HI

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 Internet is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer support and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even written one yourself!

A typical midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with third party insurance and rates can vary around 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant 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 support and reliable vehicles? exotic car rental miami ‘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 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 and not predicated on personal or online preferences.
Consider 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 following a long flight and are confronted by costs which 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 that 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 price 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. The only 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 known as Third Party or SLI)

Expect to pay between $12 and $15 daily because of this insurance, based on the make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. It is a legal condition of your 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 is not insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for damage to the rental car after 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 an additional fee, many agencies do offer 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 get the zero liability coverage; however, it really is entirely optional, unless it really is in the fine print of these rental agreement.

Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations vehicle. Check 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 use your credit card’s CDW policy, expect to pay an increased deposit on the vehicle; 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 provided by a credit card (instead 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.