Get A Car!  Cabo San Lucas Car Rentals

You'll probably pick your car rental in San Jose del Cabo where you get off the plane.  But if your hotel provides you transportation from the airport, you can always rent a car in downtown Cabo for your day trips.

Get a Car!
On our last trip to Mexico, we learned that it was better to get a Cabo San Lucas car rental before you go. (The same goes for insurance - see below).  If you want, you can read what we really got for a car! And some words of advice too!

By calling around we found the price ranged anywhere from $34 a day for a convertible Volkswagen (which we wanted) to $64 for a mid size (which we needed because of all out luggage and equipment we took). 

These prices, we discovered, were 'starters'. In addition to that, insurance is approximately another $14 a day!   (And you DO need insurance.)  

OK, that wasn't going to do.  Next, we checked our pile of credit cards and all their "fabulous" benefits to see if any of them covered the insurance.

AT&T did provide coverage in Mexico; if we used the card, they would cover collision.  This is for the car we were driving - not liability or collision to any to any other car involved.  

But that settled, we called Best Fares to see what kind of rates they offered.  Again - a great choice.  They saved us over $200 and booked a car with National, who gave us 1 day free for every 7 days we rented the car!  Now, I would suggest trying Kayak (see upper right column) to search multiple sites with one click.

Driving and Insurance
U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico.  I don't know about licenses issued from other countries.  Check with your consulate.

Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles and is sold in most cities and towns in Mexico. You can also get it at an authorized Mexican agent in the US before you go.

It is recommended that you buy about the same amount of coverage that you would buy at home.  

If you are in an accident, you will be taken into police custody until it is determined who is liable and whether or not you have the money to cover damages and penalties. If you didn't get Mexican insurance, you may not be allowed to leave the country- even if you need medical attention.  (but you'll get to stay in jail until you can pay).  BUY INSURANCE.  

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
Even if you have insurance, it will be INVALID if you're caught with alcohol in your system - and it is considered VERY SERIOUS.  Don't do it.  It will completely ruin your vacation!

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