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 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 can vary just as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will undoubtedly be time well spent once you calculate the savings.
Therefore the question is; which rental company supplies the best balance of fair price, capable customer support and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched it all for you, so continue reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in-may – July 2013. The following companies were selected because they are 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 rather than based on personal or online preferences.
Think about this information before renting:
Insurance
One of the primary 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 are confronted by costs which were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances may be 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 price of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only 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 because of this insurance, with respect to the make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. London luxury car hire is a legal condition of your rental agreement and is normally not covered by bank cards and cannot be waived. It goes without saying 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 damage 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 in fact the renter will be free of paying for any damage to the automobile. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to get the zero liability coverage; however, it 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 necessary and then request that from your credit card company prior to 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 important to consider that if using CDW coverage provided by a credit card (in lieu of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s credit card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.