driver's license requirements in Playa

beachbreezes · 02-17-2002

Hello!

We are renting a car while we are in Playa Del Carmen. We have South Carolina Driver's licenses and passports. We have signed up for insurance while in Playa. Are there any special requirements for International Driver's licenses or is the SC license valid? Also, are there any additional fees?

Owlheart · 02-18-2002

Hi there!

I travel to Mexico quite frequently, and usually rent a car for the days I stay.
Here are my thoughts and experiences...

Your "American driver's license" should be fine when renting a car. Mexican police officers recognize them, however you better be aware of the driving conditions in Mexico, sometimes are quite different to the ones in the US. ALWAYS carry your passport with you while driving in a foreign country, and be prepared to deal with natural hurdles and other things alike.

I personally prefer renting cars from American companies, such as "Hertz", Since I had serious problems with local companies in the past. Also, I usually buy all the insurance policies they offer it is always wise to be over insured than not being protected when you need to be.

These additional packages should cover you for circumstantial incidents, such dents, stolen mirrors, etc., and should be paying no more than $3 or $4 USD in addition to your car fee par day.

Finally be aware that locals may have their own transportation and traffic rules. Respecting traffic rules by using common sense may keep you out of trouble and away from any legal battles.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me or respond

Owlheart · 02-18-2002

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Owlheart on 2002-02-18 13:30 ]</font>

maya · 02-18-2002

We have been traveling to Playa for 10 years and almost always a rent a car. I have never heard of the insurance costing only $3-4 a day. I believe the cost for the insurance should not exceed more than $13 a day. And that quote is from a friend that has worked in renting cars for about 4 years now.

Owlheart · 02-18-2002

Maya,

You are right! I was talking about the addional insurace, not the regular one. In any event, your friend must have the right numbers.

beachbreezes · 02-18-2002

Thanks for your help!

froofroo · 02-20-2002

for what's it's worth I checked into car insurance options for our trip and this is what I found out. BTW, we are renting from Avis.

Most US companies include in their quote standard collision and liability required in Mexico. The extra insurance (Avis said it's $11 per day) they offer you at the counter is simply that...extra ....which offers added liability and property damage. I've decided to decline it! Best to call and make sure before you go.

Also, for many credit cards (find out for sure by calling!) they offer collision protection only for the car you rent. In my case I found out it's up to $35,000 so in some sense I will had this added insurance.

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02-17-2002	#1 (permalink)
beachbreezes very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 28	Hello! We are renting a car while we are in Playa Del Carmen. We have South Carolina Driver's licenses and passports. We have signed up for insurance while in Playa. Are there any special requirements for International Driver's licenses or is the SC license valid? Also, are there any additional fees?

02-18-2002	#2 (permalink)
Owlheart lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 15	Hi there! I travel to Mexico quite frequently, and usually rent a car for the days I stay. Here are my thoughts and experiences... Your "American driver's license" should be fine when renting a car. Mexican police officers recognize them, however you better be aware of the driving conditions in Mexico, sometimes are quite different to the ones in the US. ALWAYS carry your passport with you while driving in a foreign country, and be prepared to deal with natural hurdles and other things alike. I personally prefer renting cars from American companies, such as "Hertz", Since I had serious problems with local companies in the past. Also, I usually buy all the insurance policies they offer it is always wise to be over insured than not being protected when you need to be. These additional packages should cover you for circumstantial incidents, such dents, stolen mirrors, etc., and should be paying no more than $3 or $4 USD in addition to your car fee par day. Finally be aware that locals may have their own transportation and traffic rules. Respecting traffic rules by using common sense may keep you out of trouble and away from any legal battles. If you have any questions please feel free to email me or respond

02-18-2002	#3 (permalink)
Owlheart lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 15	<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Owlheart on 2002-02-18 13:30 ]</font>

02-18-2002	#4 (permalink)
maya beachaholic Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 468	We have been traveling to Playa for 10 years and almost always a rent a car. I have never heard of the insurance costing only $3-4 a day. I believe the cost for the insurance should not exceed more than $13 a day. And that quote is from a friend that has worked in renting cars for about 4 years now.

02-18-2002	#5 (permalink)
Owlheart lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 15	Maya, You are right! I was talking about the addional insurace, not the regular one. In any event, your friend must have the right numbers.

02-18-2002	#6 (permalink)
beachbreezes very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 28	Thanks for your help!

02-20-2002	#7 (permalink)
froofroo lost on fifth Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 16	for what's it's worth I checked into car insurance options for our trip and this is what I found out. BTW, we are renting from Avis. Most US companies include in their quote standard collision and liability required in Mexico. The extra insurance (Avis said it's $11 per day) they offer you at the counter is simply that...extra ....which offers added liability and property damage. I've decided to decline it! Best to call and make sure before you go. Also, for many credit cards (find out for sure by calling!) they offer collision protection only for the car you rent. In my case I found out it's up to $35,000 so in some sense I will had this added insurance.

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