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 may differ as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading a quick 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 support 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 widely used in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brands. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically rather than predicated 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 list 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 refrain from disclosing the expense of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be just as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only guarantee against insurance confusion is to inquire if your estimate includes the third party insurance and insist upon 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, according to the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is the legal condition of your rental agreement and is generally 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 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 credit card program. For an additional fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where in fact the renter will be free of paying for any harm to the car. chauffeur London may put pressure upon renters to purchase the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of these 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 credit card company prior to 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 bigger 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 undoubtedly be billed to the renter’s charge card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.