Car rental is a hot topic for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Recent research conducted by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) indicates that, after accommodations, renting an automobile may be the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.
The Internet is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer support and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even written one yourself!
An average midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with third party insurance and rates may differ up to 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will undoubtedly be time well spent as soon as you calculate the savings.
Therefore the question is; which rental company supplies the best balance of fair price, capable customer service and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched it all for you, so continue reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in May – July 2013. The next companies were selected because they’re the most widely used in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brands. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically rather than predicated on personal or online preferences.
Think about this information before renting:
Insurance
One of the biggest causes for complaints is from the stack of unforeseen charges presented to the renter once standing at the rental company’s counter. London luxury car hire are usually tired after a long flight and are confronted by costs which were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances may be the non-disclosure of fees linked to the mandatory third-party insurance at that time the reservation is made.
In accordance with Costa Rican law, every driver must carry liability coverage to insure against injuries to third parties. Car rental companies generally avoid disclosing the price of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be just as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only real guarantee against insurance confusion would be to inquire if your estimate includes the third party insurance and insist on a written quotation.
Cost of Mandatory Insurance (also called Third Party or SLI)
Be prepared to pay between $12 and $15 daily for this insurance, with respect to the make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is a legal condition of one’s rental agreement and is normally not covered by bank cards and cannot be waived. It’s a fact of renting an automobile in Costa Rica.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
As the name suggests, this isn’t insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for harm to the rental car following the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to purchase their CDW policy; thereby negating any charge card program. For yet another fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where the renter will be free of paying for any damage to the car. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to get the zero liability coverage; however, it really is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of their rental agreement.
Charge card insurance programs may cover the CDW for a rental vehicle. Consult with your chosen rental car company to find which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your own credit card company ahead of arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, expect to pay an increased deposit on the automobile; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The higher deposit ensures that the charge card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. You should consider that if using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (in lieu of the rent a car operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s charge card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.