For many travelers, renting a car in the U.S. is just the start of an adventure. Road trips to Canada or Mexico can be incredible experiences — but crossing borders with a rental car isn’t always simple. Some providers allow it, others don’t, and insurance coverage is often different.
At Hola Car Rentals, we make sure you know exactly when cross-border travel is possible and what requirements apply.
Driving a Rental Car into Canada
Crossing into Canada from the U.S. is usually easier than heading to Mexico, but rules vary by provider.
-
Permitted routes: Rentals from Boston (BOS) or New York JFK often allow cross-border travel into Canada.
-
Documentation: You’ll need your passport and a valid driver’s license.
-
Insurance: Liability coverage requirements in Canada may differ, but Hola Car Rentals includes international coverage where permitted.
👉 Example: A drive from Boston to Montreal is around 5 hours, and Hola Car Rentals makes it clear which cars you can take across.
Driving a Rental Car into Mexico
Heading south is more complicated:
-
Limited providers: Most agencies only allow cars rented in states bordering Mexico (e.g., Texas, Arizona, California) to cross.
-
Additional insurance: Mexican law requires local liability insurance, even if your U.S. coverage is valid.
-
Restricted vehicle classes: Luxury cars and SUVs are usually not allowed.
👉 If you’re starting at Las Vegas Airport (LAS) or Los Angeles (LAX), Hola Car Rentals will show whether cross-border rentals are possible.
What to Expect at the Border
-
Inspection of documents: Passport, license, and rental agreement.
-
Insurance verification: Proof of valid liability coverage for the destination country.
-
Possible fees: Some providers charge cross-border surcharges for added wear and tear.
Hola Car Rentals Advantage
-
Clear policies upfront: You’ll see which rentals allow cross-border travel before booking.
-
All-inclusive insurance: Hola Car Rentals includes coverage in the U.S. and Canada, and guides you through Mexico-specific requirements.
-
Cashback on tolls: Perfect for long drives between countries.
-
Flexibility: Cancel up to 48 hours before pickup if your plans change.
Practical Tips for Cross-Border Rentals
-
Always confirm cross-border permission in your Hola Car Rentals booking.
-
Book early at airports near borders, like Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) if heading to Mexico.
-
Print your insurance documents to avoid delays at checkpoints.
-
Plan fuel stops carefully — rural areas on both sides may have fewer stations.
👉 Manage everything from the Hola Car Rentals app:
Conclusion
Crossing borders by car opens the door to incredible road trip adventures. With Hola Car Rentals, you’ll know exactly which rentals can head into Canada or Mexico, what insurance you need, and how to prepare for smooth travel.
From New York (JFK) to Boston (BOS), or from Las Vegas (LAS) to Mexico’s northern border, Hola Car Rentals helps you drive beyond limits and turn your rental into an international journey.
