Generally, no, most major U.S. rental companies prohibit taking their vehicles across international borders, especially into Mexico. This is a standard clause in rental agreements due to insurance, liability, and regulatory issues. While some companies may allow travel to Canada with strict prior authorization, crossing into Mexico is almost universally forbidden. Violating this policy can result in your rental agreement being voided, leaving you without insurance coverage and personally liable for any damages or fines.
The primary reason is insurance. Your personal auto insurance and the rental company's policy typically do not extend coverage once the car leaves the United States. In Mexico, specifically, a separate type of auto insurance from a Mexican provider is legally required, which rental companies are not set up to provide. Furthermore, recovering a vehicle that breaks down or is involved in an incident in another country is a complex and costly logistical problem for the rental agency.
If you need to drive across the border, your only viable option is to contact the rental company directly before your trip. For Canada, some companies like Hertz or Enterprise may grant permission, but they will require specific documentation and may charge an additional "cross-border fee." You will also need to verify that your Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and liability insurance remain valid. You must get this permission in writing—never assume it's allowed.
The table below outlines the typical policies of major rental companies regarding cross-border travel.
| Rental Company | Policy to Canada | Policy to Mexico | Required Action / Notes |
|---|
| Enterprise | Often permitted with prior approval | Strictly prohibited | Must request in advance; additional fees and documentation apply for Canada. |
| Hertz | Often permitted with prior approval | Strictly prohibited | Authorization and cross-border agreement required before travel. |
| Avis | Often permitted with prior approval | Strictly prohibited | Pre-approval mandatory; vehicle type restrictions may apply. |
| Budget | Often permitted with prior approval | Strictly prohibited | Contact reservations team for cross-border form and fee details. |
| National | Often permitted with prior approval | Strictly prohibited | Written authorization is necessary to avoid contract violation. |
| Alamo | Generally prohibited | Strictly prohibited | Policies are very restrictive; cross-border travel is not typical. |
| Thrifty | Varies by location; often prohibited | Strictly prohibited | Must confirm with the specific renting location; often not allowed. |
| Dollar | Varies by location; often prohibited | Strictly prohibited | Rarely permitted; requires direct contact with the rental office. |
Always read your rental agreement's "Prohibited Use" section thoroughly. The safest approach is to plan to rent a vehicle on the other side of the border if your trip requires international travel.
