Renting A Car In Belize: A Quick Guide

Renting a car in Belize is a great way to see the country and experience its breathtaking scenery. It can be a little pricey, but it's not as expensive as you might think when you consider the cost of alternative options like private shuttles and domestic flights. For example, a round-trip domestic flight from Belize City to Placencia costs around $200 per person. Renting a car in Belize is straightforward, and several global chains, such as Budget, Avis, and Hertz, have offices at the Belize International Airport. Local companies like Crystal Auto Rental and AQ Belize Car Rental are also popular choices. The actual requirements for renting a car in Belize are simple: you'll need your passport, a valid driver's license from your home country, and a credit card for the deposit. The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years old, and a young driver surcharge is applied to renters under 25.

Requirements for renting a car in Belize

To rent a car in Belize, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Age: The minimum age to rent a car in Belize is 21 years old, and the maximum age is 75. Drivers under 25 will be considered "young drivers" and will have to pay a daily surcharge, which varies depending on the rental company.
• Documents: You will need a valid passport and an original driver's license from your home country. A foreign driver's license is valid for driving in Belize. US licenses are accepted, and most countries' driver's licenses are honoured.
• Insurance: Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Belize and is usually included in the rental price. However, some companies may charge this separately, so it is important to check. Additional insurance coverage is available and recommended, especially if you plan to drive on unpaved roads or to more remote locations.
• Payment: A credit card is required for the deposit when renting a car.
• Vehicle Type: Consider the type of vehicle you will need for your trip. If you plan to visit more remote areas or drive on unpaved roads, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended and sometimes required by rental companies.
• Border Crossing: If you plan to cross the border into Guatemala, you will need to inform your rental company in advance, as most companies do not allow their vehicles to be taken out of Belize. Crystal Auto Rental is one company that permits this and will help with the necessary paperwork.

When renting a car in Belize, it is important to inspect the vehicle for any existing damage and ensure you are aware of all the features and functions. It is also recommended to take photos or videos of the vehicle before and after your rental period.

Rental car prices

For those seeking a more rugged option for off-road exploration, compact SUVs or 4-wheel-drive vehicles are available and recommended due to the condition of some roads in Belize. These vehicles tend to offer better gas mileage and can cost around $39-$69 per day, depending on the make and model.

It's important to note that rental car prices in Belize are considered relatively expensive compared to other destinations. You can expect to pay at least $60 per day for a vehicle from a reputable company. For example, Crystal Auto Rental charges $87 per day, taxes included, for a Jeep Liberty. Budget, Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty are among the major international rental companies operating in Belize, along with local companies like Crystal Auto Rental and AQ Belize Car Rental.

When renting a car in Belize, it's advisable to reserve your vehicle in advance, especially during the high season. Additionally, rental companies typically require a credit card to place a deposit, which can be around $1500, to cover any potential damages. This deposit is usually refunded upon returning the vehicle without any issues.

Gas prices in Belize are also relatively high, with regular unleaded fuel costing close to $6 per gallon. It's important to factor fuel costs into your budget when renting a car, as gas stations can be scarce, especially outside major towns and cities.

Driving conditions

Belize has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with about one person per 36 square miles, allowing for beautiful nature and wildlife, but also making it difficult for tourists to navigate backcountry roads. Many highways have been repaved in recent years, but some city streets can be challenging to navigate. Driving in Belize is generally not scary, and road signs are in English. However, driving in Belize City can be confusing for tourists due to maze-like, narrow streets and a lack of signage.

There are only four major roads in Belize: the Philip Goldson Highway (formerly Northern), the George Price Highway (formerly Western), the Southern Highway, and the Hummingbird Highway. All are two-lane roads with speed bumps in towns and villages. The Hummingbird Highway is particularly scenic, stretching for 56 miles through some of the country's most breathtaking natural wilderness, including the Belize Blue Hole. It was resurfaced in 2018 and is a must-visit for travellers. The Northern Highway is another good option, with an 85-mile stretch from Belize City to Corozal Town in good condition.

When driving in Belize, be cautious of pedestrians and bikers, especially in rural and populated areas. The speed limit on highways is 55 mph and drops to 25-40 mph in towns and cities. Be aware of speed bumps, especially when entering residential areas or near villages and towns. These are called "sleeping policemen" locally and can appear with little to no advance warning.

It is important to note that left-hand turns are unique in Belize. Drivers must use their turn signal and wait on the right-hand shoulder of the road until traffic going both ways is clear before turning. Additionally, drivers are allowed to make a right-hand turn on a red light, but caution is advised.

Driving at night is not recommended due to low visibility and a higher risk of encountering pedestrians, bicyclists, and loose animals. It is also challenging to spot potholes and speed bumps. Moreover, many motorists drive with their high beams on, making it difficult to see obstructions.

Belize has police checkpoints throughout the country where officers will ask to see your driver's license and check your vehicle's windshield license sticker. It is rare to be asked for a bribe at these checkpoints, but it is important to answer any questions and show the necessary documentation.

In terms of fuel, unleaded gas is widely available, but prices can be high, ranging from $5.06 to $7 per gallon, depending on the source. Gas stations are typically full-service, and tipping is not expected. At night, some gas stations require drivers to exit the vehicle, pay at a secure window, and pump gas themselves.

When renting a car in Belize, it is recommended to spend the extra money on a 4WD vehicle, especially if visiting during the rainy season. Many of the best tourist sites require driving on unpaved roads, and a 4WD vehicle provides better insurance against soft muck, sand, and potential flooding. Additionally, some rental companies prohibit driving on unpaved roads unless you have a 4x4.

Rental car insurance

Auto liability insurance is mandatory in Belize, and nearly all rentals include basic liability coverage in the rental rate. However, this insurance does not cover damage to the car, such as hitting a tree or a stolen car. If you have car insurance, your policy may cover rental cars to some degree, but not all policies protect you abroad, so be sure to read the fine print. If you don't have auto insurance, you can buy a collision or loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW) from the car rental company, which reduces your responsibility for damage to the car. LDW is CDW with theft protection.

Some types of damage are not covered by CDW, for instance, some rental companies do not cover windscreens, cracks and chips, tyre punctures and replacements, and damages to headlights and underbody. CDW also does not cover expensive accident-related fees such as administration, towing, and loss of use fees.

Many credit cards offer CDW coverage, but it is usually supplemental to your own insurance and rarely covers trucks, minivans, luxury models, etc. American Express and some other credit/charge card companies offer a premium CDW plan for a flat fee, usually around $20-$25 per rental, not per day, that has more leeway than regular CDW plans. For example, they may cover SUVs, trucks, and driving off paved roads. If your insurance coverage is secondary, you may still be liable for loss-of-use costs from the car rental company. But no credit-card coverage is valid unless you use that card for all transactions, from reserving to paying the final bill. All companies exclude car rental in some countries, so be sure to find out about your destination.

If you do not hold an insurance policy, you might want to consider purchasing additional liability insurance from your rental company. Be sure to check the terms, however. Some rental agencies cover liability only if the renter is not at fault; even then, the rental company's obligation varies by location.

Take photos and videos of the vehicle at both pickup and drop-off. During your claim, you will need to provide these photos and details if there are any unfair charges from your rental company. Take the time to capture any pre-existing damage and nominate those in your rental agreement to avoid excessive charges.

Pick-up and drop-off

If you are renting a car from the airport, several car rental agencies operate out of the Philip Goldson/Belize City International Airport, including Budget, Crystal Auto Rental, and Car One Rental Belize.

Frequently asked questions