Want To Step Up Your BEST CAR RENTAL You Need To Read This First

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 may be 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!

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 an instant review will 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 service and reliable vehicles? I've researched everything for you, so continue 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 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 usually tired following a long flight and then are confronted by costs that 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 the time the reservation is made.

In accordance with Costa Rican law, every driver is required to carry liability coverage to insure against injuries to third parties. Car rental companies generally refrain from disclosing the expense of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be as much as 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 on a written quotation.

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

Be prepared to pay between $12 and $15 daily because of this insurance, based on the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is a legal condition of one's rental agreement and is normally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It's a fact 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 following the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). rent a car otopeni no credit card 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 in fact the renter will be free of paying for any harm to the car. 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 their rental agreement.

Charge 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 needed and then request that from your own credit card company prior to 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 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 (instead 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.