Guide to Car Rental Organizations in Costa Rica
Car rental is really a hot subject for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Current research performed by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) indicates that, immediately after accommodations, renting a automobile may be the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day trip.
The web is buzzing with damaging reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You might have even written 1 oneself!
A common midsize (3 - 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs among $58 and $65 everyday with third celebration insurance coverage and prices can differ as much as 20 percent among car rental firms, so reading a rapid assessment will likely be time effectively spent after you calculate the savings. 
So the query is; which rental firm presents the most beneficial balance of fair price tag, capable buyer service and trustworthy vehicles? I've researched it all for you personally, so keep reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in May - July 2013. The following corporations were chosen since they may be one of the most extensively made use of in Costa Rica. Some are neighborhood providers; other individuals are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons contain: buyer service, pricing and also the reservation method. The providers are listed alphabetically and not based on personal or on the net preferences.
Look at this info before renting:
Insurance coverage
Among the greatest causes for complaints is in the stack of unforeseen charges presented to the renter as soon as standing in the rental company's counter. Vacationers are generally tired immediately after a lengthy flight after which are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances will be the non-disclosure of fees associated together with the mandatory third-party insurance coverage in the time the reservation is made.
According to Costa Rican law, every single driver is needed to carry liability coverage to insure against injuries to third parties. Car rental providers generally refrain from disclosing the price of this policy in the quoted rental price to appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance coverage can sometimes be as significantly as double the vehicle's rental cost. The only guarantee against insurance coverage confusion will be to inquire in case your estimate consists of the third celebration insurance coverage and insist on a written quotation.
Expense of Mandatory Insurance (also referred to as Third Party or SLI)
Expect to spend amongst $12 and $15 everyday for this insurance, according to the make and model of the rented car and the rental automobile agency. This is a legal situation of one's rental agreement and is usually not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It really is a fact of renting a automobile in Costa Rica.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Because the name suggests, this isn't insurance coverage, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for damage for the rental auto just after the deductible is paid (normally from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies call for renters to buy their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card plan.
For an added charge, several agencies do provide a zero liability option where the renter will likely be freed from paying for any damage towards the auto. Some firms may put stress upon renters to buy the zero liability coverage; however, it really is totally optional, unless it really is within the fine print of their rental agreement.
Bank card insurance applications may possibly cover the CDW for any rental car. Verify along with your selected rental automobile company to find which proof of insurance coverage is required then request that out of your credit card enterprise before arriving. In the event you use your credit card's CDW policy, count on to spend a larger deposit around the car; about $1,500 to $2000 is popular. 
The higher deposit ensures that the credit card holder has sufficient monetary reserves to cover damages if needed. It truly is important to think about that if making use of CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (in lieu in the rent a automobile operator), all damages will probably be billed to the renter's credit card. The credit card company will then reimburse the card holder for damages.
Far more Insurance coverage
Tires and windshields are rarely integrated in insurance coverage policies, even though extra policies might be taken out for covering these regularly broken things. Neither the interior nor the underneath with the car could be covered. Usually study the fine print.
Typical Process
Your credit card is going to be charged, or a 'hold' placed, for the rental car during the time in the rental agreement; i.e. from selecting up the rental till you return it. Debit cards are typically not acceptable.
Added Charges
Most firms have surcharges for more drivers, vehicle seats/boosters, cell phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs vary from corporation to enterprise, but because these extras are billed at a each day price, it is worth checking the total cost -- added choices can add up really promptly! A GPS is about $8 to $10 per day; having said that, some operators may well give discounted units.
Anticipate to pay around $5 daily to get a kid seat in addition to a couple of dollars per day for all of the other 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for supplying the majority of these alternatives and, in the course of some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Price range, Hertz and National charge essentially the most for such more solutions; whereas the other providers listed, charge extra reasonable prices.
Find out far more information Vamos Rent-A-Car