Trip Report - 29-Nov to 11-Dec - UPDATE

This is an update to my trip report. I noted that I rented a car instead of using the combis to get around. I also noted on another thread that I used Green Motion Car Rental in Zihuatanejo and recommended them because of the great price. Well, unfortunately, I was a bit premature with my recommendation. Allow me to relate the full story:

Our credit card company offers us automatic car insurance anywhere in the world when we use our credit card to pay for the car rental. In the past, the agents in Mexico have been very reluctant to accept this fact and would push their insurance saying that it was obligatory. Our credit card company came to the rescue with documentation in English and Spanish clearly stating that we had insurance. The agent would begrudgingly accept the documentation. Armed with said documentation and clearly stating that I did not want insurance when reserving the car using www.booking.com, I confidently went to pick up my rental car.

Like clockwork, the agent attempted to sell me insurance. I showed him the documentation and after a few minutes, we had worked out an agreement. In lieu of purchasing insurance, he would place a MXN$10,000 pesos hold on my credit card and then remove the hold when the car was returned. Fine. I returned the car in better condition than when I left the agency. The gentleman reviewed the vehicle and was happy with its condition and I went on my merry way.

A few days later back in San Diego, I checked my credit card and sure enough, there was an additional charge from Green Motion Car Rental. I called the agency and spoke with the agent and lo!, and behold!, all recollection of our initial agreement had magically been erased from his memory. He told me that insurance was obligatory and that I had to pay for it. I informed him that I had no intention of paying for the insurance that I did not need and that I would lodge a complaint with my credit car company.

For what it is worth, the place is a scam operation. My Spanish is not great but I was absolutely sure that we had worked out an agreement before I left with the vehicle. This guy must have just guessed that he could get away with it. We shall see what transpires. The ball is in his court now as the credit card company said they will deny the charge and ask to hear his side of the story.

An insurance scam. My my. Whaddayaknow? What a coincidence considering my comments about insurance elsewhere here. I think they all do this routine. Sorry to hear it happened to you, amigo. Thanks for the info and the trip report!