Generally, most major U.S. rental car companies prohibit taking their vehicles across international borders, especially into Mexico. Driving into Canada is sometimes permitted but requires explicit prior authorization and comes with strict conditions. The primary reasons are insurance limitations, logistical challenges for the rental company, and varying international regulations. Attempting to do so without permission is a serious violation of your rental agreement and can lead to denied insurance coverage, fines, or even the vehicle being impounded.
Whether a cross-border trip is possible depends entirely on the rental company's specific policy and the destination country. For example, driving from the U.S. to Canada is more commonly allowed by companies like Enterprise or Hertz, but it is never a default option. You must declare your plans at the counter. In contrast, taking a rental car into Mexico is almost universally forbidden by major companies due to high insurance risks and crime concerns.
If you need to make such a trip, your best course of action is to plan well in advance. Follow these steps:
- Contact the Rental Company Directly: Call the specific branch where you plan to rent. Corporate policies can vary, and local branch managers may have different rules or additional requirements.
- Obtain Written Permission: If authorized, ensure the permission is explicitly noted on your rental agreement. Verbal confirmation is not sufficient.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Standard rental insurance often becomes void once you leave the country. You will likely need to purchase additional international insurance coverage, which can be expensive.
- Prepare Documentation: Besides your passport and driver's license, you may need specific documents from the rental company, like a Vehicle Registration Card or a letter of permission.
The table below outlines the general policies of major rental companies regarding cross-border travel, but you must always verify with the company directly.
| Rental Company | Driving to Canada | Driving to Mexico | Key Conditions & Notes |
|---|
| Enterprise | Often permitted | Prohibited | Prior authorization required. May be restricted to certain Canadian provinces. |
| Hertz | Often permitted | Prohibited | Must be pre-arranged. Additional fees and documentation apply for Canada. |
| Avis | Often permitted | Prohibited | Authorization mandatory. Limited to specific vehicle classes for Canada. |
| Budget | Often permitted | Prohibited | Subject to approval at the time of rental. Additional insurance may be compulsory. |
| Alamo | Often permitted | Prohibited | Must be requested in advance. Not all locations participate. |
| National | Often permitted | Prohibited | Pre-approval is essential. Cross-border fees are common. |
| Dollar | Sometimes permitted | Prohibited | Policy can be inconsistent. Always confirm with the renting location. |
| Thrifty | Sometimes permitted | Prohibited | Varies by location. Often incurs a daily cross-border surcharge. |
For trips to Mexico, your most reliable option is to rent a car on the Mexican side of the border from a company that specializes in cross-border travel.
