What do I need if I want to travel from USA to Mexico with a rental car?
During the summer, I plan to rent a car in Calfornia, USA and do some roadtripping in the south-western part of the USA. I would also like a day trip to Mexico. Can I just drive through the border or isn't this possible at all? Do I need any special preparation?
Best Answer
If a rental car is impounded, the owner of the car, which is the rental company, must show up in person to claim it. Since most rental companies don't have an agent in Mexico to claim the car this is a problem and the rental companies who don't have an agent won't give you permission to take the car into Mexico. You would likely be paying for the car while it is impounded and the rental company who does not have an agent is figuring out who can go to Mexico and get the car.
Many rental companies near the border area do allow their cars into Mexico.
You also need Mexican insurance. If you are certain that you are taking the car into Mexico and the days it will be in Mexico the car rental company will likely provide you insurance from a Mexican carrier. If you don't know when, they normally will tell you to stop and get it when you enter. Instant Mexico Auto Insurance often insures cars from International Car Rental when the people do not in advance know the days that they will be in Mexico.
Pictures about "What do I need if I want to travel from USA to Mexico with a rental car?"
What happens if I drive a rental car into Mexico?
Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents with valid visa status can rent cars at the limited Budget locations where border crossings are allowed. Mexican border crossing officials will arrest non-compliant individuals and the car will be impounded.Can I cross the US Mexico border with a rental car?
Can I cross the Mexican border with a rental car? Yes, you can drive a rental car from the United States into Mexico, but you must pay for a Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance which is only available in specific U.S. states such as Arizona, Texas and California.What do I need to drive a rental car in Mexico?
Drivers are usually required to be at least 25 years of age in order to rent a car in Mexico. Your current driver's license from your home country is accepted for driving in Mexico (make sure it's still valid before your trip). You will need a credit card to make a security deposit on the vehicle.What does a US citizen need to rent a car in Mexico?
A Valid Driver's License If you have a valid U.S. driver's license, or one in a language that uses the Roman alphabet (this one!), you can rent a car in Mexico with your country's license.Can You Drive A Rental Car Into Mexico? | How To Protect Yourself During The Process
More answers regarding what do I need if I want to travel from USA to Mexico with a rental car?
Answer 2
I think it's impossible.
On the American side, rental agencies do no want their cars to be driven into Mexico in most cases. On the Mexican side, there is a law or ruling about importing cars that does not help either. Maybe it is best to park at the border, cross by foot then rent on the other side if necessary. Also, if you are a non-US resident, prepare to do the usual paperwork again for re-admission into the United States.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Tim Samuel, Gotta Be Worth It, Quintin Gellar, Alex Azabache