Car rental is really 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 support and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even written one yourself!
luxury car hire (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with alternative 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 supplies 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 brands. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation process. The firms are listed alphabetically and not based 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 typically tired after a long flight and then are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the set of grievances may be the non-disclosure of fees associated with 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 refrain from disclosing the expense of this policy in the quoted rental rate to appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be around 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)
Expect 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. It is a legal condition of your rental agreement and is generally 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 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 charge card program. For yet another fee, many agencies do offer a zero liability option where the renter will be free of paying for any harm to the automobile. 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 their rental agreement.
Credit 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 own credit card company ahead of arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, be prepared to pay a higher 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. It is very important consider that when using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (instead of the rent a car operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s credit card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.