La Ventana; Rental car insurance??

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 440 Posts Obsessed

So last year my $20/day rental car ended up costing more like $50/day because I was told went I got to the counter that the insurance was mandatory. Did some research online and it appears (although there are difference of opinion on this) that just like in the US your credit card rental insurance will cover collision and loss in Mexico. What you are not covered for and what could land you in jail is not having third party liability insurance.

So I checked this years car reservation (with Budget) and find that they do not offer third party liability insurance alone. To get it you have to take the $29/day Collision-Damage Insurance (CDW), but checking other agencies like EZ Car your can get just the liability insurance for $11/day and trust your credit card insurance for the rest.

So anyone have any reccomendations for which rental car agencies to use or avoid when renting at SJD and what to do about insurance?

Here is a link with tons of info on car rental insurance at Cabo..

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g152515-i84-k204282-Mexico_Insurance_and_Credit_Card_Coverages_REVISED-Cabo_San_Lucas_Los_Cabos_Baja_California.html

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Couldn't you just buy car insurance online from a separate agency? Like bajabound or drivemex. It should be quite a bit cheaper. Just double check you can use it on a rental car.

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 440 Posts Obsessed

Did a quick check of bajabound and drivemex but did not find an option for getting rental car insurance-- but a good idea..

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

If you talk to anyone that went with me last year you will get full coverage. As I was going "The Wrong Way" utilizing my highly crafted RALLY CAR skills in a total drunken stupper I decided to do some donuts in the middle of El Sargento right after I jumped the speed bump. Honestly Im not trying to upstage my skills as a wake board driver as demonstrated at Kite point (Outer Banks) just prior to being stopped by "The Man".

I checked I out also before my last adventure. Call your credit card company and ask them what they will cover for you......coverage will vary.....make sure that you tell them will be renting a car in Baja.

Good luck and don't forget to attend the 10th annual Bong-A-Thong

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Whats a holiday without --Rental Car Rally Night-- Twisted Evil

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

What is it???????
Its totally boring! Mr. Green

Mark · Tue Dec 08, 09 4:53 pm

two rally cars doing a gracefull ballet of donuts in town was awesome!

Kids do not try this. We are skilled drunks! Wink

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

look closely at your credit card coverage, usually lots of holes for foreign coverage. Went one year no insurance, went second time with coverage. If anything happens and you didn't buy their coverage be ready to spend some time in a mexican jail! The rental car thing is a rip-off. they jack you, but if something goes wrong you're jacked.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

The Alaska Visa Milage Plan Card has very good CDW coverage, providing you follow the directions they outline for you to the letter. The most important being you MUST DECLINE the CDW/LDW offered by the rental company (you will need to buy personal liability from the rental agency no matter what). The caveat being I have never had to make a claim, and hope to never have to. Having said that, the rep from the Alaska card said that she has handled claims from Mexico and that they went without a hitch.

An important point to keep in mind is that not all of the rental companies CDW cover "loss of use" if you damage their car, whereas most CC companies do. I suggest you call your specific card's benefits administrator.

Eric

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 440 Posts Obsessed

Great advice. I have an Alaska credit card so am set. The problem is finding a rental agency that offers the liability insurance without CDW. Budget and Advantage; both of which I have rented from before do not offer liability alone; only with CDW but thier CDW offers less coverage and big deductables verses the coverage I would have with the credit card.

Anyone rented from EZ Rents; any reports good or bad??

Thanks