<i>Posted at Fodors.com (<a href="http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=cozumel@54&cur_section=tra&pg=2">link</a>)</i>
<FONT CLASS="head4"><B>Insurance</B></FONT>
<P>When driving a rented car you are generally responsible for any damage to or loss of the vehicle as well as for any property damage or personal injury that you may cause. Before you rent see what coverage your personal auto-insurance policy and credit cards already provide.
<P>Regardless of any coverage afforded to you by your credit-card company, you must have Mexican auto-liability insurance. This is usually sold by car-rental agencies and included in the cost of the car. Be sure that you have been provided with proof of such insurance; if you drive without it, you are not only liable for damages, you're breaking the law. If you are in a car accident and you don't have insurance, you may be placed in jail until you are proven innocent.
<P><FONT CLASS="head4"><B>Requirements & Restrictions</B></FONT>
<P>In Mexico your own driver's license is acceptable, but an International Driver's Permit is a good idea; it's available from the American or Canadian automobile association, and, in the United Kingdom, from the Automobile Association or Royal Automobile Club. These international permits are universally recognized, and having one may save you a problem with the local authorities.
<P><FONT CLASS="head4"><B>Road Conditions</B></FONT>
<P>In rural areas, roads are quite poor: use caution, especially during the rainy season, when rock slides and potholes are a problem. Generally, driving times are longer than for comparable distances in the United States. <i>Topes</i> (speed bumps) are also common.
<P><FONT CLASS="head4"><B>Rules of the Road</B></FONT>
<P>Distances and speed limits are given in kilometers: 100 kph and 80 kph (62 and 50 mph, respectively) are the most common maximums. A few of the newer toll roads allow 110 kph (68.4 mph). In cities and small towns, observe the posted speed limits, which can be as low as 20 kph (12 mph).
