Baja Car Rental Advice

scottjk · Since 28 Dec 2011 49 Posts

I'm renting a car from Advantage in Cabo to drive to La Ventana for the week. I just updated my AMEX card to the Premium car rental coverage which costs $20 for the entire trip which covers loss/damage with zero deductible.

Does anyone have any advice or gotcha information about renting a car in Cabo?

Thanks

Scott

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

double check with amex that this really covers everything in mexico, usually credit cards rental car insurance is not valid in mexico. If it is, let me know, cause the rental insurance is the biggest ripoff there is. Oh yeah, don't take the shuttle to the rental agency, they'll charge you for it, most are a quick 3 minute walk from the cabo terminal.

scottjk · Since 28 Dec 2011 49 Posts

This is additional 'premium' coverage that I signed up for, not just the basic rental insurance that comes with most credit cards.

Protection
Coverage is worldwide, except for vehicles rented in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand.

scottjk · Since 28 Dec 2011 49 Posts

Just got off the phone with the insurance department and it definitely covers the car in Mexico. They are emailing me the complete information that I will take to Baja with me to show the agency if there is any question.

Bailey · Since 13 Apr 2008 87 Posts

You must have it in writing to show the rental company. I forgot to take it in writing to Capetown yesterday and had to pay big time for insurance, but it windy here. Very Happy

scottjk · Since 28 Dec 2011 49 Posts

When you say 'in writing' what exactly is required. I asked AMEX to send me something I could show for proof and they guy said he could only give me the .pdf explaining the coverage. How can I prove that I have this program?

Thanks

Scott

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Please let us know all the details. I am heading down in a month and I will put it on my AMEX if it has insurance that saves me 2oo deneros!!!

scottjk · Since 28 Dec 2011 49 Posts

Don't forget that you have to sign up for this 'extended coverage' program through AMEX. Once you have signed up every time you rent a car you will be charged the additional fee unless you cancel the program.

Scott

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

I have been renting from either dollar or budget for the last 6 years via LAP, or SJD. Either will allow you to waive collision insurance. It could be that you can also decline liability but I never have and it would be very, very unwise to drive anywhere in Mexico without liability. My Alaska Platinum card gives me full collision/theft/incidental damage/and loss of use coverage with no deductible. I bring documentation sent from VISA to Mexico when I go. Several phone calls to VISA have confirmed my coverage. That being said, I have not had an accident.

Your priority must be liability, as that's what the cops will look for if you are in an accident. Damage to your own car are between you and the rental company. The collision sold by car rental companies is expensive, has high deductibles, and some do not cover "Loss of use," which can be a lot.

Make some phone calls to your CC company and know exactly what they will cover, who to reach if needed, and how to reach them.

As for cost, I have always been able to negotiate to well under internet prices for the smallest cars offered. Med/large cars will cost you A LOT more. You can also rent from one of the two airports and return at the other for an additional $50. My experience with Dollar and Budget at both LAP and SJD have been very positive.

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 438 Posts Obsessed

First off; DO NOT RENT FROM EUROPCAR in Cabo. The worst of the worst.

I also use AMEX with the premium policy. I double checked and under this policy you have collision/damage with $0 deductible in Mexico.

Mexican law requires rental companies to provide liability insurance and include that in the basic rate. Many will claim that it is not included and tell you it is mandatory that you get take liability. If you read the fine print you will find this is supplemental liability, the basic comes with the car.

I am down in LV right now and even though I verified before renting that the rate included liability when I got to the counter they refused to rent the car unless I took the supplemental liability. I brought the email stating that insurance was included in the rate with me, they just laughed and said corporate knows nothing about Mexico. The insurance cost more than the car and the $300 rate I had reserved became $900 with the insurance. Not a lot of options when you are standing at the counter and its high season.

As others have said at least its been windy Smile

borntofli · Since 29 Apr 2010 90 Posts

I am in cabo now and have ented cars here for 3 years, and its a new experience every year....

This year it has been very busy so the price that you payed online isnt valid.... I payed 350 for 2 weeks, and when I got here theey said they would need 1000...

2 days later they called me at the hotel and said they would rent for previous price... I had found a car another way by then, thats a long story on that one...

As for insurance, unless they have a bunch of unrented cars in their parking lot you will not get one without getting their insurance.....they will tell you no and the person behind you will do it to get the car....

Its only money, pay and go play.... Forget the hassle.......

j · Since 08 Nov 2006 94 Posts Seattle

Just got back from Los Barriles, had a car rented through Fox, when I got the airport and went to the Fox counter he said they didn't have any cars, and called over the Alamo guy who said he would honor the price. Turns out he doesn't have any cars either and he's passing me to Europcar. I get there and the guy (Pierre)asks me if I want the car I rented or wanted a "Mexican Deal". Having seen many game shows I knew I had to go for what is behind curtain #3 so he offered to upgrade me to an SUV for $25 more. A day? Nope, just $25 more, or $700 total (including liability insurance). The kicker was that it was $300 cash now, $400 on the credit card later.... welcome to Mexico.

It all worked out okay, but certainly not text book car rentals. It was great to have the flexibility and cool to see Todos Santos and Cabo Pulmo, but I will probabaly just get a van to take me there next time. It was a hassle and expensive.

Lcal · Since 12 May 2011 33 Posts Gresham

What is the current price for gas in and around LV and LB now? Going to be staying in LB and likely driving to LV for some of the LV Classic activities and maybe to Cerritos if the wind looks light.

Also any other feedback as to which agencies to avoid?

thanks for your help!!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Do what Eric says - rent from well known USA based company. I've never had these problems and usually pay $35 a day.
I speak a bit of Spanish, that seems to help. Also, don't be afraid to say no.

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

I have only rented in La Paz and Cozumel. In La Paz, I booked Budget through Orbitz, $11 per day plus insurance and tax. It ended up being $60 a day in the end, Ouch! Yesterday, I booked through Budget web site, it ended up being $48 per day. I do get the full coverage insurance. I do not mess with Napoleon Law, guilty before proven innocent. In Cozumel, I rented through LessPay Auto a local Mexican company. They did it right! If anybody figures out the cheapest way to do, Please Post!! Confused

scottjk · Since 28 Dec 2011 49 Posts

I changed my rental to Dollar and will be declining the loss/damage insurance. My AMEX extended car rental coverage will cover all loss/damage with zero deductible up to $75,000. My State Farm Insurance never comes in to the picture.

Only question now is will they honor the price I was quoted on Orbitz.

I'll write a follow up when I get back.