U.S. to Mexico Cross-Border Car Rental

What Are the Rules About Driving a Rental Car into Mexico?

Budget Car Rental has some specific rules about renting a car to drive to Mexico:

• Renters driving into Mexico must be U.S. residents.

• Only corporate customers can go into Mexico.

• Renters must inform staff at the rental counters that they are planning on traveling into Mexico.

• You will need to purchase Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance.

• Renters who are not U.S. citizens must have permanent residency in the U.S. or a valid visa.

If the required insurance is not purchased, you may be subject to arrest after an accident and your rental could be seized. 

Where Can I Purchase Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance?

Budget offers Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance in only three states: Texas, Arizona, and California. You cannot purchase it online; you have to get it at the counter when you pick up your rental.

Checking Your Location’s Terms and Conditions

As a renter, you should check the terms and conditions for your location to make sure travel into Mexico is allowed. Just follow the steps below.

1. Find the location’s page on Budget.com.

2. Scroll down to Terms & Conditions.

3. Click on “Travel Into Other Countries.”

How Do I Set Up a Corporate Account?

Corporate business accounts can be created online. You provide us with your name and contact information, as well as your company’s information. After you’ve registered as a corporate account, you’ll use the corporate BDC (discount number) to rent a car from the U.S. to drive into Mexico.

What If I’m Flying Out of Mexico?

Although one-way rentals aren’t allowed, we do have a location at the Cross Border Xpress near the Tijuana airport. You can return your rental to this location and then walk across the skybridge into Mexico to catch your flight.