Car rental in Mexico - Puerto Valarta
Hi, checking the price to rent a car in Puerto Valarta at Horwire.com and Travelocity.ca, it quoted me like 1 to 5 dollars a day for a small car. Is this possible or is there a catch somewhere? I d...
Forum Discussion
Car rentals in Mexico routinely advertise $2, $3, $5 a day rental rates because they know you MUST have Mexican liability insurance (it's the law). Each rental agency has their approved liability insurer and policy that you can ONLY purchase from them. Generally that insurance is about $40-$45 per day. Your credit card coverage (even if valid in Mexico) is for collision, comprehensive and sometimes (your) medical. If you have to exercise the credit card insurance, the rental agency will generally try to put the estimated value of repairs on your card and leave it up to you to recoup from the CC insurance underwriter.
All of that said --- don't think you're getting the Hertz, Avis, Dollar, National, Payless (or any other familiar name) UNITED STATES experience down in Mexico. Generally it's just a fanchisee (a Mexican (local) owned company) operating under the globally recognized name. They will operate their way and some are without all scruples or morals. They think nothing of "bait and switch", add on charges, overcharging, stupid low exchange rates, etc. The most often scam is the scratches/damages upon return that they want to put on your card. They're banking on your stress level being high as they take their sweet time checking you in while you're getting closer to your flight time. Eventually hoping you'll just cave in and put the charges on your card. It's very common.
Buyer Beware! If it looks too good to be true - well!!!!!
All of that said --- don't think you're getting the Hertz, Avis, Dollar, National, Payless (or any other familiar name) UNITED STATES experience down in Mexico. Generally it's just a fanchisee (a Mexican (local) owned company) operating under the globally recognized name. They will operate their way and some are without all scruples or morals. They think nothing of "bait and switch", add on charges, overcharging, stupid low exchange rates, etc. The most often scam is the scratches/damages upon return that they want to put on your card. They're banking on your stress level being high as they take their sweet time checking you in while you're getting closer to your flight time. Eventually hoping you'll just cave in and put the charges on your card. It's very common.
Buyer Beware! If it looks too good to be true - well!!!!!
