Is there a cheaper alternative to car rental insurance in Mexico?

Is there a cheaper alternative to car rental insurance in Mexico? - White and Orange Gasoline Nozzle

I'll be arriving in Guadalajara, Mexico tomorrow, and I want to rent a car. The Orbitz web site gives me a US$9/day option from Allianz.

Then when I got to the rental agency, they told me the Allianz insurance was insufficient, and that I either needed to buy a minimum policy for US$385 for the week for their minimum liability-only policy, or put a US$20,000 hold on my credit card.

This strikes me as insanely expensive. When I was driving my own car in Mexico, a full year of full-coverage insurance was about US$385.

Is there a cheaper way to insure a rental car in Mexico?

In the U.S., my normal insurance policy has always extended to cover rentals, but I currently have no car insurance anywhere. If standard Mexican auto insurance policies cover rentals, I could re-insure my vehicle (even though I'm not driving it now), just to get rental coverage.

Yes, add Allianz Global Assistance Rental Car Damage Protector for only $9 per day. This is $72.00 total.

Accidents happen. Don't get caught without collision damage coverage.

  • Covers costs if your rental car is stolen or is damaged in an accident or while left unattended
  • Provided as primary coverage so your regular insurance policy will not be hit
  • No deductible
  • May be less expensive now than at the car counter

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, learn more.
Plans underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company or BCS Insurance Company.



Best Answer

It'll depend which country you can get credit cards in, obviously, but many credit cards include travel insurance, sometimes including car rental insurance. Often it's the higher quality or 'Gold' cards (e.g. Visa Gold in some countries).

One example I can find online is Citi's ThankYou Credit Card:

  • Excludes “Off-road, antique or limited edition vehicles are excluded, as are - trucks, recreational vehicles, campers, pick-up trucks and mini-buses.”
  • Must charge entire rental to the credit card
  • Must reject CDW from the rental agency
  • Per rental coverage maximum of 31 consecutive days
  • Maximum reimbursement of US$50,000

and some other rules and limitations, as per usual with credit cards. See page linked to, and the Citi website it links to for more information. But the $50k excess would seem to cover your requirements.




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Do you need additional insurance when renting a car in Mexico?

Third party insurance is compulsory by Mexican law when you rent a car in Mexico. This insurance covers third parties for any damages in the event of a mishap, but it does not cover the renter's liability for the vehicle itself.

How much does car rental insurance cost in Mexico?

Mexico car rental rates vary, but figure about $30USD per day for an economy car with full coverage insurance.

What kind of insurance do I need to rent a car in Mexico?

Personal Liability Insurance, also referred to as Third-Party Insurance, is mandatory when renting a car in Mexico. You cannot rent a car without this coverage. Although this is the only obligatory type of insurance, it's not always enough. In fact, it's highly recommended to opt for additional coverage.

Do I need special insurance to drive in Mexico?

You need to carry Mexican auto insurance to drive legally in the country, as liability coverage is mandatory. If you're involved in an accident while driving in Mexico, the maximum amount you may have to pay out if another party is injured or killed in an accident varies depending on where you drive.



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