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 is the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.
THE WEB 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 alternative party insurance and rates may differ around 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will be time well spent once you calculate the savings.
Therefore the question is; which rental company offers the best balance of fair price, capable customer service and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched everything for you, so continue reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in-may – July 2013. The following companies were selected because they are the most trusted in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. The firms 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. Vacationers are typically tired after a long flight and are confronted by costs which were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees linked to the mandatory third-party insurance at the time the reservation is made.
According to Costa Rican law, every driver must 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 seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be just as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only guarantee against insurance confusion would be to inquire if your estimate includes the 3rd 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 because of this insurance, according to the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This can be a legal condition of one’s rental agreement and is generally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. sports car rental miami ‘s a fact of renting an automobile in Costa Rica.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
As the name suggests, this is not insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for harm to the rental car after the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to get their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For an additional 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 purchase the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of these rental agreement.
Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations vehicle. Consult with your chosen rental car company to get which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your own credit card company ahead of arriving. If you are using your credit card’s CDW policy, expect to pay an increased deposit on the vehicle; 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 when using CDW coverage provided by a credit card (in lieu of the rent an automobile 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.
