Baja car rental.

Bailey · Since 13 Apr 2008 87 Posts

Do they force you to take out there insurance? I have insurance on my visa gold for car insurance but I remember the last time I was down there they said there was some kind of manditory insurance that was like 10 dollars a day. Thanks

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 438 Posts Obsessed

There is a good article on Mexican car rental insurance in TripAdvisor.com. Search the Mexico travel forum for car insurance.

Briefly; Liability insurance is mandatory in Mexico. If you don't have it you go to jail until the court determines which driver is at fault. While some credit cards provide collision damage coverage most do not provide Mexican liability.

Some car rental agencies will let you rent without proof of liability but other force you to take at the minimum liability.

I typically take the liability, but decline on collison and hope that my credit card will cover it.

hopefall · Since 13 Feb 2009 79 Posts Couve

We were faced with the same decision when we were in Baja last Feb. The research I did before our trip proved somewhat inconclusive. I found conflicting arguments on whether or not it was required. I believe that the law requires the rental agency to include insurance in the rate, but I chose to take the additional insurance as a precaution. The way I look at it is: I'd rather have it when the Fedi's pull me over or in the event of an accident, than have to convince them that it was included in my rental agreement. We drove to LV from Cabo, so it was quite a bit of driving.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

Quoting Mike Godsey:

"You absolutely must have Mexican insurance in Baja. No matter what anyone tells you, your USA insurance is not recognized in Baja. Beyond the lack of coverage it is important to realize that Mexico jurisprudence is based upon Neapolitan law. You are considered guilty until you can prove you are innocent. If you are involved in any accident with injury or significant damage you go to jail guilty or innocent. The job of your local Mexican insurance agent is to get you out and procure a lawyer. No problem if you have Mexican insurance. Don't expect your State Farm agent to fly into Baja to get you out of jail. Your fair skin could make even one night in a Mexican jail a memorable experience."

http://www.iwindsurf.com/travel.iws?genID=7