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I used to sell insurance and this is exactly what I would tell my clients:
The coverages that you must have are liability, comprehensive and collision. That way the car and anyone injured by the car are both covered. The only thing that I am not sure about is the liability transfer to Mexico. I have done them for Canada, and I know that it didnt cost anything extra, just a rider on the policy was needed. But I would check with your agent for that, you most likely need some sort of insurance card for the car.
If you are thinking of letting your coverages transfer, keep this in mind--most insurance companies will cover a rented car but there are some exclusions. For example, only the coverages on your policy will transfer, so if you have liability only, you will need to purchase the comprehensive and collision coverages from the rental company. Also, if the rental car is in your name only, then you are the only covered driver. Your insurance may not pay out if a friend is driving at the time of an accident. And their insurance (if they have it) may not cover a loss if they are not on the rental contract.
My advise is to call your credit card company. Many of them (I know American Express Business Card does) will provide you with rental insurance as long as you use that card to purchase the car. That is what I do. However, you must be on the rental contract and you must be driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
The one upside to purchasing the insurance from the rental car co. is that if you do have an accident, you just return the car and let them deal with it. Otherwise, if the rental car is in an accident, the rental company has their car fixed at a body shop of THEIR choosing and then bills your credit card--whether it is your fault or not. It is then your responsibilty to get reimbursed from your insurance company AND you will most likely be surcharged for the accident for the next three years for a car that you will never see again. Oh, and any interest that accumulates while you are having the claim settled, is your responsibility--insurance will not reimburse for that.
Sorry, this is probably more info then you were asking for, but I hope that it helps.
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