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 Internet 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 can vary 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 it all for you, so keep reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in May - July 2013. The next companies were selected because they are the most trusted in Costa Rica. luxury car hire are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. The companies 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 typically tired following 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 linked to 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 expense 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 would be 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 for this insurance, with regards to the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is the 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 is not insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for damage to the rental car after 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 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 is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of their rental agreement.
Charge card insurance programs may cover the CDW for a rental vehicle. Consult with your chosen rental car company to get which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your own 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 bigger deposit ensures that the credit card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. It is very important consider that when using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (in lieu of the rent a car operator), all damages will undoubtedly be billed to the renter's charge card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.