SunDevil
Junior Nomad
Posts: 82
Registered: 8-13-2003
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Insurance For Rental Vehicles
Hello All,
Does anyone know if vehicle insurance can be bought for rentals from someplace other than the car rental company?
The rental vehicle includes the following in their rate.
Third Party Liability up to $750,000 MXN. (~$37,500 USD)
Collision Damage Waiver with a 10% Deductible.
Total Theft Protection with a 10% Deductible.
I can buy additional insurance for $20 a day that adds 0% deductable accident or theft, 3rd party liability 5 million pesos (~$250,000 USD).
Gracias por su ayuda
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gsbotanico
Nomad
Posts: 209
Registered: 7-28-2015
Location: Cardiff by the Sea, CA
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I don't know the answer, although I've rented cars in Mexico and Latin America a number of times. In Mexico rental agencies are usually franchises,
which means you won't get much help from the parent company in case of a problem. This is when you want good insurance coverage.
You are at a disadvantage in Mexico, even with fluent Spanish. I learned this the hard way in Chiapas with a less than honest franchisee who would
not cover some damage that should have been covered with the supplemental insurance. It was a punctured oil pan from a rock on the road and a long
tow. Even the Mexican police were unhelpful.
If your trip is in Baja, there should be less problem because of the high number of tourists. My recommendation is to buy good coverage. The
important thing is to drive very carefully and not leave the car unattended any place that is risky, especially at night. At a hotel/motel only use
their lot. If necessary, pay to park in a guarded lot.
Check your credit cards to see if you get coverage on rental cars using their card. Gold or Platinum cards usually have it, even in foreign
countries.
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John Harper
Super Nomad
Posts: 2289
Registered: 3-9-2017
Location: SoCal
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I was looking at BajaBound insurance yesterday about an upcoming trip. On the application, there is a box to check if you are taking a rental
vehicle. I presume you would need the license number and VIN before you complete the application.
I'm not taking a rental vehicle, but I did notice this section on the application for insurance. It seems they would insure one from what it appears,
but you'll have to apply and see.
John
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SunDevil
Junior Nomad
Posts: 82
Registered: 8-13-2003
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I have already checked BajaBound and their policy with the most coverage was not available for rental cars.
I would just like to know if this is universal and I just need to suck it up and pay the $20 a day the rental car company is asking.
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Cancamo
Nomad
Posts: 345
Registered: 4-5-2011
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Not for everybody; but what I have done many times on mainland Mexico in the past is make reservation online and deny any additional coverage,(some
minimal coverage is included with the rental), then deny again at the office. They will put a 2K hold on the credit card and remove it when the car is
returned damage free. Have paid as little as $6/day.
Although I'm not sure you can do this anymore due to the new requirement of 3rd party coverage nowadays, haven't tried in a few years.
I do know that Rental Companies are notorious for promising one price and charging another through additional fees, ie. fuel, airport tax, etc.... and
exorbitant insurance fees.
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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
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Mood: Gettin' Better
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Good credit cards offer vehicle insurance when card is used for rental (as mentioned above)...confirm with your card provider in advance and have then
send you copy of that policy....
Or pay the car company's high rate....take pics of rental car conditions BEFORE leaving rental lot....
....make sure inflated spare and lug wrench/jack are in car...and have fun.
Don't believe everything you think....
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3778
Registered: 2-9-2004
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Your credit card contract should have any benefits described. Your auto insurance policy will also have foreign auto insurance benefit explanation.
Bring a cc of your auto insurance policy coverage. But you should compare rental rates with the rental companies. $20/day is very reasonable. If
you're paying $7.99 or $12/da car rental (what I usually pay), the total weekly total cost shouldn't be that much considering it is a major component
of your trip, and will keep you out of jail if you get into a fender bender.
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