Cozumel’s Vacation Rental Car Scam Exposed

Cozumel, Mexico — The municipality of Cozumel has issued an alert to tourists arriving on the island and staying in vacation rentals that include a vehicle, warning that these offers constitute a fraud. According to authorities, these vehicles lack the necessary permit from the Institute of Mobility of the State of Quintana Roo (IMOVEQROO) and do not have valid insurance, leaving them without coverage in the event of an accident.

A Widespread Problem with New Tactics

The Subdirector of Tourism, Elías Farah Ceh, explained that the issue was discussed in a recent meeting with personnel from IMOVEQROO, Transit officials, and members of the business sector. The meeting addressed the problem of illegal car and motorcycle rentals, which are being offered directly to tourists through social media.

"This case represents a total risk for tourists," Farah Ceh stated, "as they lack the backing of the authorities in the sense of having all the necessary requirements and liabilities that those who rent with everything in order have."

The situation is now appearing with greater frequency under a different scheme, where a vehicle is rented out alongside a vacation home contracted through internet platforms. Without the required permits, these vehicles lack adequate insurance to respond in the event of a traffic accident. Furthermore, tourists driving them risk being fined while circulating on public streets.

Municipal Campaign Aims to Protect Visitors

The situation has prompted officials to alert visitors to avoid becoming victims of fraud. When tourists obtain the rental of a car or private motorcycle without the proper permit and adequate insurance—unlike established rental companies—they run the risk of the insurance protection not being applied and could end up paying for damages themselves.

Farah Ceh indicated that the information is being disseminated through tourism social media channels, information kiosks, and other platforms. He advised tourists to be cautious when renting a vehicle, especially when they are not given a printed contract with a logo and when the payment for insurance for the contracted period is omitted.

Alongside these warnings, the municipality is seeking ways to broaden the reach of this information campaign. The goal is to eradicate a practice that could also lead to fines and other legal actions from IMOVEQROO due to the lack of a concession for renting these vehicles.

Seeking Assistance from Ferry Operators

Finally, Farah Ceh said they will be seeking to work with the three ferry companies that cover the federal Cozumel-Playa del Carmen route. The aim is to have these companies disseminate the key information that tourists should consider when renting a vehicle and the documents they must complete, all in an effort to provide security for visitors to the island.