BajaNomad

Rental Car Personal Liability Insurance

ehuna - 1-12-2013 at 02:23 PM

Every time we go to Loreto, Alamo Mexico forces us to get personal liability insurance for $15 to $20/day - they tell me this is Mexican law. This insurance adds up and many times it's more expensive than the actual rental.

We are going to Loreto in a couple of weeks, and this time I called Alamo in the US and asked them to clarify the insurance requirements. Here's what they said:

"Insurance on an Alamo rental car in Mexico is optional, although you will be offered 'Personal Liability' insurance. Customer needs to show proof of other personal liability coverage or needs to purchase Alamo's 'Personal Liability' insurance."

I called my credit card company and they told me they cover personal liability on rental cars in Mexico.

I was wondering what folks at the bajanomad.com forums think - is it ok to use my personal liability insurance?

If for whatever reason I get into an accident and the police gets involved, would the 'Federales' have any issues with the personal liability coverage through my credit card?

I've been a member of the forums for years, and although I'm an avid reader, I don't post often - but when I post I always get great answers.

Thanks for the help!

[Edited on 1-12-2013 by ehuna]

bajaguy - 1-12-2013 at 03:16 PM

Just so you know, it may not be the "Federales" (Policía Federal de Caminos - Federal Highway Police). Depending on the road/street, it could be the municipal or state police.

This is Mexico, there is no stock answer. What Alamo in the US told you really doesn't mean squat in Mexico.

Err on the safe side and buy the insurance. If anything happens, you will be glad you did.

john68 - 1-12-2013 at 06:36 PM

try Europcar and read the fine print re the insurance. When we rented from them last year in Chiapas, they included liability for no extra charge. Saved us a bundle

Wally - 1-13-2013 at 08:08 AM

Someone here once said something like:

Depends on how long you want to sit in jail waiting for the insurance company to settle the issue.

mtgoat666 - 1-13-2013 at 08:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ehuna
Every time we go to Loreto, Alamo Mexico forces us to get personal liability insurance for $15 to $20/day - they tell me this is Mexican law. This insurance adds up and many times it's more expensive than the actual rental.

We are going to Loreto in a couple of weeks, and this time I called Alamo in the US and asked them to clarify the insurance requirements. Here's what they said:

"Insurance on an Alamo rental car in Mexico is optional, although you will be offered 'Personal Liability' insurance. Customer needs to show proof of other personal liability coverage or needs to purchase Alamo's 'Personal Liability' insurance."

I called my credit card company and they told me they cover personal liability on rental cars in Mexico.

I was wondering what folks at the bajanomad.com forums think - is it ok to use my personal liability insurance?

If for whatever reason I get into an accident and the police gets involved, would the 'Federales' have any issues with the personal liability coverage through my credit card?

I've been a member of the forums for years, and although I'm an avid reader, I don't post often - but when I post I always get great answers.

Thanks for the help!

[Edited on 1-12-2013 by ehuna]


if you rely on CC insurance, does your CC give you a spanish-language policy you can carry with you in mexico?

after your accident, i suspect mexican cop won't read your english language CC agreement...

Bob and Susan - 1-13-2013 at 08:19 AM

i think rental car insurance rules changed last year

you better find out the real rule as of today

and make sure it includes lawyer assist
most impt part

john68 - 1-13-2013 at 10:43 AM

here's an explanation of Europcar's liability insurance:

https://www.europcar.com/EBE/module/render/FAQ-Insurances-an...

I have read that Mexico's minimum liability insurance is 300,000 pesos, equal to a maximum wrongful death.

My credit cards only cover damage to the vehicle, not liability.

ehuna - 1-13-2013 at 02:35 PM

Great answers, thank you - we'll check out Europcar's rates - in any case to avoid the random cop reaction, we'll get the insurance.

Udo - 1-14-2013 at 02:24 PM

Late last year I rented from Alamo in Cabo, and no such insurance was required.

I also just rented from National, for next month, and nothing was said about the "personal liability insurance"

Wally - 1-16-2013 at 12:27 PM

FWIW: Found this posted on http://bbbrentacar.com


Basic Personal Liability: Called third-party liability insurance, this is the one mandatory insurance in Mexico as it is in the majority of the USA. It covers claims for injury and or damage you cause to another person, car or other property in an accident,. Mexico does not accept liability coverage from U.S. auto policies or credit card insurance. You simply cannot rent a car without Mexican liability insurance. By law a small amount of liability insurance is included in the rental price; however the mandated liability coverage amounts to less than $4,000.00 US Dollars. Nobody in their right mind wants to take a chance that this much coverage is adequate in Mexico. If all damages are not paid or covered by insurance your most memorable vacation sight could include the inside of a Mexican jail until you pay off your obligation.


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