but really, just always keep your eyes on the road for approaching animals.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

Should I rent a car in San Jose del Cabo?

This answer depends on you, your travel style and your list of must see Cabo sites. After all, there are a lot of things to do in Cabo, and a rental car is the best way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

woman on the beach taking a photo near her mexico rental car | renting a car in mexico
There are so many Mexico off the beaten path hidden gems in Cabo you can get to only by car. (Photo: Canva, Car rental Los Cabos Airport)

You might be wondering, Do you need a car in San Jose del Cabo?

In the city itself, you might not, but a car rental in San Jose del Cabo 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 Cabo, drink in hand while soaking up the sun, skip the rental.

Instead, opt for this best Cabo Airport Transportation Shuttle to get to your hotel and use Uber to get around as needed. To see the sites, you can book these best Cabo tours.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

How much does renting a car in San Jose del Cabo cost?

Wondering, How much does it actually cost to rent a car in San Jose del Cabo? San Jose del Cabo car rental rates vary, but plan for about $30 USD per day for an economy car with full coverage insurance.

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. San Jose del Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo

What’s the best company for cheap car rentals in San Jose del Cabo?

For a cheap car rental in San Jose del Cabo Airport option, I recommend Cactus Car Rentals, BBB Cabo, or America Car Rentals Cabo — which you can book on Discover Cars.

I’ve found the best car rentals with affordable prices from Discover Cars. (Photo: Canva, Car rental San Jose del Cabo Airport)

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

I’ve personally found the cheapest San Jose del Cabo car rentals from Cactus Car Rental Cabo and BBB Cabo Car Rentals, which both have excellent reviews.

There’s also America Car Rental Cabo, which always has cheap San Jose del Cabo car rentals in Mexico, but isn’t as highly-rated as Cactus Cabo and BBB.

You can find deals from the top companies in the San Jose del Cabo low season months of May to October. These include Hertz Los Cabos Airport, Enterprise Rental Car San Jose del Cabo and Alamo Car Rentals San Jose del Cabo.

🚨 Worst place to rent a car in Cabo

Based on many bad reviews, Fox Rent A Car and Mex Rent a Car Cabo seem to be two of the worst places to rent a car in San Jose del Cabo — 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 San Jose del Cabo rental cars.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

Can I rent a car in San Jose del Cabo Mexico?

Wondering, What do I need to rent a car in Mexico? To get your Mexico rental car, here are the four things you need to rent a car in San Jose del Cabo: 1) valid driver’s license, 2) credit card, 3) to be of age (25 or older), and 4) Mexican insurance.

1. A Valid Driver’s License (or IDP)

Wondering, Can you rent a car in Mexico with a US driver’s license? What about my Canadian or European license?

In short, if you have a valid driver’s license in the Roman alphabet language (this alphabet), you can rent a car in San Jose del Cabo with your country’s license.

Drivers from countries like Japan and China that use the character alphabet need to get an International Driving Permit, or IDP. ▶︎ Need an International Driving Permit? Apply for your IDP here.

2. with most companies, You must be 25 years old

As with the U.S., anyone aged 25 and older can rent a car in San Jose del Cabo from any car company without restrictions.

Some companies rent to drivers aged 21-24, though they often have a $10-30 USD per day surcharge for underage drivers.

There is a small minority of Mexico car rental companies in San Jose del Cabo that rent to drivers aged 18-20 — but they are out there.

For 18- to 24-year-olds renting a car in San Jose del Cabo, check each company’s policy before booking to see which one offers the best options for underage renters, as well as any associated fees.

3. A Valid Credit Card or Debit Card

When renting a car in San Jose del Cabo, 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 San Jose del Cabo Tips: When leaving a card on file for any Los Cabos 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 Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo

What kind of Mexican cars are for rent in San Jose del Cabo?

For the most part, you’ll find the same makes and models you will in the United States and Canada. The most common types of rental cars in Mexico are Nissan, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Kia.

red jeep driving on sand dunes in cabo san lucas mexico | renting a car in cabo mexico
Renting a Jeep in San Jose del Cabo is fun because there are so many places to go off-road and drive on the sand dunes. (Photo: Canva, Jeep rental Cabo)

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

ARE San Jose del Cabo RENTAL CARS AUTOMATIC OR STICK SHIFT?

Most San Jose del Cabo car rentals are automatic, unless you’re renting a specialty vehicle like a dune buggy, 4X4, Jeep, luxury cars or sports cars.

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

What side of the road do they drive on in Mexico?

You drive on the right side of the road in San Jose del Cabo and all Mexico, the same as the U.S., Canada and most of Europe.

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 San Jose del Cabo

What are the top San Jose del Cabo car rental companies?

All the big name U.S. car rental companies also have a rental office in San Jose del Cabo — Hertz, National, Sixt, Alamo, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise and Avis.

If you prefer to use a Mexican company to support the national economy, two of the best San Jose del Cabo car rental companies are Cactus Rental Car Cabo and BBB Car Rental Cabo.

🚙💨 Car Rental San Jose del Cabo Tips: Wherever you choose to rent cars in Cabo, 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.

WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK A CAR RENTAL IN San Jose del Cabo?

I’ve found that the best place to book a car in San Jose del Cabo is Discover Cars, which searches all local companies at the same time to save you time!

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

San Jose del Cabo Airport Car Rentals: FAQ

What’s the best place to rent a car in San Jose del Cabo?

The best place to rent a car in San Jose del Cabo is when you arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (code: SJD) because it will have the largest selection.

cabo airport in mexico
There are car rental locations all over Cabo, but for the sake of convenience, opt for Cabo Airport car rentals. (Photo: Canva, Rental cars at Cabo Airport)

A Cabo Airport car rental is the most convenient, since you’re flying there anyway, and you will need some way to get to San Jose del Cabo, which is about 20 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 San Jose del Cabo, so if that interests you, book early because those can go quickly. This is especially true in the Cabo high season of November to March.

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

While a car rental in Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo Airportand time is the most precious of all travel commodities.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo airport

What’s the best car rental at Cabo Airport?

There’s no official best car rental at Los Cabos Airport. You’ll find all the major car rental companies there, like Hertz in Cabo, National, Sixt and Alamo Cabo, but do read reviews before booking.

Colorful Mexican folk art flags (papel picado) on a street in Todos Santos pueblo magico (magic town), a great place for Solo Mexico travel in Baja California, Mexico,
Todos Santos is one of the best day trips from San Jose del Cabo, and a must-visit when renting a car in Cabo Mexico.

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 San Jose del Cabo Airport.

If you prefer to use a Mexican company to support the national economy, two of the best car rental companies in San Jose del Cabo are Cactus Car Rentals Cabo and BBB Rent A Car Cabo.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo airport

What’s the cheapest car rental company in Cabo Airport?

When I rent a car in Mexico, I always use Discover Cars. They work with local Mexican companies and large international companies, so you get the cheapest price.

Oftentimes, I have found the cheapest San Jose del Cabo car rental companies are Cactus Car Rentals in Cabo and BBB Car Rental Cabo — both of which you’ll find on Discover Cars.

However, don’t forget to read reviews from recent customers before booking. You get what you pay for, so never go with a low-rated company, no matter which you choose. (I can’t stress it enough: Always check ratings before you book.)

The best part? You can add their Full Coverage Policy for only about $7-10 USD per day. It is cheaper than any full coverage Mexican insurance I’ve ever seen through a rental company, and I always use it myself.

With this, you’re fully covered for up to $58,500 MXN pesos (about $3,250 USD) — including damage to the car, towing, lost keys, and much more. For just $7-10 USD per day, it’s really amazing how much they offer for so little.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo airport

5 Tips for Renting a Car in Los Cabos Airport

playa balandra beach | best beaches in mexico
Playa Balandra Beach in La Paz is just one of the popular destinations you’ll want to visit when renting a car in Cabo 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. 
  • 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 Los Cabos 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 San Jose del Cabo

Do I need Mexican car insurance for San Jose del Cabo?

Yes — You do need insurance for driving in San Jose del Cabo and all Mexico; though Mexico travel insurance is optional.

travel insurance for 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 San Jose del Cabo 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 Cabo trip, buy insurance from the company you’re renting from. If you get full coverage, you could essentially return the car in any condition, and should not have to pay them a single cent.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

How much is Mexican car insurance?

Different companies price coverage differently, but in general, Personal Liability Insurance (the minimum coverage legally required) is about $15 USD per day. For full coverage insurance, plan to pay about $30 USD per day.

When I’m renting a car in San Jose del Cabo, 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 San Jose del Cabo

Can I buy Mexican auto insurance at the border?

No — There are no companies selling insurance at any Mexico border crossings in the U.S. For this, I recommend Baja Bound, one of the top names in Mexican insurance.

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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.

CAN I RENT A CAR IN MEXICO AND DRIVE TO THE U.S.?

Likely Not — It’s pretty uncommon that any U.S. car rental companies allow this, though a few do let customers drive a rental car to Mexico.

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 San Jose del Cabo

What if I have Mexican car insurance through my credit card?

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.

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

OUR PICK

red car on the beach

BEST MEXICO CAR RENTAL COMPANY: Discover Cars

When booking your Mexico car rental online, I recommend 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 in Cabo. 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 San Jose del Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo

What’s the Mexican Car Rental Scam?

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.

woman getting the keys to her mexico rental car from a male attendant in a white shirt | renting a car in mexico
Check out the info below so you don’t fall victim to any common scams in San Jose del Cabo. (Photo: Canva, Car rental Cabo Airport)

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

Months before writing this article, I booked a Miami rental car online. When I picked it up, I had to pay $200 USD in extra charges, 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 exclusive 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 double what you saw online when you booked the car.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

How to avoid this Cabo rental car scam

When looking online to rent a car in San Jose del Cabo, 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 CABO CAR RENTAL COSTS

For a car rental listed online as $10 USD per day, assume you’ll pay closer to $20 per day for this car with taxes, fees and Mexico Personal Liability Insurance (minimum required coverage).

With full Mexican insurance coverage, it should be closer to $30 per day.

Annoying? Sure is — but this is just the way car rental companies seem to work.

3 Other San Jose del Cabo travel scams to look out for

man pumping gas
When driving in San Jose del Cabo or anywhere in Mexico, you won’t pump your own gas.

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 Full Coverage Policy I’ve seen.

3. Quick Change scam

This is a pretty standard bill swap, or wrong payment scam that can happen at a gas station in Mexico just as it can while shopping at a mall or market anywhere in the world.

If you’re paying in cash, count the bills one by one in front of the attendant, otherwise they can quickly change the bills with sleight of hand after you give them the money.

With this scam, they take your money and quickly swap out a $500 peso bill with a $20 peso bill, saying you gave them a $20 when it should have been a $500.

They hand you back the $20 and you hand them a $500, so they have essentially pocketed $480 pesos (about $24 USD). 💳 Note: This won’t ever happen to you if you pay with a credit card.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

10 San Jose del Cabo Driving Tips for Mexico

woman overlooking the beach near her mexico rental car | renting a car in mexico
Driving in San Jose del Cabo isn’t too dissimilar to driving in most places in North America. (Photo: Canva, Rental cars Cabo Airport)

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 San Jose del Cabo 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 roads (Toll roads in Mexico)

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

For longer drives, and when driving from Cabo Airport to San Jose del Cabo, 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 San Jose del Cabo Tips: When driving in San Jose del Cabo, 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.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

3. Beware of topes (Speed bumps)

Though slowing all the way down for topes extends your travel time, it’s still a good idea! (Photo: Car rental Mexico San Jose del Cabo via Canva)

Mexico roads are notorious for an abundance of topes (pronounced toe-pays) — which are speed bumps. They can be everywhere from regular roads to on highways.

While some roads have bright yellow road signs that do alert you to the topes, keep your eyes on the road at all times, as some topes don’t have a sign.

If you go over one too fast, it can cause serious damage to your San Jose del Cabo rental car.

4. Download an offline map for driving in San Jose del Cabo

Your cell signal may go in and out as you’re driving in San Jose del Cabo, 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 San Jose del Cabo Tips: For the best possible cell signal, get a Mexico SIM Card.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

5. Mexico speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour

road in cabo san lucas mexico
According to the posted sign, the speed limit on this road is 90 km/h, which is about 55 mph.

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 San Jose del Cabo, 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 San Jose del Cabo 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. San Jose del Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo

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

woman texting while driving
It is both unsafe to use your phone while driving, and also illegal in Mexico. (Photo: Canva, Driving tips for Cabo 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 San Jose del Cabo

8. Window cleaners may approach you at stop lights

When you’re at stop lights in San Jose del Cabo, 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 San Jose del Cabo

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 San Jose del Cabo 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.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

When visiting, book this Cabo Boat Tour to see El Arco de Cabo, the famous Cabo Arch near Lover’s Beach.

Is San Jose del Cabo safe for travelers?

As one of the top travel destinations in Mexico, Cabo attracts millions of visitors each year, and for the majority of travelers, Cabo is safe.

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in San Jose del Cabo; they do. However, if you follow general travel safety precautions, you should be safe in Los Cabos (and much of Mexico).

Is San Jose del Cabo safe for solo travelers?

San Jose del Cabo is great for solo female travel in Mexico because it’s easy to get to, with great tourism infrastructure and plenty of things to see and do.

For a deep dive into this topic, check out this article from Beth on Cabo solo travel. Beth is a mom and travel blogger who visited Los Cabos alone — and loved it.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

What state is San Jose del Cabo in?

Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Los Cabos International Airport are all located in Baja California Sur state.

This is one of the two states (Baja California state is the other) that make up Mexico’s Baja Peninsula on the west coast of the country.

Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo: Which is better?

As one of the top travel destinations in Mexico, most visitors head to Cabo San Lucas (usually just called Cabo). However, San Jose provides a more relaxing experience.

Also, the airport is in San Jose del Cabo, so for Cabo San Lucas rental cars, the best place to get one is Cabo Airport (code: SJD). As is the case with most cities, the airport has the biggest selection of rental cars in the area.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

What’s the best time to visit San Jose del Cabo?

Weather-wise, the best time to travel to San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos is from November to April during the dry season.

🌡️ Weather in San Jose del Cabo Mexico

Average min and max temperatures in San José del Cabo, Mexico

The dry season is also the San Jose del Cabo high season or busy season, so expect higher price tags and larger crowds — but you’ll also have beautiful sunny days and low humidity.

For San Jose del Cabo budget travel, opt for May to October, the Cabo slow season or low season.

These months are also during the Cabo rainy season, which really only runs from August to September. You won’t encounter much rain in San Jose del Cabo outside of these months.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

Are there two airports in Cabo?

Yes The main airport in Cabo goes by two names, Los Cabos International Airport and San Jose del Cabo International Airport. Make sure to look for airport code SJD when booking your flight.

cancun airport car rental sign
Though there are two Los Cabos Airports, most travelers fly into San Jose del Cabo Airport (code: SJD), which is the best place to get rental cars for Cabo. ▶︎ BOOK NOW

The SJD Cabo Airport address is Carretera Transpeninsular Km 43.5, 23420 San José del Cabo (📍map).

There is also a small airport in Cabo San Lucas (it’s technically an aerodrome or airfield) called Cabo San Lucas International Airport (code: CSL).

The Cabo Airstrip is used mostly for private planes, not commercial Cabo flights, so you’d never see CSL on any commercial airline sites.

Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo

Can I take Uber from San Jose del Cabo Airport?

No — Uber can not legally pick you up at San Jose del Cabo Airport. To get a Los Cabos Airport Uber, you’ll have to walk out to the main road near the highway, completely off airport grounds.

Woman standing in the street holding her phone waiting for an Uber

For safety reasons, I don’t recommend this, and instead suggest booking this Private San Jose del Cabo Airport Shuttle.

Note: If you’re flying into the CSL Cabo Airport, which is not the main airport in Cabo, you can call an Uber and they will pick you up from there without issue.

Is there Uber in San Jose del Cabo?

Yes — There is Uber in San Jose del Cabo and Uber in Los Cabos Mexico, but they can’t do airport pick-ups.

That’s right: The only place you can’t use Uber in Los Cabos is the airport. Legally, they can’t pick you up curbside, but you can take Uber to Cabo Airport to get dropped off before your flight.

Note: There is no Lyft in San Jose del Cabo.

Final Thoughts: Renting A Car in San Jose del Cabo Mexico

Driving in San Jose del Cabo is generally considered safe, and getting rental cars in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is usually a simple, hassle-free process.

For the sake of convenience, just pick your rental up at Cabo International Airport when you fly in, as it has plenty of international and local agencies on site.

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. I also recommend their Full Coverage Policy, which I always use.

If not, make sure you also purchase Mexican car insurance, as you’re not covered in any way through your U.S. or Canadian policy while driving in San Jose del Cabo.

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 Baja Mexico

🚙 Renting a car in central Mexico

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