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 is 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 may have even written one yourself!
A typical midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with third party insurance and rates may differ as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will be time well spent once you calculate the savings.
Therefore the question is; which rental company supplies the best balance of fair price, capable customer support and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched it all for you, so continue reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in May – July 2013. The following companies were selected because they’re the most widely used in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. The firms 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 typically tired following a long flight and then are confronted by costs which were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the set of grievances may be the non-disclosure of fees linked to the mandatory third-party insurance at the time the reservation is made.
According to weeding car hire , 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 appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be up to 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 known as Third Party or SLI)
Be prepared to pay between $12 and $15 daily because of this insurance, with regards 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 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 harm to the rental car following the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to purchase their CDW policy; thereby negating any charge card program. For an additional fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where the renter will be freed from paying for any damage to the car. 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.
Charge card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations vehicle. Check with your chosen rental car company to find which proof of insurance is necessary and then request that from your own credit card company prior to arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, be prepared to pay an increased deposit on the vehicle; 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. You should consider that if using CDW coverage provided by a credit card (in lieu of the rent an automobile 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.