Wow, Jen! Very best wishes and a good recovery and working out the caca...!
Didn't know this so thought I would pass it along incase others are unaware like I was. Booked a car for 10 days in Aug through Orbitz Hotel/Car package. Called my CC company, seems that the free Collision/Damage Waiver that comes with my CC is covered in MX. They gave me a direct phone number and said call collect if something happens (24/7). Not only did I save on hotel cost as a package but not having to buy this insurance pays for 3 days of diving. Anything to save money so I can dive more. Note this doesn't cover liability.
Yeah, it's common for CCs to cover such even in Mexico
if you decline the CDW, but I never would! As I understand it, here's what happens if they is any wreck or other problem at all...
You're a foreigner so you are in the wrong until proven otherwise.
Everything will be in Spanish, all forms, all legalities, etc. under the Mexican court system.
You will not leave until all claims are settled, by paying, or winning in court at a later date - and you might spend some time in a Mexican jail.
Once you pay, leave with your forms in Spanish, get back home - then you can file for possible reimbursements from your CC, and good luck there.
Not me babe. I know that I'll pay a lot of full coverage but no way will I take drive a car otherwise. Making sure that the rental agreement says that I have it in Spanish is another challenge, but I do my best. In the US, I can count on protections under the law, my CC to cover me, even my Texas Liability to cover the rental car I was driving, but when you leave the US - you leave the US...!
I think that all Visa cards, maybe all cards, now promise coverage, but no way.
Orbitz and other booking sites also sell coverage, but the same risks apply. No way.