OMG The Best BEST CAR RENTAL Ever
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 an automobile 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 may have even written one yourself!
An average midsize (3 - 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with alternative party insurance and rates can vary around 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading a quick review will be time well spent once 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 continue reading!
Disclosure: This research was conducted in-may - July 2013. rent a car bucharest airport 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 support, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically and not 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 then are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the set of grievances may be the non-disclosure of fees linked to the mandatory third-party insurance at that 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 refrain from disclosing the price 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 would be to inquire if your estimate includes the 3rd 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, depending on the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. That is a legal condition of your rental agreement and is normally 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 isn't insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for harm to the rental car following the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to get their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For yet another fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where the renter will be freed from paying for any damage to the automobile. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to purchase the zero liability coverage; however, it really is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of these rental agreement.
Charge card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations vehicle. Consult with your chosen rental car company to find which proof of insurance is necessary and then request that from your own credit card company prior to arriving. If you are using your credit card's CDW policy, be prepared to pay an increased deposit on the vehicle; 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. It is very important consider that when using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (in lieu of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will be billed to the renter's charge card. The credit card company will then reimburse the card holder for damages.
