Our advice for a car rental in the Riviera Maya in Mexico
Mexico’s Riviera Maya in the Quintana Roo region is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, with its white sandy beaches, Mayan ruins and theme parks. One of the best ways to discover this region is to rent a car so you can be independent and visit as much as possible.
Check out our travel coaches‘ car rental tips below. We tell you all about how to get around Mexico (before you leave, the deposit and once you’re there). Insurance to take out when you rent a car, the type of driver’s license, driving in Mexico and details on returning the vehicle.
How to get around Mexico?
One of the best ways to get around when traveling is to rent a car so you can be free to go wherever you want and not depend on public transportation.
For this, we have some practical advice:
Before your trip
It is important to research before you leave for Mexico, to compare the prices of different car rental companies online. There are several websites and comparison platforms that allow you to find the best deals. Here are our tips for renting a car during your trip to Mexico:
- Choose a reputable and reliable car rental company. International car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Budget and Sixt have branches in many Mexican cities and are generally trusted.
- Book your car online or by phone in advance to ensure availability.
- Check driver’s license and age requirements for car rentals. Most companies require a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the same name. The minimum age to rent a car may vary by company.
- Purchase comprehensive auto insurance to protect yourself in case of an accident or damage to the car. Some credit cards also offer insurance coverage, so it’s important to check if your credit card includes rental car insurance.
- Another tip is to read the information on the rental agreement and the terms and conditions carefully.
Our Mexique Aventure travel coaches can assist you in renting a car according to your needs.
The security deposit
The security deposit for car rental in Mexico depends on the car rental company and the type of car you wish to rent. In general, car rental companies require a valid credit card in the name of the primary driver to make a security deposit.
The security deposit for a car rental is an amount of money that the renter must pay before taking possession of the car. It is usually intended to cover the cost of any damage or loss the car may incur during the rental period.
It is important to note that the amount of the security deposit may vary and depend on the rental company. The amount is not fixed depending on where you rent the car.
It is recommended that you read the rental terms and conditions carefully before booking a car to learn about all the security deposit requirements and cancellation policies.
It is also advisable to take pictures of the car before picking it up and returning it to avoid any disputes regarding possible damage to the car and recovery of the security deposit at the end of the rental.
What types of bank cards?
Generally, the security deposit is blocked on a valid credit card of the renter at the time of car pick-up and is refunded at the end of the rental, provided the car is returned in the same condition as when it was picked up.
In some cases, it is possible to make a security deposit with a debit card for a car rental, but this depends on the car rental agency’s policy. Some car rental agencies only accept credit cards for security deposits.
Once on site
- Read the rental agreement carefully before signing. Make sure you understand the rental fees and conditions, including mileage restrictions, fuel policies and additional charges.
- Review the car with the rental agent before you leave to check for any pre-existing damage and avoid additional charges. Take a picture of the car.
- Keep a copy of your rental agreement with you for the duration of the rental.
Mexique Aventure’s advice
Be careful with the attractive offers on the internet, sometimes all the fees are not mentioned on the website. Sometimes, once you are there, they add insurance and other fees. Call the rental company or agency before booking remotely to be sure of the final price.
It is also very important to read the comments, reviews and testimonials of customers who have used the company’s services before you. They are very often indicative of the type of experience you will have.
What to take as insurance?
When you rent a car, it’s important to purchase additional insurance for your rental car, even if your credit card offers some coverage. Most rental car companies offer additional insurance, which can cover property damage and bodily injury. Find out what insurance you have with your credit card and then compare it to what the insurance with the rental offers.
Get comprehensive auto insurance to protect you in case of an accident or damage to the car, especially when traveling in a foreign country.
What types of insurance?
When you rent a car abroad as a French citizen, it is important to understand the different insurances offered by the car rental agency in order to choose the one that best suits your needs and your budget:
- Liability insurance: This insurance is mandatory in most countries and covers damage you may cause to others in the event of an accident. It is usually included in the base rental price or with your credit card, but it is important to check the amount of coverage.
- Third-party collision and theft insurance: This covers damage to the car you rent in the event of an accident or theft. It can be offered as an option by the car rental agency.
- Comprehensive insurance: This insurance provides full coverage for damage to the car you rent, including accidents and vandalism. It may be more expensive than other insurance options, but it can provide additional peace of mind.
- Supplemental Insurance: The car rental company may offer supplemental insurance options to cover other risks such as tire coverage, glass coverage, breakdown coverage, etc.
Which driver’s license for Mexico?
It is possible to use your French license to rent a car in Mexico. Just make sure that your driver’s license is still valid for the duration of your stay. If you have an international license, it is also accepted.
Check with car rental companies or agencies for age requirements for car rentals. Age requirements for car rentals may vary from company to company.
Some companies may require drivers to be at least 25 years old, while others may rent cars to younger drivers but at an additional cost. Check with your rental car company for age requirements or ask our travel coaches for advice.
Make sure you have your driver’s license with you when driving in Mexico and a copy if you run into a police checkpoint.
How to drive in Mexico?
In a foreign country, driving is different. It is important to take into account cultural differences. Mexicans drive differently.
Drive carefully: Driving rules may vary from country to country, so it is important to become familiar with local traffic laws. Observe speed limits, traffic lights and signs. Drive with caution, especially on the region’s winding roads.
Use a GPS: It is advisable to use a GPS when driving in Mexico. You can download applications such as Google Maps or Waze for more accurate navigation.
Be aware of the roads: There may be traffic jams or even winding roads. Be careful on the road. Depending on the location, roads may not be lit at night.
Park safely: When you park your rental car, make sure you park in a safe place. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and isolated areas. If possible, use a guarded parking lot or keep the car in a locked garage. Do not leave valuables inside the car.
Don’t leave the car open: When you leave the car, make sure you lock it and don’t leave any windows open. This prevents theft and damage to the car.
Police roadblocks: Sometimes there are “flying roadblocks” in Mexico. In this case, carry a copy of your passport and driver’s license and do not give out your real papers. Do not open your wallet with cash, as they may ask you to pay. Speak English, pretend you don’t understand and they will let you through.
How to return the vehicle?
After enjoying your rental car at the end of your trip, it’s important to return it safely and efficiently:
Return the car on time and on schedule: make sure you return the car on time to avoid late fees. If you can’t return the car on time, contact the rental car company in advance to request an extension.
Return the car with a full tank of gas: Most car rental companies require that the car be returned with a full tank of gas. If you do not return the car with a full tank, you will be charged an additional fee.
Check out the car with someone from the car rental company: Before returning the car, make sure you check out the car with a representative from the car rental company. Make sure the car is in good condition and that there is no damage. Compare with your photos from the beginning of the rental.
Before you leave, make sure you’ve gone over all of these points with the rental company so that you don’t get any surprises and they ask you to pay additional fees.
Renting a car in the Riviera Maya in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico is an excellent way to discover the area in complete freedom. It is very important to be prepared before renting, to follow the tips for safe driving and to return the car properly. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy your trip in complete peace and safety.
Ready to go? Make sure you have everything you need in your suitcase: what to pack when coming to Mexico?
Also discover all our excursions that we propose to visit the Riviera Maya, by clicking here!
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