hoopsbwc34

Traveling to Cancun this summer and unsure how National works at this location...do they have an Emerald Aisle? Anything else I should know about before I arrive?

ArchStudent

Currently have a vehicle out from National's CUN location. There is no aisle, and it is off airport. You'll look for the national counter past customs, and be escorted to a shuttle. Once at the location, their is an emerald counter, so to speak, in the doorway on the right. So far no issues, but be sure to mark all damage with the rep when getting the car. Also, be aware that there is a timeshare sales group next to the entrance to national, but they were very helpful with directions.

hoopsbwc34

Thanks ArchStudent! I'm Executive but noticing during my reservation I don't seem to be getting a full size for a mid-size price.... any idea if/how they honor status?

Also, were you required to get LDW for 3rd party insurance?

ArchStudent

When booking, my Fullsize car dropped to the Midsize rate as usual. Executive status won't mean much at the actual location as it seemed that what you booked was exactly what you received. I'm sure that you're used to well appointed vehicles as well, so just know that almost all of them are base models.
I added 3rd party insurance ahead of time just to be on the safe side, so I can't say for sure if it was required.

3Cforme

Check the rate details. Third party liability coverage is compulsory in Mexico but that's not LDW.

Third Party Liability
US$19.00 / Day US$152.00 / total
Third Party Liability (TPL)

In Mexico, 3rd party liability insurance is required by law on all vehicles. Customers can obtain coverage for damages and injuries to third parties under the local rental car company’s insurance by purchasing its Third Party Liability protection (TPL) and such a purchase is required unless the customer presents valid proof of current liability insurance specifying coverage in Mexico.

NYCRachel

I have Chase Sapphire Preferred, which has pretty great rental car coverage. Should I just print out their insurance terms?

kxc262

Check your coverage/T&C. As far as I know CSP provides LDW, not liability.

NYCRachel

Hmmm. Do you know of any credit cards offhand that provide liability? I don't own a car, so I'm not protected through auto insurance.

CSP says:

The benefit is available in the United States and most foreign
countries. Coverage is not available where it is prohibited by law or
by individual merchants, or is in violation of the territory terms of the
rental agreement. Please note: Regulations vary outside the United
States, so we recommend that you check with your auto rental
company and Benefit Administrator before you travel to make
sure your Auto Rental CDW will apply.

Leases and mini leases
• Loss due to hostility of any kind (including but not limited to war,
invasion, rebellion, or insurrection)
• Loss due to intentional acts or due to the driver(s) being under the
influence of alcohol, intoxicants, or drugs, or due to transportation of
contraband or engagement in illegal activities
• Loss due to off-road operation of the rental vehicle
• Loss or damage as a result of the Cardholder’s lack of reasonable
care in protecting the rental vehicle before or after damage occurs
(for example, leaving the vehicle unattended and running)
• Loss or theft of personal belongings
• Losses for which a claim form has not been received within
one hundred (100) days†
from the date of the loss
• Losses for which all required documentation has not been received
within three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the date of loss
• Losses reported more than sixty (60) days†
from the date of loss
• Personal liability IS THIS IT? I DON'T THINK SO
• Rental periods that exceed or are intended to exceed thirty-one
(31) consecutive days within your country of residence or
thirty-one (31) consecutive days outside your country of residence.
• Vehicles that do not meet the definitions of covered vehicles
• Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or mechanical breakdown

Schweden

The requirement to purchase third-party liability insurance in Mexico has been long established. When I crossed the border from Texas into Mexico, I was clearly informed that I would need to purchase Mexican auto insurance if you travel beyond the Border Zone (about 20km from the US border). This requirement to purchase liability insurance is also pretty standard in other parts of Latin America such as Costa Rica.

While you may believe that your personal car insurance or credit card will cover the third-party liability of Mexico, the rental agency can decline to rent you a vehicle if it believes the risk is not worth taking. There is some debate online over whether the third-party liability insurance already possessed by the rental agency is enough. Of course, it is safer just to take it, especially if you don't have a personal policy that covers rental cars.

NYCRachel

Hmmm. What's the deal with this:

Basic personal liability: Sometimes called third-party liability insurance, this is the one, incontrovertibly mandatory insurance. It covers claims for injury or damage you cause to another driver, car or other property damaged in an accident, but it does not cover injury to you or damage to the rented vehicle. Mexico does not accept liability coverage from U.S. auto policies or credit card insurance. You simply cannot rent a car without buying Mexican liability insurance. But here's what most renters don't know: By law, the mandatory liability insurance is already included in the rental price. Cost: Included in rental rate.

http://www.sfgate.com/mexico/mexicom...ow-3787891.php

Schweden

"If the customer provides acceptable proof of current liability coverage in Mexico and declines to purchase the TPL offered by the local rental car company, an additional authorization in the amount of $2500 USD will be held on his or her credit card." - From National's Mexico page

While the rental agency should provide basic third-party liability, this amount may not be enough. For example, Tripadvisor states that most rental agency's in Mexico have basic TPL of only $50,000.

National states that they require "acceptable proof of current liability". As such, they could refuse to rent if they believe that your credit card is not sufficient (since credit cards don't offer TPL). As well, it might be in your interest to purchase the supplemental liability as $50,000 could be an inadequate limit.

CALIF65GM

Keep in mind that is 50,000 Pesos not dollars, so approx only $4,000 US worth of liability coverage. (sorry not sure what is current exchange rate).

That's why the rental rates are like $10/day US because they expect to make it up in insurance sales.

Rachel: Unfortunately, I've seen many folks get to the rental car office and have issues because they didn't want to buy the extra insurance. One family was renting a mini-van and usually you can't just walk to the agency next door to get a mini-van for 7. They were at the counter trying to call the 800 US res center to ask for clarification and then their credit card company too.

When I go to Mexico, I'll always take the SLI, so the guy/gal makes some money/commission and s/he will usually be a bit more receptive when I decline the LDW/CDW. So instead of standing at the counter for like 30-mins, I can get out in more like 15-mins.

NYCRachel

Super aggravating in that the car rental is $49 total for the week, but when you add the Third Party insurance is jumps to $230. You can't win.

noah

Used one of the well publicized discount codes for a recent rental in Cancun that included all insurance -- incuding TPL insurance. While my daily date was higher than the $1 that national was quoting for some rentals, the $215 all-in for a week came out cheaper. And, as an exec, they upgraded me from a Full Size rental to a CUV (Jeep Patriot).