Mexico Car Rental Insurance? The ouch question!

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

I know that this has been discussed in the past. I have used Budget in La Paz with hefty insurance fees. Will most likely be traveling for Cabo (SLP) in the future, flights connecting from PDX to LAX to LAP are becoming difficult and expensive.

What are better car rental companies near Cabo Airport? What is you experience with rental car insurance? Does American Express Insurance work in Mexico? If so what is your experience?

Thanks

Anthony Confused

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

I used budget last year and all was good and easy. I had my American express but I paid for the liability as they won't let you leave without it. I think I paid 240
For the week including the insurance etc. the only thing that sucks is that most rental cars are white and that says try to rip me off if you can. All worked good and the return was simple. I would use them again but like always on here some will disagree!! Next time I just might have playa central pick me up a d save the whole car issue. Gettin that time to start lookin south for some warmer winter weather:-)!!

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 438 Posts Obsessed

I have rented from most of the different car companies at SJD. All pretty much the same.

Per Mexican law the rental companies must include basic liability insurance, that is a legal requirement for them to rent cars. It is included in the rate. All will tell you basic liability coverage is not included and then require you to purchase supplemental liability coverage. Typical cost $10-$15/day for the supplemental insurance, as much as the car.

I checked with Amex and verified that car rentals in Mexico are covered and includes liability. So you really don't need to purchase additional liability from the rental companies. The problem is all the car rental companies are playing the same game and refusing to rent unless you purchase the supplemental liability coverage. They will not let you decline.

If anyone knows of a car rental company at SJD that does not require you to purchase the supplemental liability I would like to know!

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

When I fought (and lost) my battle with Thrifty, they wanted a letter from Amex that states they cover 3rd party liability. It must be from AMEX or the CC company and must say 3rd party liability. Its a scam, but if you work on it ahead of time, you can get a letter from Amex, not sure about Visa or MC.

They had a letter they showed me from Amex that stated the above.

Good luck- total scam

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 438 Posts Obsessed

Last year I brought proof of coverage from Amex with me. I was renting from Advantage.

Advantage did not care what proof of insurance I had. The guy at the counter said their policy is you have to take the supplemental liability or they would not rent. It added $500 to the cost of the rental. Total scam but it is the game everyone plays.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

You are going to be stuck with supp liability. Decline everything else assuming your cc covers you. My Alaska card does-- most non-basic cc do. In general, if you get a car for 30-40 ish per day all fees inclusive you're doing fine

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

One time $25 charge 1day till 1 month

https://www295.americanexpress.com/premium/car-rental-insurance-coverage/home.do?intlink=premiumprotecthub_browsepromos_pcrpmonitoring&intlink=us-CCSG-NAC-CarRental-LearnMore

No go in Australia, new Zealand, Israel, Jamica and Ireland (cause those countries know how to partae)

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

I don't see that the Amex covers loss of use? That's a big one. Car rental company can ding you for lost revenue while car is being repaired/replaced. I would suggest calling Amex to see about that

Eric