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 WEB is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You might have even written one yourself!
A typical midsize (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 a quick review will be time well spent once you calculate the savings.
Therefore exotic car rentals miami is; which rental company offers the best balance of fair price, capable customer service 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’re the most widely used in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. The firms are listed alphabetically rather than 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 list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees associated with the mandatory third-party insurance at that 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 avoid disclosing the expense of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can often be around double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only guarantee against insurance confusion would be to inquire if your estimate includes the 3rd party insurance and insist upon 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, with respect 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 normally not covered by bank 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 damage 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 an additional fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where the renter will be freed from paying for any harm to the automobile. 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.
Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations 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 use your credit card’s CDW policy, be prepared to pay an increased 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 provided by a credit card (in lieu of the rent a car operator), all damages will undoubtedly be billed to the renter’s credit card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.
