Terms and Conditions

Effective September 2026

These terms govern your use of the 4Drive Mexico booking service. By completing a booking through our platform, you accept these conditions in full. Please read them carefully before proceeding with any reservation.

Scope

4Drive Mexico operates as a booking platform connecting customers with local rental companies across Mexico. We facilitate reservations but do not own or operate rental vehicles ourselves. The actual rental agreement is concluded directly between you and the rental company at the time of vehicle collection.

Our role is limited to processing your booking and transmitting it to the relevant rental company. Each rental company maintains its own fleet, staff, and operational procedures. The rental company's name and contact details will be provided in your voucher once your booking is confirmed.

These terms apply to the booking process only. The rental agreement itself, including all terms relating to vehicle use, damage liability, and return conditions, is governed by the rental company's own terms, which you will sign at the collection point.

Bookings and the Rental Agreement

When you complete a booking through our website, you receive a confirmation voucher by email. This voucher contains the rental company's details, collection instructions, and specific conditions for your reservation. You must present this voucher when collecting the vehicle.

The rental agreement is signed at the point of collection, either at a rental desk, airport terminal, or hotel delivery location, depending on the rental company's procedures. The rental company will inspect the vehicle with you and note any existing damage in the rental contract. Both parties sign this document to confirm the vehicle's condition at handover.

Your voucher specifies the rental period, vehicle category, included coverage, and any additional services you have booked, such as a child seat, second driver authorization, or written authorization for crossing into Belize or Guatemala. The rental company is bound by the terms stated in your voucher.

Collection times are selected during the booking process. If you arrive outside the agreed window, the rental company may apply waiting fees or, in cases of significant delay without notice, cancel the reservation. Contact details for the rental company are provided in your voucher for any schedule changes.

Advance Payment and Balance

At the time of booking, you pay a booking advance online by debit or credit card. This advance secures your reservation and is deducted from the total rental cost. The remaining balance is paid directly to the rental company when you collect the vehicle.

The payment method accepted for the balance depends on the specific vehicle you have reserved. Your voucher will state whether the rental company accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, or a combination. We do not accept cash payments online. The advance payment is processed by 4Drive Mexico; the balance payment is a separate transaction with the rental company.

For customers without a credit card, we recommend ensuring your debit card has a sufficient limit to cover both the balance payment and any deposit hold the rental company may place on your card. Requirements vary by vehicle, not by category, so check your voucher carefully.

Deposit Conditions

The rental company may place a hold on your payment card as a deposit at the time of vehicle collection. This hold is a security measure managed entirely by the rental company and is independent of any coverage or protection included in your booking.

The deposit amount, method, and conditions are specific to each vehicle and are stated in your voucher. Some rentals require a credit card for the deposit hold; others accept debit cards. The hold is released by the rental company after you return the vehicle in the agreed condition, typically within a few days to two weeks, depending on your card issuer.

If you select a no-deposit option during booking, the rental company will not place a hold on your card. However, this does not affect the excess liability stated in your rental terms. Deposit requirements and excess liability are separate parameters.

Drivers and Documents

The primary driver must present a valid driving licence at collection. Foreign licences are accepted for short visits to Mexico. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your home licence for clarity with local authorities and rental companies.

Additional drivers may be added at the collection point for a fee, payable directly to the rental company. Each additional driver must present their own valid licence and be present during vehicle handover to sign the rental agreement.

The rental company may impose age restrictions or surcharges for younger or older drivers. These conditions are specified during the booking process and confirmed in your voucher. Ensure all drivers meet the stated requirements before collection.

Use of the Vehicle

You may drive the rented vehicle on paved roads and, where the vehicle type permits, on graded gravel roads. Specific vehicle categories, such as pickups with part-time 4WD, are suited to mountain routes and unpaved tracks. Your rental agreement will define permitted road types based on the vehicle you collect.

Urban speed limits in Mexico typically range from 40 to 60 km/h. On Highway 307 and toll roads known as cuota, the limit is generally 110 km/h. Free roads, or libre, are usually limited to 80-90 km/h. Right-hand traffic applies throughout the country.

Crossing into Belize or Guatemala requires written authorization from the rental company, arranged in advance. This service is offered as an optional add-on during booking and cannot be arranged retroactively. Ferry tickets to Cozumel must be booked separately and are not included in rental terms.

Fuel is your responsibility. Pemex and private stations are widespread. The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level as at collection, unless a different arrangement is stated in your rental agreement.

Changes and Cancellation

You may request changes to your booking, such as dates, collection location, or vehicle category, subject to availability and the rental company's approval. Contact us at [email protected] with your booking reference. Some changes may incur fees or require a price adjustment.

Cancellation policies vary by rental company and are stated in your voucher. Some bookings permit free cancellation up to a specified time before collection; others may be non-refundable or subject to cancellation fees. Review your voucher for the specific policy applicable to your reservation.

If the rental company cancels your booking due to unavailability or operational issues, we will offer an alternative vehicle or a full refund of any payments made. We are not liable for indirect costs such as accommodation or travel expenses resulting from such cancellations.

Liability

4Drive Mexico is responsible for processing your booking accurately and transmitting your reservation details to the rental company. We are not liable for the condition, performance, or availability of the rental vehicle itself, as these are provided by independent rental companies.

The rental company is responsible for the vehicle's roadworthiness, insurance coverage, and any issues arising during the rental period. Damage, theft, accidents, or disputes relating to the vehicle or rental terms are handled directly between you and the rental company under the rental agreement you sign at collection.

Your liability for damage or loss is governed by the rental agreement and the coverage options you selected during booking. Excess amounts and exclusions are stated in your voucher and rental contract. We do not determine or control these terms.

Complaints

If you encounter any issues during the rental period, contact the rental company immediately using the details provided in your voucher. The rental company is best placed to resolve operational matters, vehicle problems, or disputes on the spot.

For concerns about the booking process, voucher accuracy, or payment issues, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within two business days and work with you and the rental company to address the matter.

Our business address is Centro, Cancun, Mexico. Our office hours are Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, GMT-5. We aim to resolve complaints fairly and promptly, taking into account the responsibilities of both 4Drive Mexico and the rental company involved.

Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Mexico. Any disputes arising from your booking or use of our service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mexico.

The rental agreement you sign with the rental company is also governed by Mexican law. Traffic regulations, insurance requirements, and liability standards applicable during your rental are those of Mexico and any other jurisdiction you drive through with proper authorization.

By completing a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms in full. If you have any questions before proceeding, contact us at [email protected].