avionaddiction

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 may be 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 may differ up to 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading a quick review will be time well spent as soon as you calculate the savings.

So the question is; which rental company offers 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 are the most trusted 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 rather than predicated 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 usually tired following a long flight and then are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.

Topping the list 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 Costa Rican law, every driver is required to carry liability coverage to insure against injuries to third parties. Car rental companies generally refrain from disclosing the cost 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 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)

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. This is the legal condition of one’s rental agreement and is normally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It goes without saying of renting an automobile 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 after 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 yet another fee, many agencies do offer a zero liability option where in fact the renter will be free of paying for any harm to the car. luxury car hire may put pressure upon renters to purchase the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it really is in the fine print of their 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 necessary 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 an increased 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 important to consider that when using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (instead 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.