Car Rental Discounts for MX

[bankr63]

We are heading down to Cabo (Grand Mayan) for March 10. I have a car reserved with National, but all of the discount codes I have come across are for Canada/US only. Anyone know of any codes that will work for MX rentals?

 

[PStreet1]

I'd keep checking both National and other companies. Car rental rates change more often throughout the day than airline fares (and they change 3 or 4 times during any given day). Try consolidators like Auto Europe as well as National, Avis (which includes the manditory Mexican 3rd party liability insurance in the quote they give, so figure other companies at about $10.00 a day higher than they quote because you do have to have the 3rd party liability insurance to drive the car off the lot), Budget, Hertz, etc.

We always get a rate we can live with and then continue trying right up until we leave. You can always book another one and cancel National, and if you find another that's better, re-book again. I suspect this process will yield better results than any code.

 

[ilene13]

I'd keep checking both National and other companies. Car rental rates change more often throughout the day than airline fares (and they change 3 or 4 times during any given day). Try consolidators like Auto Europe as well as National, Avis (which includes the manditory Mexican 3rd party liability insurance in the quote they give, so figure other companies at about $10.00 a day higher than they quote because you do have to have the 3rd party liability insurance to drive the car off the lot), Budget, Hertz, etc.

We always get a rate we can live with and then continue trying right up until we leave. You can always book another one and cancel National, and if you find another that's better, re-book again. I suspect this process will yield better results than any code.

Avis in Cancun does not include the 3rd party liability insurance. We go there 3 times a year--rent from Avis and pay the 3rd party on top of he quoted rate.

 

[PStreet1]

I'm glad to know that (sorry, actually), but glad to be warned. They have evidently changed the company policy; I doubt Cabo is any different. Thanks.

 

[bankr63]

Interestingly, National is including CDW and TPL in the base rate. My confirmation e-mail says "included" for both. The National Mexico site has lower rates, but no insurance included. Adding the insurance makes it a bit more expensive than the US site rates.

Really not too unhappy with the rate, just looking for a Mexico discount code to add to the reservation to bring the price down a bit more. Maybe even enough to cover the $35/wk for valet parking at the resort.

 

[PStreet1]

Good to know. I've now placed National on my list; I hate surprises at the counter.

 

[PStreet1]

I've looked into the insurance thing a bit more, and I think there is more to the story.

1. It is Mexican law that cars must have 3rd party liability insurance; no car rental company can let you drive the car off the lot without having it.
2. The Avis form says "ADDITIONAL" personal liability insurance. To me, that means that the basic coverage is still in place, and is included in the rate.
3. If you don't purchase the additional liability insurance and proceed with the reservation, it shows that you declined "additional" liability.

I believe the Avis policy is the same as it has always been: the basic 3rd party liability is included in the rate quoted. If you aren't happy with the amount, they offer additional liability insurance.

I absolutely know they can't allow you do drive the car without liability insurance, and since they will allow you to rent without taking additional liability insurance, there is liability insurance included.........I THINK. Before renting again, I'll find out for sure.

 

[PStreet1]

Sorry, hit the button too many times.

 

[easyrider]

Avis is pretty good in Mexico using the Costco code from the Costco travel website. Avis includes the third party liability in their rate. Your Amex or other qualifying credit card covers the CDW.

In Cabo there is a guy named Dominic that rents cars. Many people on trip advisor and some from tug have used his service. Dominic meets you right in front of SJD. No 30 - 45 minute shuttle hassel to get the car. No hassel on drop off either. You just place the key under the mat and lock the door at the airport. Everything is included, all insurance with no deductable, free advice and even the first tank of gas. You bring the car back with whatever gas is left. He only accepts cash.

http://dominicloscabos.com/

 

[bankr63]

So my best rate ended up being direct from National US site with Emerald Club - the base rates are much lower on the national.mx site, but the once insurance is added it they are a bit more. My rate included all insurance, and they threw in an extra driver for free (but I didn't get the 1 class upgrade). I also came across a discount code that works in MX, Caribbean and Latin America; now that I am back it seems to pop up on every page I hit.

The rate was actually $120 less than Dominic quoted for the week, and my fill up at the end was only $20. We didn't drive as much as planned, a couple of trips from SJD to CSL only, and a bit of touring around. We walked a TON around SJD; with the San Jose festival on, parking in the core was a nightmare.

 

[timesharejunkie4]

If you rent through Alamo, Budget, National or Payless you can then buy vouchers through Los Cabos Guide and save 35%. We always use whichever one of those we get the best price and then get the vouchers for that company. For info go to: http://www.loscabosguide.com/discount.htm