Driving in Mexico | Car Rental Information | Auto Europe (2024)

Car Rental Age Requirements in Mexico

Driving in Mexico | Car Rental Information | Auto Europe (1)In order to rent a car in Mexico, you must be at least 18 years old and have held your license for a minimum of two years (restrictions may vary upon the car rental category and supplier). Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge while a few suppliers harbor a maximum age limit of 75 on select vehicles. An international driver's license is recommended, but not required.

Rules of the Road in Mexico

In Mexico, traffic travels on the right hand side of the road. In order to reduce pollution, there are restrictions on travel into Mexico City in rental vehicles. Travelers should also avoid driving at night whenever possible, as roads are dimly lit.

Driving in Mexico | Car Rental Information | Auto Europe (2)

Speed Limits & Gas Stations in Mexico

  • Urban Roads: 19-25mph
  • Open Roads and Highways: 62-68mph
  • Rural Roads: 43mph

Gas Station Availability-Although gas stations are available in abundance along the highway and in major cities, they become scarcer as you travel into Mexico's rural regions.

Driving in Mexico | Car Rental Information | Auto Europe (3)

Parking & Tolls in Mexico

Mexico harbors numerous toll-highways. Fees are generally low and vary in accordance to the route and how long the stretch of road continues until the next major town or turn off. Fees can be paid with US or Mexican currency. Signs that say "VIA LIBRE" mean free road and signs that say "COUTA" mean toll roads.

Parking is extremely limited throughout Mexico. It is best for travelers to avoid parking on poorly lit streets and utilize designated parking spaces near hotels, business and other public areas to avoid being blocked in.

Car Rental Insurance Information in Mexico

All of Auto Europe's car rental rates include fire insurance and third party liability insurance. In Mexico, our rates also include collision and theft coverage. The specific insurance details are printed on your confirmation voucher for your convenience. Below are Mexico's guidelines for car rentals and insurance.

Driving in Mexico | Car Rental Information | Auto Europe (4)Required Coverage

In Mexico, Auto Europe's rates include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection, third party liability (coverage on people or property outside of the rental vehicle), and fire insurance. It is important to know that our rates sometimes include a deductible, or the amount of money the client is responsible for should an accident occur. A super CDW is often offered locally to help lower this amount or eliminate it completely.

Optional Coverage

Other insurance options available with select suppliers are Personal Effects Protection and Personal Accident Insurance. The former refers to insuring the client's belongings inside the car, while the latter covers medical expenses for injuries to individuals inside the rental car. You may also request tire and windshield coverage locally for an additional charge.

Car Rental Restrictions in Mexico

Due to insurance regulations, there are strict restrictions on certain rental car categories and on travel into certain countries. Please disclose all desired countries of travel during the initial booking process to ensure that you are provided with the appropriate car rental class. Contact an Auto Europe reservation specialist toll-free at 1-888-223-5555 to arrange your rental car in Mexico!

Restricted Countries

Rental vehicles in Mexico are not allowed out of the country. However, select suppliers may authorize travel into the United States with advanced notice. Travel into the US may require additional fees, or additional insurances depending on the individual supplier.

Driving in Mexico | Car Rental Information | Auto Europe (5)One-Way Car Rentals in Mexico

Domestic one-way car rentals are available in Mexico, and refer to picking a rental car up in one location and dropping it off at another location in the same country. Availability for domestic one-way car rentals is dependent on the supplier, the associated car category, and the length of the rental. Additional fees may apply and International one way car rentals are generally not permitted in Mexico.

Driving in Mexico | Car Rental Information | Auto Europe (2024)

FAQs

Do rental car companies allow you to drive to Mexico? ›

Renters driving into Mexico must be U.S. residents. Only corporate customers can go into Mexico. Renters must inform staff at the rental counters that they are planning on traveling into Mexico. You will need to purchase Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance.

Can you cross borders with a rental car in Europe? ›

Yes, you are able to use your hire car across Europe – particularly important if you are planning an extended holiday. Please inform us when you book if you plan to drive your hire car in a different country to the one where you pick it up. You will need to pay a small fee to use your car in multiple countries.

What documents do I need to drive a rental car in Mexico? ›

What documents do I need to rent a car? In order to rent a vehicle with Enterprise Rent-A-Car Mexico, it is necessary to present an official ID (INE or Passport), valid driver's license and credit card of the person who will be the contract holder; all of them in original.

Does my car insurance cover car rental in Mexico? ›

Yes, car insurance is required for visitors to Mexico, and your United States auto insurance policy won't be valid there. To be protected, you'll need a separate Mexico car insurance policy that covers you for liability while you're in the country.

Can you decline CDW in Mexico? ›

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss of Use

If your card covers it, you can DECLINE the coverage, even though they will often attempt to insist that you must have it. If they do, walk away.

Can I drive my car in Mexico as a tourist? ›

To drive into Mexico from the U.S., you're required to bring the appropriate identification, a couple permits (depending on how far into Mexico you're going), and your proof of Mexico auto insurance. If your car is financed, you'll also need a letter of permission from your lender.

Do I need international driving permit to rent car Europe? ›

Though an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not always necessary to drive or rent a car in Europe, it definitely provides peace-of-mind and can be helpful in a number of situations: a routine traffic stop, if you get pulled over, or if there is an accident.

Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Europe? ›

Whichever car hire company you go with, they will provide you with basic insurance – but you'll need to check the small print to see what this covers. Some hire companies will provide you with a damage waiver, which is included in the cost of the car hire.

Which car rental companies allow cross-border? ›

Here are some of the car hire companies that allow cross border travel: Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar.

Does Mexico require an international driver's license? ›

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.

What do I need to know before driving in Mexico? ›

Mexico Driving Rules and Regulations

In Mexico, they drive on the right-hand side of the road and over take on the left. The legal driving age is 18. Using a seatbelt is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle. Drink driving – driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.

Is it worth hiring a car in Mexico? ›

For the most part, renting a car in Mexico is safe, and I have personally done it several times without a problem. It's a huge country with lots to see, and road trips are a popular method of tourism. It should go without saying but all travel has some inherent risk so proceed accordingly.

Does my car insurance cover rental car abroad? ›

Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.

Can I rent a car in Mexico and drive to the US? ›

It is not possible to do a one-way rental from Mexico to the U.S. with any company. It may be possible to rent and return in Mexico but drive into the U.S. during the rental period.

Does Hertz charge a cross-border fee? ›

Driving abroad and cross-border travel: You may only drive the vehicle in the country of rental. If you want to drive the vehicle in any other country you must gain our prior permission and the Cross Border Fee will apply.

Can I cross the border with a rental car? ›

Can I cross the Mexican border with a rental car? Yes, you can drive a rental car from the United States into Mexico, but you must pay for a Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance which is only available in specific U.S. states such as Arizona, Texas and California.

Can I drive a rental car from San Diego to Tijuana? ›

Yes, it's possible to rent a car in San Diego and then drive it into Mexico, but Avis does set specific terms and conditions for doing so. You must be a corporate account member, and you need to purchase specific insurance. If you plan to drive into Mexico, make sure you meet these conditions before reserving your car.

Is it safe to rent a car and drive in Cancun Mexico? ›

While you should always be prepared and take precautions while driving in Mexico or any foreign country, there's no need to be fearful: driving in Cancun and renting a car are safe activities for tourists. The U.S. State Department advises to use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night.

Can you drive Turo into Mexico? ›

You can drive a vehicle booked in the US or Canada across the US-Canadian border. You can't cross the US-Mexico border.

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