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 a car is the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.
THE WEB is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service 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 alternative party insurance and rates can vary up to 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading a quick review will undoubtedly be time well spent once you calculate the savings.
So the question is; which rental company offers 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 brand names. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically and not 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. Vacationers are usually tired after a long flight and then are confronted by costs which were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees associated with the mandatory third-party insurance at the time the reservation is made.
According to Costa Rican law, every driver is required to carry liability coverage to insure against injuries to third parties. Car rental companies generally avoid disclosing the cost of this policy in the quoted rental rate to appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be around double the vehicle’s rental cost. exotic car rental miami beach against insurance confusion would be to inquire if your estimate includes the third party insurance and insist upon a written quotation.
Cost of Mandatory Insurance (also called Third Party or SLI)
Expect to pay between $12 and $15 daily for this insurance, based on the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is usually 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 a car 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 get their CDW policy; thereby negating any charge card program. For an additional fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where in fact the renter will be free of paying for any harm to the automobile. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to purchase 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 get which proof of insurance is necessary and then request that from your own credit card company ahead of arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, be prepared to pay a higher deposit on the automobile; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The bigger deposit ensures that the charge card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. It is very important consider that if using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (instead of the rent a car operator), all damages will undoubtedly be billed to the renter’s credit card. The credit card company will then reimburse the card holder for damages.