Car rental in Cancun

Mandatory insurance: the biggest surprise in Mexico

Mexico has a mandatory insurance required by law: third-party liability. It can't be declined and no credit card covers it, even if your card includes rental car insurance.

That's why many booking sites show very low prices that leave it out, and at the counter the price multiplies.

Our price already includes it. What we send you on WhatsApp is what you pay, with no surprises at the counter. The other coverages are almost always included too, and if a rate doesn't include them, we tell you before you book.

On top of that, the rental company blocks a security deposit on your credit card. The amount depends on the company and the coverage, and we tell you when we quote.

Picking up your car at Cancun airport

Cancun airport has several terminals, and most international flights arrive at Terminal 3 or Terminal 4. Your voucher shows which one is yours.

The rental companies have their offices outside the terminal, a few minutes away. When you leave the building, in the ground transportation area, each official rental company has a meeting point marked with its logo. From there a free shuttle takes you to the office, where you sign the contract and collect the car.

We don't offer meet-and-greet at the terminal door. We only work with official rental companies, which is what guarantees the car is there, the contract is right and you have support if something happens.

Watch out for the promoters on your way out

After immigration and customs, before you leave the building, you'll walk through a hallway full of people in uniforms or with badges offering transport, tours, a SIM card or help with your booking. Most of them are timeshare promoters, and they have nothing to do with your rental company.

They may tell you your transport "is right here" or ask for your hotel name. Don't stop and don't give out any details: keep walking until you're outside and look for the rental company's meeting point shown on your voucher.

What you need to pick up the car

There are three things, and all three are mandatory. Without any of them the rental company won't hand over the car.

A credit card in the main driver's name. The deposit is blocked on it. Debit cards, cash and someone else's card are not accepted.

A physical, valid driver's license. Your home license works while you're there as a tourist. A license on your phone, photos or copies won't work.

A valid passport. The minimum age is 19 (it can vary by rental company or category), and drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver fee. There's no maximum age. That's why we ask your age before quoting.

Driving the Riviera Maya: speed bumps, checkpoints and daylight

Watch for the topes. That's what speed bumps are called in Mexico, and they're in every town, at hotel entrances and even on fast roads. Many aren't painted or signposted. Slow down every time you enter a built-up area.

Checkpoints are normal. Police or army checkpoints, called retenes, are common on the roads. Slow down, say hello and, if asked, show your license and rental contract. Always keep the contract in the car.

Drive in daylight. Outside Cancun and Playa del Carmen many roads have no lighting, and at night speed bumps, cyclists and loose animals are hard to see. Plan long drives so you arrive before dark.

For Chichén Itzá and Valladolid there's a toll highway (cuota), paid at the booth, and a free road that goes through every town. The toll highway is faster and calmer. Use Waze or Google Maps, which work well across the region.

Gas stations: what to watch

In Mexico you don't pump your own fuel: an attendant serves you. It's convenient, but it pays to stay alert.

Before they start, check that the pump shows zero. Ask for a full tank or a specific amount and watch the pump until it's done.

If you pay cash, say out loud which bill you're handing over and count your change before you leave. If you pay by card, make sure it's swiped in front of you.

The most common routes from Cancun

Most of our customers head south along the Riviera Maya: Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, the cenotes and Tulum, a couple of hours down the coast road.

Inland, Chichén Itzá and Valladolid work well together in one day, or better with a night in Valladolid so you reach the ruins early, before the heat and the tour buses.

For Holbox, you drive to the port of Chiquilá and cross by ferry. The car doesn't go over: you leave it in a parking lot at the port. There are hardly any cars on the island, and people get around on foot, by bike or by golf cart.

Which category suits your trip

For two people moving between Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, a compact or midsize car is enough: the main roads are in good condition.

For four people with large suitcases, a midsize SUV. It sits higher, handles speed bumps and the dirt roads to some cenotes better, and has a bigger trunk.

For families or groups, the 7 or 8 seat minivan. Tell us how many suitcases you have so we choose well.

We guarantee the category, not the exact model: the rental company assigns it at pickup.

The most expensive mistakes

Comparing prices without the mandatory insurance. The low price on a booking site is almost never what you pay at the counter.

Driving the highways at night. An unpainted speed bump at highway speed can wreck a tire or the suspension.

Signing without reading. Extras such as roadside assistance or a baby seat are sometimes offered at the desk, and they end up in the contract you sign. They're paid there and aren't refundable. If something doesn't match your booking, message us before signing.