Mexico - Cabo--Rental Car--Myth or Fact?

Hello All,

My girlfriend and I are heading down to Cabo from Aug. 13-18. We are staying in the corridor area and arriving at SJD. After lots of research both here and in travel books...I still can't make up my mind about whether or not to rent a car there. I know about the strong taxi union, so most fares anywhere are inflated. But I've been hearing some horror stories about rental car scams (unnecessary damage costs) and the sometimes hassle of dealing with the local police not to mention the confusion about car insurance down there. PLEASE, anyone with some experience or any new ideas for me?:confused:

My goal-to visit Cabo San Lucas at least one or two days, and possibly San Jose Del Cabo one or two. Thanks!:D

Hi!

I can't comment specifically as my experience goes back several years, however, when we arrived home the company had tried to charge us twice for the rental. The credit card company removed the second charge and that was the end of it. We did not have any issues driving there at the time - but we also had previous experience with Mexican road rules. Have a nice trip!

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Mexico Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

FYI, I own a condo in San Jose del Cabo, and I ALWAYS rent a car when I'm down there. Taxis are very expensive, and in particular, if you want to go places in both towns, and along the corridor, you need a car if you don't want to waste half of your vacation trying to avoid paying $25-50 every time you need to get somewhere that's not right near where you already are, and another $25-50 to get back to your hotel.

Insurance coverage IS expensive there, figure on $15-17 a day just for coverage - and you'll want it. Just figure on an extra $100-120 a week in cost, but having a car, with coverage, is simply the cost of being there.

Typically, I've gotten the best rates from either Dollar, or Payless, but occassionally from National. Generally speaking, including coverage, you should be able to get an economy car for something in the $250-$300 range a week if you shop around.

Not having a car will end up constraining your trip. Having one will allow you to freely get to either town - and I expect that you will certainly want to. If I were staying on the corridor, I would consider a car to be absolutely essential. The ONLY way I'd consider not renting one would be if I was staying somewhere in Cabo San Lucas near Medano Beach and the center of town, and only expected to go to San Jose once during the trip.

I was just in Cabo (mid July) and rented through Avis for about $30/day. I think there are decent weekly rental rates as well. I thought Avis was very professional and not as shady as some of the others can be.

In general, if you are staying in the Corridor, you'll definitely want to rent a car. (We didn't take insurance, but many people recommend it - I think it was $12/day). As taxi rates are stupid high in Cabo, the car is very, very convenient. San Lucas has good parking for cheap (10 or 20 pesos) at the large mall located on the left, lower side of the harbor as you enter from the highway. In addition, you may want to visit San Jose which is easy to navigate via car.

In addition, there is a Walmart and Sam's Club on your way into Los Cabos (on right, large complex - you'll see it). Very good prices and good place to stock up on essentials (read: rum) instead of paying ridiculous resort prices.

I really enjoyed having my own transportation - very easy to drive in the area - and you get to know the towns much better.

As a final comment, you can either take the new toll roads to/from the airport or the free regular "highway" (several lights). We took both and there was no noticeable difference, although locals indicated sometimes the regular highway can have traffic at certain times of day.

Go for the car and $15 insurance per day. You'll end up saving a lot in the long-run with your own car and will be free to drive up to any small towns on a whim.

Wow, thanks for all of the responses. This is exactly why I love this forum.
As an update, we are starting to lean in the "rent a car" option. I read on another post of the suggestion of taking pictures of your car and of any preexisting damage before you drive off the lot. But I feel that is solid advice for any part of the world. I'll keep checking to see if there are any more votes on the car rental thing here but so far, I'm thinking to do it. Thanks again everyone.:D

good place to stock up on essentials (read: rum)

No way...in Mexico it's cheapo Cuervo.

You must be thinking about the trip to STT. :D

One other point - always pay CASH for gasoline. I learned that the hard way, when one guy at the Pemex in downtown Cabo San Lucas told me my card had been denied, and then found out when I got my bill that he had put a $120 charge on it. Fortunately, the signature was such an obvious forgery that I won the dispute with my credit card company.

And when paying cash, pay close attention to what size bills you give the guy - they love to try to tell you that you gave them a 20 peso bill instead of a 200 peso bill.

Any thoughts about renting a car if cruising to Cabo for the day? We're interested in heading to Bahia Chileno from the cruise port, but probably no other sightseeing. I assume it's probably easiest to pay taxi extortion to get there. What's the chance I get a taxi back?

One other point - always pay CASH for gasoline. I learned that the hard way, when one guy at the Pemex in downtown Cabo San Lucas told me my card had been denied, and then found out when I got my bill that he had put a $120 charge on it. Fortunately, the signature was such an obvious forgery that I won the dispute with my credit card company.

And when paying cash, pay close attention to what size bills you give the guy - they love to try to tell you that you gave them a 20 peso bill instead of a 200 peso bill.

Two quickies in addition to the good advice above. 1)Make sure that the pump is at zeros when the gas starts coming out. If the guy in front of you buys 100 pesos worth of gas, the operator many times will start your fill at 100 pesos, and there isn´t much you can do when he shuts it off. 2) Pemex gas jockeys make about 160 pesos per 8 hour shift. If they wash your windshield and/or offer to check your oil, a 5 peso tip is appreciated

Bumping this thread up to see if anyone else has additional advice to share.

I know liability insurance is required in Mexico, but what are people's thoughts on getting CDW coverage? I have CDW coverage through a credit card (confirmed to work in Mexico). Is it OK to use that or would it be less hassle to just get CDW coverage through the rental company incase we ran in to any issues?

Also, what is parking like in San Jose del Cabo? Is it mostly street parking or are there lots? Is the parking generally paid or free?

Any other suggestions you can share would be appreciated!

Bumping this thread up to see if anyone else has additional advice to share.

I know liability insurance is required in Mexico, but what are people's thoughts on getting CDW coverage? I have CDW coverage through a credit card (confirmed to work in Mexico). Is it OK to use that or would it be less hassle to just get CDW coverage through the rental company incase we ran in to any issues?

Also, what is parking like in San Jose del Cabo? Is it mostly street parking or are there lots? Is the parking generally paid or free?

Any other suggestions you can share would be appreciated!

We are going to Cabo for a week in January and started to do some research. The car is about $85 and insurance is $200! When I read the laws about how traffic accidents are handled in Mexico. Guilty until proven innocent and must prove insurance or ability to pay damages immediately, we decided to get round trip airport transfers and hire a car when we need to get around.

(I am not sure they would count your CC coverage as proof. You may need some documentation of that.)

We have rented cars in other countries. Yes, we might be being a bit over cautious here, but I just dont want the trouble.

I have to agree. I've rented in Mexico several times and as much as I hate it I always take the CDW. I have never had a problem but unless I was traveling with a Mexican national I'd be lost if I had an accident.

I guess that's why they call it insurance. You hope you don't need it but are glad if you do.

anecdotally, I was in Cancun last year with several friends and we rented 2 cars. I was browbeat into getting insurance coverage which added an additonal $150 dollar coverage to a $100 car rental charge. My friend refused any coverage on his car due to his belief that his credit card covered this. He paid a $100 and had absolutely no issue when he returned the car. I am going to Puerto Vallarta this weekend and will refuse the coverage this time.

My friend refused any coverage on his car due to his belief that his credit card covered this. He paid a $100 and had absolutely no issue when he returned the car. I am going to Puerto Vallarta this weekend and will refuse the coverage this time.

Most credit card rental car insurance only covers damage to the rental car. It does not cover your personal liability for property damage or personal injury/death you may cause to others. And if you are involved in an accident on a federal or state highway you may also be charged with damaging the infrastructure (i.e. damage to pavement, roadbed, signage, fencing, etc.) which is also not covered by your credit card insurance.

If you cause injury, death or significant damage to others as a result of an accident you will likely be held until blame is sorted out and the ability to pay damages is confirmed.

Yeah, you could go without insurance in Mexico and rely on your credit card. But know before you go - contact your credit card company and understand completely what is covered and what is not covered.

anecdotally, I was in Cancun last year with several friends and we rented 2 cars. I was browbeat into getting insurance coverage which added an additonal $150 dollar coverage to a $100 car rental charge. My friend refused any coverage on his car due to his belief that his credit card covered this. He paid a $100 and had absolutely no issue when he returned the car. I am going to Puerto Vallarta this weekend and will refuse the coverage this time.

Ummm... just to be sure I'm clear, your friend refused insurance, had no accident that would demonstrate the value of said insurance, and you've drawn the conclusion that insurance in Mexico is not necessary? :confused:

Regards

Ummm... just to be sure I'm clear, your friend refused insurance, had no accident that would demonstrate the value of said insurance, and you've drawn the conclusion that insurance in Mexico is not necessary? :confused:

Regards

I believe that all he was stating that his friend did not get scammed by the rental agency for not getting insurance, and that was as much a concern for him has the actual risk of having an accident while uninsured. He was willing to incur the risk of the latter, but felt that the possibility of the former would have been more out of his own control.

For what it's worth, I have often rented cars out of San Jose del Cabo with nothing but my Diners Club coverage, and have never been scammed either. But admittedly, it's an acceptance of risk - but I'm at least familiar with the area and the roads there, and don't feel any more likely to have an accident there than I do elsewhere.

Well, just got back from PV last night. Had a 3 day car rental, booked through expedia. The statement that if it looks too good to be true, it probably isn't true, is correct in this case The rate was a little over $7/day and with taxes included, the rental was just about $28. Well, as mentioned here in other posts, liability insurance is mandatory and bumped up the rental to a little over $90. A still steep for the insurance but no choice in the matter. I refused additional coverage (additional $37/day). The original $28 would now be $201 for the 3 days. I was required to put a $3000 deposit on the card. We did do a thorough walk around of the vehicle and noted every tiny scratch, ding, etc. In the US, they tell you not to bother with stuff like this if you refuse coverage. Anyways, returned the car without problem, but was not such a good deal as I originally thought it was.

[QUOTE=scubadu;16959288]Ummm... just to be sure I'm clear, your friend refused insurance, had no accident that would demonstrate the value of said insurance, and you've drawn the conclusion that insurance in Mexico is not necessary? :confused:

Regards[/QUOTE

I stated "anecdotally" as the first word. This does not mean that I concluded that insurance is unnecessary. It is obviously your decision to take a risk or not regarding CDW. I guess that he had more confidence than I did initially after listening to some frightening spiel about not getting coverage in mexico. I chose to get the insurance last time and he did not. Ordinarily in the US, I always decline the insurance. I know that I am taking a risk but I choose to do that. I know this is different from personal liability insurance in Mexico, which is mandatory.

I am still confused about renting a car in SJD. I have a quote from Avis for $105 for four days - $75 for the base rate and $30 for surcharges/taxes. Is any insurance included in that? How do I find out what the additional charges for insurance might be in SJD? How does AMEX's premium rental insurance play into all this (the one that you pay an extra $20-30 per rental for)?

Appreciate any advice - never rented a car in Mexico before.

For that price I would expect that you only have limited liability insurance, nothing dealing with the car itself.

Mexico is the only country I buy full insurance in and I've rented cars in approximately 10 foreign countries. Driving in Mexico itself is not a problem - I just want to make sure I'm covered and have someone on my side.

I've received a rate of approx. USD 160 all in (inc. the third party required insurance only) from a smaller rental agency that is apparently well respected on Trip Advisor. Car will be 1-2 years old, max.

Does this sound like a decent deal? I am thinking of going this route along with my United Chase card (primary insurance). Normally I would go right to Avis, but I haven't heard great things about them in SJD.

I've received a rate of approx. USD 160 all in (inc. the third party required insurance only) from a smaller rental agency that is apparently well respected on Trip Advisor. Car will be 1-2 years old, max.

Does this sound like a decent deal? I am thinking of going this route along with my United Chase card (primary insurance). Normally I would go right to Avis, but I haven't heard great things about them in SJD.

As an update - I received written confirmation via email from Avis that their location does not require the purchase of any insurance. Guess I will go with them, considering the price, but would still appreciate any feedback if you guys have it. Thanks.

it is true that mexico does not require insurance (although the car rental company might), but if you do not get insurance, you better hope and pray that you dont get in an accident because the $40 a day you saved will be the most expensive money you never spent.

you probably wont be involved in an incident. But understand that you can be detained by police until you prove you can pay for any damages (property damage, medical, loss of use).

how much time do you want to spend in a mexican jail until you can prove you can pay those property and medical bills and all the paperwork gets sorted out? exactly.

you are probably planning to pay $100-$200 a day for a place to sleep in a hotel; why wouldnt you pay $30 a day to ensure you have no problems or personal financial disaster if an accident should happen?

Mexico's laws are based on Napoleonic code, not English common law (like the USA's) - you are generally presumed at fault (not innocent) until - well, until you pay or various other options. Your insurance company acts as your bailor if you are involved in an accident. Your credit card insurance will most likely not cover you for liability (seguro de responsabilidad / daños a terceros - and that is crucial.

If you wish to risk finding out intimate details about "la carcel" (Mexican jail), don't worry about buying pesky insurance. ;)

Also - go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb and detail any missing items (including tire-changing tools), dings, etc. Then take your camera (or cell phone camera), switch on the date function, and photograph the vehicle from every angle, highlighting any defects. Get them to sign off on the form detailing missing / damaged items, and keep it like it's your passport - make a copy even.

(Nope, not only a Mexican thing - I was slapped with a huge, $1,300 iirc, bill by Hertz in Fort Lauderdale for damage I did not cause and was documented - the date-stamped photos saved me anguish and money.)

As an update - I received written confirmation via email from Avis that their location does not require the purchase of any insurance. Guess I will go with them, considering the price, but would still appreciate any feedback if you guys have it. Thanks.

On the original question, the answer as always is "it depends." Are you staying within walking distance of Cabo? If yes, no car needed. Are you staying at a resort on the corridor and want to go into to town to party every night? If yes, car needed. If you just want to go in once or twice for dinner, no car needed.

This will be our 5th annual trip and we never get a car but our resort is only 15m walk from Cabo or a US $5 taxi ride. Walmart is slightly more $. So we simply take taxis when we feel like it, avoid high-priced car rental and don't have to worry about drinking another margarita. :) I might feel differently if we were halfway up the coastal road and went into town every night. It's a pretty easy calculation - email the resort and ask how much a taxi costs into town. Multiply by the # of trips and compare to the rental car price. But Cabo is kind of the opposite of Hawaii (and LA and San Diego) - where you NEED a car and cars are usually cheap. It's more like a destination resort.

As for the insurance question, you'd be a huge fool not to purchase liability insurance - it's well worth the price to avoid a Mexican jail. The CDW is a different story - check with your card issuer to see if Mexico is covered - which is usually NOT the case for most cards.

As of this year (2012) a driver is required to carry proof of liability insurance. The driver can be required to provide such proof at any time - traffic stops, checkpoints, etc. Not having such proof of insurance is now in and of itself a status offense. (AAA Traveler, Jul-Aug 2012)