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 an automobile may be the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.
THE WEB is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service 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 may differ 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.
So the question is; which rental company supplies the best balance of fair price, capable customer service and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched everything for you, so continue reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in May – July 2013. The next companies were selected because they are the most trusted in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation process. The firms are listed alphabetically rather than based on personal or online preferences.
Think about 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 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 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 avoid disclosing the expense 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 on 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, depending on make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is a 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 is not 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 get their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For yet another fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where the renter will be freed from paying for any damage 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 a rental vehicle. Check 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 use 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 charge card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. It is very important consider that if using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (instead of the rent a car operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s charge card. miami supercar rental will reimburse the card holder for damages.