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 a car is the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.
The Internet 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 third party insurance and rates can vary as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will 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 support 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 are the most trusted in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. chauffeur service & rolls Royce phantom hire are listed alphabetically and not based on personal or online preferences.
Think about 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 usually tired following a long flight and then are confronted by costs which 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 the time the reservation is made.
In accordance with 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 seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be around double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only guarantee against insurance confusion would be 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, according to the make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. That is a legal condition of one’s rental agreement and is generally 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 is not 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 purchase their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For an additional fee, many agencies do offer a zero liability option where the renter will be free of paying for any harm 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 their rental agreement.
Charge card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations vehicle. Check with your chosen rental car company to get which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your own credit card company prior to arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, expect 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. It is very important consider that if using CDW coverage provided by a credit card (instead of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s charge card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.