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 an automobile 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!

chauffeur London (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with alternative party insurance and rates can vary just as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will undoubtedly 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 service 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’re 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 firms are listed alphabetically and not 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 after a long flight and 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 that 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 avoid disclosing the expense of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be around double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only real guarantee against insurance confusion is to inquire if your estimate includes the 3rd party insurance and insist on a written quotation.

Cost of Mandatory Insurance (also called Third Party or SLI)

Expect to pay between $12 and $15 daily because of this insurance, based on the make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is usually a legal condition of your rental agreement and is normally not covered by bank 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 charge 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 automobile. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to get the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of these rental agreement.

Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for a rental vehicle. Consult with your chosen rental car company to find which proof of insurance is necessary and then request that from your credit card company ahead of arriving. If you use 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 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 credit card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.