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 might have even written one yourself!
A typical midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with alternative party insurance and rates can vary 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 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 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 firms are listed alphabetically rather than based on personal or online preferences.
Consider chauffeur service & rolls Royce phantom hire 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 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 associated with the mandatory third-party insurance at that 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 refrain from disclosing the price of this policy in the quoted rental rate to appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be just as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only real guarantee against insurance confusion is 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 a legal condition of your rental agreement and is normally not covered by credit 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 get their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For yet another fee, many agencies do offer a zero liability option where in fact the renter will be freed from paying for any harm to the car. 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.
Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for a rental vehicle. Check with your chosen rental car company to get which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your 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 bigger deposit ensures that the credit card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. It is important to consider that when using CDW coverage supplied 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.