Driving A Rental Car Into Mexico

Mexico has some beautiful beaches and vacation hotspots, but it takes some careful consideration before you can rent a car and take a road trip across the border. Depending on the rental company, there may be strict guidelines you must adhere to. Or it may not be allowed at all.

Rules about driving a rental car into Mexico will vary widely between rental companies. This can make it very confusing for those who plan to take a trip south of the border. The key is to talk to rental companies before your trip to learn the current rules and laws that may affect your trip. While some companies may not permit you to cross the border, other companies may simply charge an extra fee for doing so.

There may also be varying rules depending on how far into Mexico you plan to travel. For example, if you plan to remain within the Border Zone (20 miles from the US) for 72 hours or less, you may not have restrictions. But driving deeper into Mexico may require a tourist card and a temporary import permit for the rental car.

Regardless of how your rental company handles such road trips, one thing will be consistent: your American auto insurance policy will not be valid in Mexico. Before hitting the road, call your independent insurance agent to learn about temporary coverage options. Often, you can purchase a Mexico auto insurance policy at a low cost.

You'll also have to be aware of border crossing regulations. For instance, everyone in the car must present their passports at the border, and any minors traveling without both parents will need notarized letters of permission to travel. You may also have to declare certain items, while others — mostly weapons — may be banned completely.

With the correct information from both your rental company and your insurance agent, you can plan a road trip to Mexico with a much lower chance of mishaps.

We've got your back. Call All About Insurance at (817) 589-0006 for a Dallas auto insurance quote.

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