by Anne Harris, U.S. Consul Agent in Cozumel

Do you have Insurance when driving in Mexico? Get the Facts!

When renting a vehicle in Mexico please be a ware of that U.S. Insurance companies do not make direct payment for damages outside the country.

By Mexican law, if your rental vehicle is lost or damaged, you will be required to make full payment of all expenses involved, before you leave Cozumel. If you refuse the local insurance coverage, your costs will have to be paid out of pocket before you leave the country.

The rentadora will supply you with the necessary reports for you to recover payment from your
insurance company when you get home. The same applies to medical treatment. Some of the local policies also include medical coverage but, be sure to find out the limits & which clinic accepts their direct payment, or you will still be required to pay out of pocket & recover from the local insurance company later.

Coverage & Deductibles vary with each rentadora so read your policy carefully to see if theft, as well as accident, is covered. For example, scooters typically are not covered for theft or damage. Also, be sure to take note of what voids your coverage (e.g. leaving a paved road or drinking alcohol).

According to Federal Mexican Law all scooter and auto rental companies are obligated to carry 3rd party insurance (Official Norm NOM-124-SCFI -1998) on all vehicle rentals. Ask to see this policy before you rent a vehicle and verify what it will cover in case of an accident. If the rental company fails to supply this coverage, you should make your complaint to PROFECO,
the Mexican govt. Federal Agency of Consumer Protection.

If you are an American citizen, also notify the Consular Agent of your complaint. In Cozumel , PROFECO is located above the Mercado, on Rosado Salas between Av 20 & 25 Sur ph # 872 0180 , or you can contact the English speaking office in Mexico City.

Mexican law limits the # of passengers in a vehicle. If you exceed the limit for your style of vehicle, you are subject to a fine. Cozumel also has a seat belt law. Each passenger should check to see that their seatbelt is operating properly before accepting the vehicle.


Red (no stopping) & yellow curbs (short stopping only) designate tow away zones.

Scooters, operated by inexperienced drivers, tend to cause the most serious injuries.

If you are not experienced with driving 2 - wheel vehicles, it is safer to rent a car. If you rent a scooter , WEAR YOUR HELMET.

Check for damages to the rental vehicle before accepting it to avoid the possibility of being charged later for scrapes & scratches already on the vehicle. If your rental vehicle is stolen, but found later, you are entitled to recover your payment, minus damage to the vehicle & rental fees.

If you are an American citizen, be sure to notify the U.S. Consular Agent office (ph 987 872 4574 or email : This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ). If you have paid for a lost vehicle, so we can help you to recover your payment if the vehicle is found after you leave.

Above all : Drive Safely & Have a Wonderful Holiday in Cozumel!
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In Cozumel, Contact : Anne Harris, U.S. Consular Agent

(Usual Office Hrs : 12 - 2 pm Monday - Friday) - Office Address: 2nd floor right rear of Villa Mar Mall in the Main Plaza (Behind Fat Tuesday's Bar Grille) across from Cozumel Online

office ph (987) 872 4574 - e-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

24 hr (emergencies only) cell ph: 876 0624 (prefix 044 987 if calling from Cozumel)

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