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 a car 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 might have even written one yourself!
exotic car rental miami (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with alternative party insurance and rates may differ up to 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading a quick review will 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 keep reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in May – July 2013. The following companies were selected because they’re 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 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 typically tired following a long flight and then are confronted by costs that 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 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 appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only real 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 called Third Party or SLI)
Expect to pay between $12 and $15 daily for this insurance, depending on make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is usually a legal condition of one’s rental agreement and is normally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It’s a fact of renting an automobile 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 harm to the rental car after 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 in fact the renter will be free of paying for any damage to the automobile. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to purchase the zero liability coverage; however, it 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. Consult with your chosen rental car company to get 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 very important consider that when 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 then reimburse the card holder for damages.