Anonymous - 9-29-2005 at 08:42 PM
We have been searching the Internet for rental cars in SJD and although the daily rental rates seem okay, the insurance is a killer!! Is there another
way to go about this that I am not aware of?? Thanks
osoflojo - 9-30-2005 at 11:44 AM
If you are arriving in SJD by air, this time of year just go to the Rent-a-car counters in the baggage area, announce what you want and let them
compete with each other. When the tourists are scarce everything is negotiable, often even the insurance.
Anonymous - 10-2-2005 at 01:38 PM
Any idea of what would be a good rate? Thanks.
Pstreet1 - 10-6-2005 at 04:07 PM
Our best deals have been from the Avis International desk, not on line. We like Avis because (to my knowledge) they are the only car rental company
in Cabo that includes 3rd party liability in the rate they quote you. We usually get a small car for $135-150 a week--total.
The 3rd party liability is required by Mexican law, and you will be paying for it; the only question is whether they tell you about it before hand and
how much they charge you for it. 3rd party liability does not cover the rental vehicle; it is for damage you do to other people or their property.
The Avis International desk has recommended we download and print all paperwork, making sure that we have documentation that the 3rd party liability
is included becuase "sometimes the desk in Mexico doesn't understand." We've always taken the documentation, and we've never needed it; they always
accept our paperwork and the price it shows without quibbling.
The other insurance you need is the insurance to cover the damage to the rental vehicle. Check with your credit card company and see if you are happy
with their coverage. Mine covers the car completely and has a $0.00 deductible. Most car rental companyies' insurance has a $1000.00 deductible that
you will wind up paying if there is damage to the vehicle.
Many people prefer to use the car company's insurance because they figure they will have less trouble if there is a problem. I prefer to use the
credit card company's insurance because I like the idea of Mastercard/American Express/Visa doing the negotiating if there is any better than the idea
of my doing the negotiating. Our credit card company advised me to download and print the coverage and take the toll free number to use when calling
from Mexico. The insurance for coverage of the vehicle is "optional;" the 3rd party liability is not optional.
Good luck.
Anonymous - 10-6-2005 at 08:56 PM
Pstreet1, thanks for the great information. The Avis Int'l Desk you refer to is at your airport of departure or where?? When I call Avis Int'l's 800
#, I am quoted rates of $ 340.00+ for a compact car per week!! What website are you going to to download your contract and coverage info?? Thanks