Can I Rent a Car for My Trip to Mexico?

If you’re planning to travel to Mexico, renting a car for your trip will allow you to have complete freedom to explore the beauties of the country and visit different places along the way. However, before you hit the road, don’t forget to contact a trusted Mexican car insurance provider from the area and get yourself proper coverage that is recognized by Mexican law while still in the U.S. You can obtain your Mexican car insurance online as well to save some time for packing.

In case you plan to rent a car in Mexico, you should know that insurance obtained in the U.S. won’t be valid. So, take your time to explore how to acquire car insurance in Mexico before your trip, but bear in mind that this option is often more expensive.

Let’s find out how you can drive to Mexico safely:

Can I rent a car and go to Mexico?

Yes, you can rent a car for your trip to Mexico, but you need to be aware of certain restrictions that will apply. First of all, you need to make sure that your rental company allows their renters to cross the Mexican border because not all of them do.

These are some of the rules that some of the companies have about renting a car to travel to Mexico:

-The rental company must be informed about their plan to drive south of the border.

-The renter must be a U.S. citizen, have permanent residency, or a valid visa.

-The cars are rented only to corporate clients.

-You are obligated to buy Mexican car liability insurance.

Having in mind that these requirements are not the same in all agencies, it’s best to contact a few local ones and see which one will work best for you.

Do you need a permit to drive in Mexico?

Yes. To be able to dive your car into Mexico, you’ll need a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). It allows you to take your vehicle into Mexico and it is required for the areas outside of the free zone.

Failing to obtain this permit will put you at risk of getting a large fine or even having your car confiscated at the customs. So, to avoid such unpleasant surprises and let them spoil your exciting trip, remember to get the permit timely. You can either buy it online 7 to 60 days before your travel date or get it directly at the border.

What car rental companies allow travel to Mexico?

While not all rental companies allow travel to Mexico, a lot of major ones do, as long as the renter has Mexican car insurance and is within their guidelines. So, all you need to do is ask around and find out what their policy is. 

This may take you some time, but it’s definitely worth it since waiting to rent a car in Mexico can cost you double in rental costs. Why leave all this for the last minute, when you can take care of it before you set off and enjoy your trip to sunny Rosarito without a single worry on your mind?

Buy a Mexican car insurance policy online with us & stay safe

To be able to relax and know that your trip to Mexico will go by smoothly, you need to acquire all the necessary documents, including a valid Mexican car insurance policy. This is where Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance comes in. We have been in business for many years and offer a variety of different coverage options to our clients. 

No matter whether you live in California, or any other state, we’ve got you covered. Our online purchase option will allow you to buy your insurance with just a few clicks from wherever you are. We are here to help you avoid unnecessary complications and stay safe.