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 service and mechanical breakdowns. You might 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 just as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will be time well spent as soon as you calculate the savings.
So the question is; which rental company supplies the best balance of fair price, capable customer service and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched everything for you, so keep 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 service, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically rather than based on personal or online preferences.
Consider 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 that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the set of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees linked to the mandatory third-party insurance at the time the reservation is made.
In accordance with 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 price of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be 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 3rd 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, depending on the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is usually a legal condition of your rental agreement and is generally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It’s a fact of renting an automobile in Costa Rica.
chauffeur service & rolls Royce phantom hire (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 credit card program. For an additional fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where the renter will be freed from paying for any damage to the automobile. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to purchase the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it really is in the fine print of their rental agreement.
Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations 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 are using your credit card’s CDW policy, be prepared to pay a higher deposit on the automobile; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The higher deposit ensures that the credit card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. It is important to consider that if using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (instead of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will undoubtedly be billed to the renter’s credit card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.