Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — Tourists are being cautioned about renting vehicles through unregistered agencies after a group was stopped. Last week, a group of American tourists were stopped by police when the vehicle they were driving came back as stolen.
The group had rented the large SUV the day before to get around Playa del Carmen during their visit. The Quintana Roo Vehicle Rental Association is warning tourists about being swayed by a good deal.
The lure for the rental vehicle and company they chose was the price. Quintana Roo Vehicle Rental Association President Alma Reynoso Zambrano says the low price to rent the large SUV was what they found attractive.
To avoid a similar situation, Reynoso Zambrano recommends verifying the company before deciding. She says it is important to contract only with established companies, preferably companies affiliated with recognized organizations.
Authorities recommend consulting the Commercial Bureau of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, Mexico’s consumer watchdog. Travelers can look up the history of complaints against companies to find possible irregularities beforehand.
Reynoso Zambrano pointed out that the rental company choice should not be based solely on price, but on legal and security conditions offered by the leasing company.
She said that contracting with unregulated companies based on a good deal exposes tourists to situations that can affect their vacation.
Reynoso Zambrano added that during peak seasons, complaints increase from people who rent cars from unauthorized companies, resulting in financial losses and adverse legal situations.
On Tuesday, a group of American tourists were stopped in central Playa del Carmen for driving a stolen vehicle they had rented. The vehicle was leased from a company on 10th Avenue the day before.
The group had no idea the vehicle was stolen but were able to produce the rental contract when they were stopped by police. While they were free to go, their rental vehicle was towed.
