An excellent method to travel and discover Cancun is to rent a car. But with so many rental businesses to pick from, how can one locate the best vehicle in Cancun?
I must admit that I had a terrible experience the first time renting a car in Cancun. I received poor service, and the Mexican auto insurance took advantage of me.
I have “mastered the art” of Cancun vehicle rental, though. And I’m ready to share my insider knowledge with you now that I’ve done my homework and made a few excursions to the area.
This article will explain what to expect. How to discover the best vehicle rental in Cancun, and how to avoid paying too much.
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What to consider when renting a car in Cancun & Riviera Maya
There are some issues. to think about when searching for the finest automobile rental in Cancun.
-The company’s standing: Before choosing a rental company, be sure to check out reviews.
You can get a sense of other people’s experiences with various businesses from this.
-The cost: You want to get the cheapest prices for your rental automobile, of course. However, take care because sometimes the least expensive choice isn’t the best.
I discovered this the hard way, and I’ll share with you below the awful experience I had trying to reserve the lowest vehicle rental in Cancun.
The Whereas: Do you have to leave a long distance to pick up or return the rental car? If so, you must account for the cost of pick-up and delivery.
the kind of vehicle You may need to rent a van, an SUV. Or a compact sedan, depending on your requirements.
A smaller automobile would work just well in Cancun because of how nice and well-maintained the roads are.
However, you could prefer a larger vehicle for a more pleasant journey if you wish to journey somewhere, such as to Tulum or Chichen Itza.
-The insurance: It’s crucial to remember this! If you plan to drive in Mexico, make sure to familiarise yourself with the rental company’s insurance policies. And get Mexican auto insurance (even if you already possess Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) protection from U.S. credit card companies).
In this piece, I’ll provide all the information you require to understand Mexican auto insurance.
Cancun Car Rental Experience
When I initially went, I made the error of getting the lowest car rental in Cancun , and it was a complete nightmare.
Through Expedia.com, I made a reservation for a rental vehicle from Fox Rent a Car at the Cancun Hotel Zone. It was only going to cost $30 for two days (with all taxes and fees included).
I’ve never had to pay more for supplementary rental car insurance because my credit card already includes free auto insurance.
However, the employees informed me that I had to purchase their insurance – for an additional $150/day . When I arrived at the auto rental business to pick up the vehicle.
I disputed with them and offered them the information from my credit card’s policy on the advantages of the rental car insurance. Insisting that it wasn’t Mexican insurance, they declined to take it.
I argued with these individuals for more than an hour. Attempting to convince them. That they would be covered by my credit card costs in the event of an emergency. You can only imagine how annoying it was! But they simply wouldn’t budge.
After two hours, they informed me that I would need to pay a deposit of USD 20toer to avoid having to pay for their Mexican insurance.
for a rental car deposit, that is an absurd sum of money to provide!
I was so tired of wasting time with them by this point.
I just wanted to jump in the car and leave. Because I was tired and angry. So I wound up spending $340 for 2 days. More than ten times what I was originally charged.
It was an outright scam! Fortunately, First and last time, respectively I encountered such a terrible automobile rental experience in Cancun and Mexico.
I wholeheartedly endorse Discover Cars if you’re searching for an affordable and dependable car rental in Cancun.
Even though you may check costs on various websites and applications, DiscoverCars normally offers the cheapest rates for car rentals.
Most significantly. It gives you peace of mind and delivers complete Mexican insurance coverage for as little as $7 per day!
Because you are FULL COVERAGE, Cancun car rental firms won’t be able to push you around on Mexican auto insurance.
There is no longer a chance for them to gouge you and upsell their insurance!
Here’s what to expect when you rent a car in Cancun and Riviera Maya
How safe is it to drive in Cancun?
Due to its well-kept roadways, Cancun is among Mexico’s safest cities for driving.
You will feel just like you’re driving in the United States. On some highways because the signs are very similar to the ones in the U.S. with white letters on a green background.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that you’re driving in a foreign country. Where you may be unfamiliar with driving laws and customs. Not to worry, you will find some helpful driving tips as you read on.
Should you rent a car in Cancun?
You can travel off the main road with a rental car to view Mexico’s lesser-known cenotes, historic monuments, and Mayan Ruins.
You’ll not only be able to go freely and at your own pace, but you’ll also appreciate how convenient it is to have a car.
You will have little trouble navigating Cancun because of the great roads and signs.
Is Uber available in Cancun?
Since there have been so many taxi union protests, Uber has been intermittently available in Cancun.
In some cases, the cab drivers in Quintana Roo, Mexico have made it unsafe for both Uber drivers and consumers.
Cancun and Riviera Maya are no longer home to Uber (Playa del Carmen and Tulum are located in Quintana Roo’s coastline region, which is south of Cancun.).
With a US license, can you drive in Cancun?
If your US driver’s license is still valid throughout the time of your car rental, you won’t have any trouble hiring a car in Cancun.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Cancun, Mexico?
In Mexico, a driver must be at least 21 years old.
Any rental car agency will let you borrow a car without any limits if you are 25 years old or older. Between the ages of 21 and 24, drivers
Most rental car agencies will charge an additional $10–$15 each day.
I’ve heard that some automobile rental agencies at specific places would rent cars to drivers who are over 18 and under 21.
The possibility of a significant underage driving fine exists, thus this is not a guarantee. You can confirm by calling the place in advance and looking up the company’s policy to be specific.
In Cancun, which car rental companies are available?
Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis are just a few of the several American rental car businesses that have locations in Mexico. Furthermore, the nation offers services from the French auto rental firm Europcar.
Which automobile rental agency has the most affordable rates?
I suggest using Discover Cars to research prices from many businesses to discover the best deals on vehicle rentals in Mexico.
To find the greatest offers on car rentals in Mexico, I advise utilizing Discover Cars to compare prices from several vendors.
An obligatory Mexican insurance policy. Should be added to your rental agreement to safeguard you from any unforeseen charges upon arrival.
To prevent upsells from the automobile rental provider, it is advisable to buy insurance in advance.
How much does a car rental in Cancun cost?
Whether you are prone to Mexican auto rental fraud will determine how much it will cost to rent a car there.
If you don’t have insurance and show up at the rental place, the employees can attempt to sell you their expensive insurance for more than $100 to $150 per day.
The price of renting a car in Mexico, however, the price per day might range from $18 to $30. if you prepay for full coverage insurance from a reliable business.
What documents do you need to present to hire a vehicle in Cancun?
You need a credit or debit card and a current driver’s license from your home country in order to rent a car in Mexico.
The car rental firm will need these documents as evidence of your financial accountability and driving ability.
Be sure to bring this paperwork with you when you select your rented item vehicle.
Bring your driver’s license with you
If your nation uses the Roman alphabet. You are permitted to rent a vehicle in Mexico with a current license.
You might need to show your international driver’s license if you’re from one of the nations that use logographic characters, like China, Korea, or Japan.
IDP, short for International Driving Permit converts your driver’s license into ten additional languages and allows you to drive in more than 150 countries.
Using the Google Translate app. You can the card should be photographed and have Google translate if you don’t have an IDP.
Most rental car agencies would take it if Google Translate is capable tell that it is a driver’s license.
Bring a credit card or debit card
You will have to use a credit or debit card to rent a car in Mexico. In the event that you damage the car, they will need a record of your card.
The best method to utilize when making reservations for a rental car in Mexico is a credit card.
Utilizing a debit card money is immediately taken out of your account.
The money won’t be repaid right away once you return the car. It’ll take some time. days. Foreign transaction fees are frequently charged.
Conversely, if you pay with a credit card, the money is just on hold—a pending transaction that won’t be shown in your account.
It normally costs between $400 and $1,000 per automobile. While some businesses want more money to be kept on file than others.
The rental car agency may ask you to hold up to $20,000 if you don’t get insurance.
The hold could be as low as $100 if you buy full coverage insurance, and in certain places, they might not even ask for a hold.
Insurance for Mexican Car Rentals: What You Should Know
Do Cancun car rentals require insurance?
Theoretically, no, but in practice, yes. Rental firms may refuse to let you hire a car or demand an absurd amount of money upfront if you fail to pay for the required Mexican insurance.
I was prompted to put a hold on $20,000 on my credit card. As I mentioned based on personal experience.
That means that any damage to the car would be my responsibility. And the hold wouldn’t be lifted until everything has been resolved, which might take months.
Car insurance in Mexico: how much does it cost?
My experience with Discover Cars has led me to believe that Personal Liability Insurance, the minimal level of protection required by law, costs between $6 and $10 USD per day.
A comprehensive coverage insurance policy should cost from $7 to USD 15 per day.
In contrast to full coverage insurance, which normally has zero deductibles, personal liability insurance has a deductible that can range from $1,000 to $5,000.
The deductible on a car insurance policy is what it sounds like.
The deductible for rental car insurance functions the same as the deductible for health insurance or any other type of insurance.
For instance, if your insurance has a $2,000 deductible and you cause damage totalling $2,100, you are in charge of covering the $2,000 deductible and your insurer will only pay the remaining $100 in damages.
The insurance isn’t much help in that situation, is it? It is for this reason that you ought to think about acquiring complete protection insurance with a minimal or nonexistent deductible.
If your credit card has accident damage to a rented car waiver, do you still need to buy Mexican automobile insurance?
CDW: Collision Damage Waiver) for auto rentals is a perk offered by several travel credit cards, like Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Collision Damage Waiver typically enables you to confidently Refuse the rental vehicle company’s coverage while still being protected.
It was a different scenario in Cancun, Mexico, as I have already mentioned. In any other country, I have never had problems using my credit card, or automatic insurance.
In Mexico, accepting Collision Damage Waiver is entirely up to the rental car company’s choice. Sadly, they won’t in the majority of situations.
They will charge you a crazy sum for insurance or ask for a maximum $20,000 security deposit if you wait until you check in to pick up the car without purchasing auto insurance in advance.
Since you won’t win an argument the renwith tal vehicle provider, I advise you to add insurance when you complete the online transaction.
Another thing to bear in mind is that even if you choose to use the complimentary automobile rental insurance offered byu will still use your credit carcard rand esponsible for paying for any damages when you return the vehicle to Mexico.
On top of all of this, submitting a complaint to the credit card provider might take weeks or even months to complete. You may not always receive a full reimbursement.
Cancun International Airport Car Rental: Best Deals
Cancun International Airport is the ideal location to rent a car if you’re seeking for cost and convenience in Cancun (where you will arrive and depart via air).
There are numerous rental car agencies there with a variety of automobiles to choose from.
My experience has shown that at Cancun International Airport, Avis frequently offers competitive prices, top-notch customer service, and reasonably new vehicles.
America Car Rental and Sixt Rent a Car are a couple of the significantly less expensive choices.
Since practically. Everything is covered by the nightly hotel fees. when you stay at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, you might just require a rental car for a portion of your trip.
Then, depending on which option is more convenient for you, you can either pick up your vehicle in the Hotel Zone (there are many car rental agencies along the strip) and return it to the Cancun International Airport depart.
Most of the time, I didn’t have to pay extra to pick up or return a rental car from the Cancun Hotel Zone to the Cancun International Airport. It’s incredibly practical and cost-effective as well.
You may find the name of the firm you rented from by following the signs for Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 while bringing back your rented vehicle to Cancun International Airport.
There will be a shuttle that will transport you to your terminal for check-in when you return the car.
The 10 best tips for renting and driving a car in Cancun
Precautions. Should be taken to safeguard both you and your vehicle when vehicle rental in Mexico. To ensure that your experience is easy, follow these suggestions:
1. Avoid extra insurance scams
You are well aware that having car insurance in Mexico is necessary. However, resist the urge to purchase additional insurance from the rental car providers.
To avoid upselling when you arrive, you should buy insurance when you book your rental car online.
There should be no need for additional insurance if you acquire full coverage insurance via Discover Cars.
2. Before you leave, take a picture of your rental car
Take photos of the rental car before you drive away from the parking lot. If you accomplish this, you will be able to demonstrate any prior harm.
To fix any dents, dings, or scratches, both the exterior and interior of the car should be photographed. If you notice any severe dents or scrapes, request that the staff include them in the lease agreement.
3. Watch out for gas station scams.
Scams at gas stations are becoming more prevalent, so be on the watch. Before letting the attendant fill your tank, make sure to make sure the metre has been reset. reset.
Additionally, if you’re not looking, the attendant may request more cash, exchange your 200 peso bill for a 20 peso bill, and then take the additional $200.
This is referred to as bill switching or fraudulent payments. Make sure to count your cash in before the cashier to avoid this.
4. Be careful when driving at night.
When traveling at night, stick to the main highways and thoroughfares. The safest option is to use paid or toll highways also referred to as couta roads.
5. Get an offline map before venturing outside of Cancun.
If you plan on going outside of Cancun, make sure to your computing er, to download a Google Maps offline map. smartphone.
This will not be an issue for you because of this!
6. Keep in mind that the speed limit is not in miles per hour.
Instead of using miles per hour, Mexico’s speed restriction signs use kilometers per hour. Make sure to modify your speed as necessary! The maximum speed in km/h (Max Speed in km/h) is written on the sign, which is obviously in Spanish.
Since 1 mile is 1.6 kilometers, if you see a speed limit sign of 80 km/h, it’s only 50 mph. You don’t have to do the math, just make sure to keep your car’s speedometer number (in km/h) below the speed limit sign.
7. the rules of the road in Mexico
People Be sure you keep to the right side of the road. in Mexico, just like they do in the US, and seat belts are obligatory.
Additionally prohibited in Mexico is cell phone use while driving.
8. When someone comes to clean the windscreen of your automobile, don’t stress out.
People that approach your car at stoplights to clean the windscreen are one thing you can anticipate when traveling in Mexico.
Although this approach can seem uncommon, it is extremely frequent and shouldn’t raise any alarm.
When the vendor comes to your window, just wave your hands and shake your head if you’re not interested in this service.
However, if you want them to wipe your windscreen, just give them some cash; often five to twenty Mexican pesos, or roughly $0.25 to USD 1.
9. Be mindful of the traffic signal schedule.
You’ll quickly notice that stoplight operation in Mexico differs slightly from other nations if you are ever there.
Most frequently, the light transition from green to yellow, then flashes yellow for a short period of time, before becoming red.
Being unfamiliar with this can make it a little confusing, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the yellow light that flashes.
It typically signifies that you possess a brief window of time to decide whether to turn around or keep on.
Always Stop at the light and take the safest course of action possible. if you’re unsure what to do.
10. Bribing the cops might prevent you from receiving a ticket.
Bribing a police officer in Mexico is a typical practice to avoid receiving a citation.
I’m not suggesting you should or shouldn’t. But just be aware that bribery is a possibility. If you ever get stopped by the Mexican police for speeding or using a cellphone while driving.
The best locations to visit are nearby Cancun with a rental car
1. Cozumel and Playa del Carmen
It takes roughly an hour to drive from C to the Riviera Maya’s picturesque beach resort town of Playa del Carmen.
Some of Mexico’s. Top all-inclusive resorts are located in that area and it is renowned for that. For having a thriving Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue).
Playa del Carmen is the ideal location for exploring ancient ruins because of its proximity to the ferry to Tulum Cozumel.
Don’t skip Xcaret’s eco-theme parks when you’re visiting Playa del Carmen.
Xplor, Xcaret, and Xel Ha are some of my favorite places. They all provide ATV excursions and underground explorations of stalactite rivers ((Zip lines, hammock splash, and environmental water parks).).
A ferry may take you from Playa del Carmen to the lovely island of Cozumel, which is off the Yucatan Peninsula.
It is renowned. For its crystal. Clear turquoise waters. Fine white sand beaches, and vibrant downtown.
Even though Cozumel is a highly well-liked Mexican stop on Caribbean cruises. There are still secluded beaches where you may unwind.
The exclusive beaches at the top all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel are the best beaches in the area.
To enjoy a secure private beach and its amenities while visiting Cozumel for the day, you may also just purchase an All-Inclusive Beach Club Day Pass.
Take a submarine ride, go on a snorkeling tour on a glass-bottom boat, go on a fishing or diving charter to explore the reefs if you’re looking for more adventure!
2. Tulum
The Caribbean Sea is the setting for the small, bohemian beach town of Tulum, which is located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
People regard Tulum as one of Mexico’s safest beach locations.
Along with a wide variety of fantastic restaurants and pubs, this area offers everything from sophisticated hotels to all-inclusive resorts that are located on the seaside.
It’s simple to unwind and let your problems fade when there are white sand beaches and swaying palm trees.
Tulum is not only recognized for its amazing ancient building and Mayan ruins. It also offers more than just a beach getaway.
the former harbor of the Maya city’s ruins is a beautiful amakesake for some fantastic images,
while also revealing information about Mexico’s lengthy history.
3. Akumal
Approximately 30 minutes north of the well-known town of Tulum and south of by two hours Cancun, Akumal is a beachfront resort town on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
If you enjoy white sand beaches, coral reefs, warm water, and sea turtles, this plastic place is a must-visit if you enjoy white sand beaches, coral reefs, warm water, and sea turtles
Residents have recently been forced to restrict visits in order to conserve the area’s unique sea turtles and other aquatic species.
Given the additional security measure sures in place in Akumal and the fact that all-inclusive resorts and lodging are situated within a gated community, you will feel comfortable there.
Visits to Akumal should include seeing the neighboring Yal Ku Lagoon. This protected lagoon, which is home to both freshwater and saltwater due to tides, is a fantastic place for snorkeling and seeing turtles.
4. Bacalar
Bacalar is the ideal location if you’re seeking for a lovely and magical Magic Town to visit.
Bacalar, which is in the Peninsula of Yucatan and is roughly three hours from Tulum and five hours from Cancun, has grown steadily in popularity in recent years as a result of popular social media posts.
The “Laguna de Los Siete Colores,” a sizable area of shallow water, is one of Bacalar’s natural attractions (Lake of Seven Colors).
Due to the composition of crystals in the water, this lagoon has vivid blue tones.
You can find a tonne of adventure and history in Bacalar.
For example, the Fort of San Felipe has a museum dedicated to piracy that explains the tale of the town’s association with piracy.
The Bacalar Rapids, Cenote Cocalitos, Emerald, Black, and Cenote Azul are additional swimming, snorkeling, and diving spots.
5. Valencia and Chichen Itza
Do you grow weary of the beach? A fascinating historical city that blends elements of the old and new worlds, Valladolid is one you should see.
Valladolid, which is on the Yucatan Peninsula’s Yucatan State, is the ideal place to halt en route between Chichen Itza and Cancun, one of the world’s seven wonders.
As you walk around the city, you’ll fall in love with the beautiful colonial-style buildings and haciendas that are now home to funky little cafes, open-air restaurants, and boutiques.
Downtown Valladolid boasts numerous things to see, whether you’re a lover of art, history, or nature.
The Verdict: Mexico’s Best Automobile Rental
You are. Prepared. To start driving. Having learned. How to get the finest Cancun car rental deals and what to anticipate. Driving in Mexico can be a lot of fun with some fornning and preparedness.
Just be careful on the road, be on the lookout for fraud, and have fun!
Travel Resources for Cancun
Travel Protection:
- Nobody wants to consider what can go wrong when on vacation, yet accidents can occur anywhere, at any moment.
Since you’ll be if something does go, covered wrong, it’s always a smart idea to obtain travel insurance. This will allow you to unwind and enjoy your trip. Avoid taking a chance when you can easily obtain coverage.
- The monthly plans at Safety Wing start at about USD 40. Making it a great choice for travelers on a tight budget.
Basic insurance provides transportation to return to your home country in certain circumstances. As we and for travel emergencies, medical bills, and medical expenses incurred while in Mexico.
How to navigate Cancun
- How to find and what to expect from Cancun’s best car rental.
- Is there an Uber/Lyft service between Cancun and Tulum, Mexico?
- How to Travel to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
Rental-car scam
- Avoid Mexican automobile rental scams at all costs! When making the reservation, make sure you have comprehensive insurance coverage to prevent car rental companies from upselling you.
- Discover Cars offers the lowest automobile rentals in Mexico. Which also offers complete protection from as little as $7 per day.
Accommodations in and around Cancun
- Best non-all-inclusive vs. all-inclusive hotels in Cancun
- Cheapest All-Inclusive Resorts with the Best Value in Cancun, Mexico
- Best Places to Reside in Mexico’s Cozumel Hotels and Resorts
- The best all-inclusive hotel in Cancun is Temptation Resort.
- Review of Hotel Xcaret Arte: Best Value for Money Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort
- Review of Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Best Overall Value for Families All-Inclusive Resort
- Xcaret’s La Casa de la Playa is the best luxury boutique hotel.
Best Cancun Attractions & Activities
- 37 Best Places to Go and Things to Do in Cancun
- Parasailing vs. a Spinnaker: Exciting Cancun Activities!
- Review of the Xplor vs. Xplor Fuego Adventure Park in Cancun!
- Review of Xelha Water Park, Discounts, and Day-Long Advice!
- What to Do and See in Cozumel in One Day!
- The Mexican Maldives: Is a trip to Bacalar Lagoon worthwhile?
