You are planning to visit Mexico on vacation and wonder whether it would be a good idea to rent a car. It all depends on where you are planning to visit and what you are planning to do. For instance unless you are familiar with the roads and plan to do a lot of commuting, it is not a very good idea to rent a car in Mexico City. Public transport is excellent and taxis are highly affordable. Many of the smaller cities and towns in Mexico are actually best seen and explored on foot but if you are planning to tour a particular region extensively or want to see larger tracts of the countryside, then renting a car gives you convenience and freedom. Be warned however car rentals in Mexico are more expensive than rentals in the US mainly because of the expensive insurance requirements.
Car rental in companies in Mexico have strict requirements and some of them are:
- The minimum age of the driver should normally be 25 years. It is possible for a driver under that age to get a rental but only on payment of a hefty deposit to cover damages and other eventualities
-you need to hold a valid and current driver’s license and a photo ID. The license of your own country is accepted provided it is made out in “Western characters” otherwise you’ll need a valid international driver’s license
-without a valid credit card you cannot rent a car since debit cards are not acceptable. You would be required to preauthorize the agreed charge to your credit card.
Many car rental companies also provide additional services at their counter such as insurance policies, GPS navigation systems, add-ons like luggage racks and cell phone rentals. They would also provide drivers if required.
Do’s and don’ts:
-Be sure that your insurance cover is adequate and meets legal requirements. Insurance costs account for a hefty chunk of the rental costs
- take exceptional care of your rental car. Even the smallest dent or scratch could cost you a fortune
-90% of all accidents in Mexico occur in the nighttime so try and avoid driving at night. If possible do all your driving during the day.
-if you are not going to “drop off “the car at the place from which you picked it up., expected to pay an enormous “drop of” charge of 40% or more of the rental. One way rental in Mexico is hugely expensive.
-if you do get involved in a minor scrape or accident, try and settle with the other party on the spot. If the police get involved, the process can be extremely bureaucratic and tiresome
-if you are unlucky enough to be involved in a major accident then do not move your vehicle till the local police arrive. Contact your insurance company and remain on the scene until the insurance adjuster arrives. Complete and sign the accident report and the parts inventory before having your car moved
- After the accident, it is best to let your insurance company handle all the details of the claim processing.
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