{"id":145,"date":"2020-04-14T23:03:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T23:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sanborns.com\/blog\/?p=145"},"modified":"2025-02-10T18:00:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T18:00:41","slug":"is-it-a-good-idea-to-rent-a-car-in-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sanborns.com\/blog\/is-it-a-good-idea-to-rent-a-car-in-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it a Good Idea to Rent a Car in Mexico?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When traveling to Mexico, there are many ways to travel and each have their own downsides and benefits. Driving into Mexico with a personal vehicle can be complicated, as you\u2019ll need to obtain a TIP (temporary access permit) and\u00a0. You can always fly into Mexico and rent a vehicle, but is it the best decision?<\/p>\n

In short, it depends. Certain areas of Mexico, especially tourist areas, have reliably transportation systems that could be cheaper than renting a vehicle. This depends on how far you\u2019re traveling and how long your trip lasts. If you are familiar with Mexico and want the freedom to explore, a car rental may be the best option. If you simply want to travel between nearby tourist spots and hotels, using public transportation may be easier and cheaper.<\/p>\n

How Much Does is Cost to Rent a Car in Mexico?<\/h2>\n

Keep in mind that most American car rental companies will not allow you to take a rented vehicle over the border into Mexico. If you need to rent a vehicle, it will likely have to be from a Mexico rental company. Renting a vehicle in Mexico can be relatively affordable, but there are hidden fees that may not appear at first, especially if you purchase a rental vehicle online. Online, rental vehicles can appear to be just $20 a day or even less.<\/p>\n

Costs for a rental vehicle are generally on a day by day basis. Certain hidden fees that may be added to this cost when you pick up the rental vehicle includes Mexican car insurance and filing fees. It\u2019s crucial to bring someone who is fluent in Spanish to the rental company in order to discuss and review the rental car, charges and any fine print.<\/p>\n

Do Mexican Rental Cars Need Mexican Car Insurance?<\/h2>\n

Even rental vehicles need to be insured. Mexico requires all vehicles on the road to be insured with at least $300,000 in liability coverage. American auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. You must purchase Mexican auto insurance, which can be as cheap as $4-$5 a day. What most tourists don\u2019t realize is that car insurance is often included in the cost of the rental. Make sure you aren\u2019t paying double for Mexican auto insurance.<\/p>\n

Obviously, the cost of Mexican car insurance also depends on how much coverage you have. Only $300,000 in liability is required, but most rentals will come with what is considered full coverage. This often includes:<\/p>\n