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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 might 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 just as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading a quick review will undoubtedly 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 everything for you, so keep 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 brands. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation process. The companies 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 following a long flight and then are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.

Topping the set 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. lamborghini rental miami refrain from 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 real guarantee against insurance confusion would be to inquire if your estimate includes the third 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, based on the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is a legal condition of one’s rental agreement and is normally not covered by bank cards and cannot be waived. It’s a fact 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 yet another fee, many agencies do offer a zero liability option where in fact 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 really 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 a higher deposit on the automobile; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The bigger deposit ensures that the credit card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. You should consider that if using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (in lieu of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s credit card. The credit card company will then reimburse the card holder for damages.