Need More Time? Read These Tips To Eliminate BEST CAR RENTAL
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 WEB is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer support and mechanical breakdowns. You might have even written one yourself!
weeding car hire (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.
Therefore the question is; which rental company offers 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’re the most trusted in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically rather than based 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 typically tired following a long flight and are confronted by costs that 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.
According to 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 appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be up to double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only 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 known as Third Party or SLI)
Expect to pay between $12 and $15 daily because of this insurance, with regards to the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is a legal condition of your rental agreement and is generally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It goes without saying 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 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 an additional fee, many agencies do provide 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 get 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 a rental vehicle. Consult with your chosen rental car company to get which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your 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 higher deposit ensures that the credit card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. You should consider that if 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.