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 is the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.
exotic car rental miami beach is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even written one yourself!
An average 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 as soon as you calculate the savings.
Therefore the question is; which rental company offers the best balance of fair price, capable customer support and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched it all for you, so keep reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in-may – July 2013. The next 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 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 usually tired after a long flight and then 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 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 avoid disclosing the price 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 3rd party insurance and insist upon 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, with regards to the make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is usually a legal condition of one’s rental agreement and is generally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It goes without saying of renting an automobile 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 an additional fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where in fact the renter will be freed from paying for any harm to the automobile. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to get the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it really is in the fine print of these rental agreement.
Charge card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations vehicle. Consult 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 are using your credit card’s CDW policy, expect to pay a higher deposit on the automobile; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The higher 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 (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.