Manual to Car or truck Rental Companies in Costa Rica

"My time's minimal... how can I choose?"

Motor vehicle rental is often a sizzling matter for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Current investigate performed via the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) indicates that, just after lodging, leasing an automobile is the biggest expenditure, averaging $702 for an eleven-working day holiday.

The net is buzzing with detrimental reviews discussing overcharging, very poor customer care and mechanical breakdowns. You could have even composed a person yourself!

An average midsize (3 - 4 Grownups) 4X4 rental runs involving $fifty eight and $sixty five each day with 3rd party insurance policy and fees can vary around 20 percent among vehicle rental organizations, so looking at a quick overview are going to be time perfectly used when you finally work out the price savings.

And so the problem is; which rental company offers the most effective stability of fair selling price, able customer service and dependable vehicles? I've investigated it all for yourself, so Continue reading!

Disclosure: This exploration was carried out in May - July 2013. The next providers were being chosen because they tend to be the most generally Employed in Costa Rica. Some are local corporations; others are international franchises of acknowledged manufacturer names. Comparisons include: customer care, pricing along with the reservation procedure. The businesses are listed alphabetically rather than according to own or on the web Tastes.
Look at this info in advance of renting:

Insurance coverage

Considered one of the largest brings about for grievances is within the stack of unexpected fees presented to your renter after standing for the rental firm's counter. Vacationers are typically weary after a extended flight after which are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, stated or budgeted.

Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees connected to the obligatory third-occasion insurance at time the reservation is manufactured.

In keeping with Costa Rican law, just about every driver is needed to carry liability coverage to insure towards accidents to 3rd events. Car rental organizations normally refrain from disclosing the expense of this policy in the quoted rental amount to seem much more aggressive. Required 3rd-party insurance policies can from time to time be approximately double the vehicle's rental Value. The only ensure against insurance coverage confusion should be to inquire When your estimate incorporates the third party insurance policies and insist over a written quotation.

Cost of Necessary Insurance policy (also called Third Party or SLI)

Be expecting to pay for involving $twelve and $15 each day for this coverage, depending on the make and product of your rented auto as well as rental vehicle agency. This is the authorized affliction of the rental agreement and is generally not coated by credit cards and can't be waived. It's a point of renting a car in Costa Rica.

Collision Hurt Waiver (CDW)

As the title suggests, this is not insurance policies, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any legal responsibility for harm to the rental automobile following the deductible is compensated (normally from $750 to $one,five hundred). Some agencies need renters to acquire their CDW plan; thus negating any credit card application. For an additional price, lots of agencies do present you with a zero legal responsibility possibility in which the renter will be freed from purchasing any damage to the vehicle. Some companies could place pressure upon renters to purchase the zero legal responsibility protection; however, it can be solely optional, Except if it truly is in the good print in their rental arrangement.

Credit card insurance policy applications may possibly address the CDW for your rental car or truck. Verify together with your picked rental vehicle company to uncover which proof of coverage is needed and then ask for that from your charge card enterprise just before arriving. Should you make use of your charge card's CDW policy, be expecting to pay an increased deposit over the vehicle; all around $1,500 to $2000 is typical. The higher deposit makes sure that the bank card holder has adequate monetary reserves to protect damages if necessary. It is important to take into consideration that if making use of CDW protection furnished by a credit card (in lieu in the lease a car operator), all damages will likely be billed to your renter's charge card. The credit card organization will then reimburse the card holder for damages.

Additional Insurance

Tires and windshields are seldom included in insurance policies insurance policies, although extra guidelines could be taken out for covering these usually destroyed goods. Neither the inside nor the beneath on the car or truck may very well be included. Always read the fine print.

Standard Procedure

Your charge card might be charged, or even a 'hold' put, with the rental auto in the time of your rental settlement; i.e. from selecting up the rental until finally you return it. Debit playing cards are commonly not satisfactory.

Extra Charges

Most providers have surcharges for additional drivers, motor vehicle seats/boosters, cell phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs differ from corporation to enterprise, but due to the fact these extras are billed in a day-to-day charge, it is worthy of examining the entire Price tag -- supplemental possibilities can add up in a short time! A GPS is close to $eight to $10 a day; even so, some operators may present discounted units. Assume to pay for about $five daily for a child seat and some pounds each day for all the opposite 'niceties'. Vamos is noteworthy for providing These types of options and, for the duration of some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Spending plan, Hertz and National charge by far the most for such added selections; Whilst one other businesses detailed, cost additional fair prices.

Surcharges

Most businesses include modest incremental expenditures, for instance license plate and environmental service fees, into the full tally. Be cautious of operators who insert these supplemental rates into the small print of the rental deal. Motor vehicles rented immediate for the airport incur airport taxes, which happen to be a whopping twelve% of your respective rental Price tag!

The rental car or truck really should be returned Along with the similar number of gas, Unless of course or else indicated. Otherwise, corporations may possibly charge above fuel station costs for missing gasoline.

Autos

There's a discussion about the autos supplied by rental providers: More mature cars allow for the driving force to blend in much more than a shiny, new auto. Getting an more mature model may perhaps hold the oblique advantage of being a lot less scrutinized by vehicle rental organizations for latest nicks and scratches, unlike a more moderen auto. Even so, a more recent automobile may very well be a lot more roadworthy. This discussion carries on into different car would make and models. Normally, Costa Rican corporations are able to rent their autos for just a reduce fee for the reason that their vehicles are usually 3 to 5 years outdated (vs . two to 3). On-line evaluations would propose the area corporations haven't any much more grievances regarding motor vehicle excellent than transnational franchises; investigate on boards, such as TripAdvisor.com, seems to point that customers frequently appreciate driving a much less-than-new car through the wilds of Costa Rica. The explanations are a good deal, from highway ailments to your notion of significantly less-then-new automobiles Mixing in improved -- a more moderen automobile might draw additional undesired focus.

The options of rental cars in Costa Rica are typically restricted to helps make and models that manage a competitive resale benefit, are a typical brand from the region, and are reasonably priced to keep up. Therefore a lease-a-motor vehicle operator's fleet are inclined never to be as varied as America. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay models of most rental fleets.

Often, motorists are charged for intended 'damages' to the motor vehicle upon return. After acquiring the automobile, renters should really meticulously check for pre-current flaws and Look at it With all the auto inspection document utilized by the rental motor vehicle representative. Some renters propose photographing or videoing the vehicle from all angles, to prevent any disagreement involving pre-present and not too long ago harmed products.

Pricing

Auto rentals in Costa Rica are pricier compared to other countries. Duties on autos are superior (as much as 50% in their value!), components are costlier and unforgiving road situations lead to increased don and tear, building bigger routine maintenance costs.

The rule is you receive Everything you pay for -- you can find other options than These rental corporations outlined right here, but they're not shown for a great cause. They simply just fall short to provide simple customer support and/or an appropriate automobile issue demanded for any (almost) trouble-no cost getaway.

When evaluating rental vehicle charges, it is best to go directly to the Costa Rican website in the rental car firm, in lieu of attempting to use their Global format or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For a similar autos and reservation dates, the prices made available from the respective Worldwide vs. Costa Rican websites for Alamo, Spending plan, Hertz and Thrifty differed significantly.

In order to avoid confusion, print out all correspondence Using the motor vehicle rental organization with whom you have got reserved a automobile and convey this to the rental Business office Using the estimate given at time of reservation.

The next major ten chart ranks the companies from California Car Shippers maximum priced to cheapest and it includes the necessary insurance plan demand. Within the circumstances of Alamo and Hertz, the determine has their CDW fee as it is one of their rental needs. This price tag comparison relies on weekly's rental of the Daihatsu Bego, wherever out there (Greenback offers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - 21st, then again in December to see each Eco-friendly and Large Period charges. The checklist rapidly demonstrates that the price variation depends greatly on the company -- for basically the same service. These prices were being received in June/July 2013.

Rental Auto Organizations Ranked According to Rate

September

ten. Alamo $650.96
nine. Hertz $514.27
8. Adobe $449
seven. Finances $455
6. National $428.01
five. Thrifty $421.05
4. Company $374.forty three
3. Vamos $370.thirty
2. Greenback $364
1. Wild Rider $350

December

ten. Alamo $650.96
9. Countrywide $597.fifty one
eight. Hertz $566.52
seven. Finances $555
6. Greenback $532
5. Thrifty $506.fifty eight
4. Assistance $494.43
three. Vamos $461.thirty
2. Adobe $459
one. Wild Rider $395

Alamo ranks amount 10 for the two seasons, making it the costliest company. Finances, Hertz and National also amount minimal on the dimensions for cost-effective rental solutions.

Organization Summaries

Adobe

Website is obvious and easy to use, but pricing and in some cases the vehicles shown are not the same as All those offered by an Office environment representative above the cell phone. Mandatory insurance policy prices aren't proven Along with the listing of vehicles and rental expenses, but They can be Evidently exhibited on the subsequent web page like a purchaser moves to scheduling a reservation. Blended customer critiques on the internet. E-mail response is under 24 hrs, but might not supply all requested details.

Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Dwell Chat.
10 offices nationwide
Mandatory insurance coverage: $19 every day
Extra costs: GPS $nine/working day, little one seat $5/working day

Alamo

Web-site is evident and convenient to use, but charges differ against offers been given about the mobile phone. Necessary insurance coverage prices are usually not presented With all the listing of cars and rental expenses, but they are Plainly shown on the subsequent website page as the customer moves toward producing a reservation. Blended client reviews on the net. Email reaction is lower than 24 hrs.

No toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number or Live chat
14 places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance plan: $11.95 each day, but should also acquire their CDW at $twelve.95 day-to-day
Supplemental expenses: GPS $twelve/working day, child seat $6/day

Finances

Web site is standard, but simple to operate. Costs on the web vary into the quotations offered by a consultant about the cellular phone and based on if the Global or Costa Rican Web page is made use of. Required insurance coverage fees are presented combined with the list of autos; even so, the opposite fees are certainly not stated. Combined buyer opinions on the net. E mail response is over 24 hours.

No toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Are living Chat on Costa Rican Web-site.
ten offices nationwide
Mandatory insurance coverage: A part of the stated selling price
Additional prices: GPS $ten.ninety five/working day, baby seat $12/working day (the most expensive of the best ten)

Greenback

Website is obvious and convenient to use. Price ranges quoted differ if calling in the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Required insurance policies charges are certainly not provided While using the list of motor vehicles and rental prices, but They can be clearly exhibited on the subsequent website page being a client moves in the direction of a earning a reservation. Combined reviews on the net, but typically gets positive opinions. Email inquiries answered in 24 several hours.

Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Live Chat.
3 places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance plan: $sixteen every day
More charges: GPS $9/day, little one seat $five/working day

Hertz

Website is obvious and simple to operate. Mandatory insurance policies expenses are certainly not specified Other than the listing of cars and rental rates, but they are Plainly shown on the next website page as The client moves toward a reserving a reservation. Combined buyer evaluations on the web. E mail response under 24 hours.

Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada telephone number and Reside Chat (even though it appears to be permanently offline)
7 places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance plan: $17.43 day by day, but their CDW is usually a prerequisite
Added expenses: GPS $12/working day, boy or girl seat $two/working day

National

Website is evident and user friendly. Mandatory coverage expenditures will not be offered combined with the list of autos and rental expenses, but they are Plainly displayed on the next web page being a consumer moves toward producing a reservation. Blended client critiques on the web, but more beneficial than unfavorable. Electronic mail response below 24 several hours.

Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada contact number. Live Chat.
22 places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance plan: $twenty five every day (the costliest of the best 10)
Extra fees: GPS $twelve/working day, kid seat $6/day

Company

Internet site is clear and user pleasant with merely a slight confusion in that an on-line quote is obtained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' and never the 'Obtain a Estimate' selection. The reaction to a cell phone inquiry was to implement the web site. Required coverage costs are given along with the listing of autos and rental fees for that very low year rates and on the second web page of the other quotation page. Remember is really a highly recommended gross sales agent who's pointed out in many on line critiques for the superior standard of his customer support. Usually online opinions are constructive for Support. Email reaction is lower than 24 several hours, although all information asked for may not be been given.

U.S.A telephone number, although not toll-free of charge. No Live Chat.
5 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance: $15 day by day
Added fees: GPS $5.99/working day, child seat $2.ninety nine/working day

Thrifty

Costa Rican Edition of the web site is impossible to implement therefore you are asked to sign-up for your user title and password. Obligatory insurance coverage expenditures aren't supplied along with the list of automobiles and rental fees. A shopper needs to click on "Protection Alternatives" to the U.S. Web-site and select the mandatory insurance policy by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional and never a essential Price tag. Thrifty tend to receive mixed critiques on the internet. E mail response is a lot more than 24 hrs.

Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Are living Chat.
four places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance plan: $19.ninety nine day-to-day
Added expenses: GPS $10/working day, boy or girl seat $five/day

Vamos

Internet site is clear and simple to use. Mandatory insurance costs are not specified alongside side the listing of cars and rental expenses, but are clearly exhibited on the next webpage as The shopper moves toward reserving a reservation. Anibal, a agent, is commonly pointed out in on-line reviews for his significant degree of customer care capabilities. Normal Manager, George Schwarzenbach is thought on Vacation Advisor for his upfront and trustworthy responses to clients' posts.

Lately, Vamos has obtained incredibly optimistic assessments on the internet. Electronic mail response is a lot less than 24 hours. Dwell Chat has instant reaction the perfect time to inquiries.

Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada contact number. Reside Chat.
three places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance plan: $eleven.95 everyday
More charges: GPS $8/day, boy or girl seat totally free

Wild Rider

Web page is obvious and simple to operate. Mandatory insurance policy expenditures are given next to the list of automobiles. Wild Rider is the sole auto rental organization in Costa Rica without seen lousy testimonials on the web. Proprietor, Thorsten, is usually praised for his effectiveness and customer support, despite the extremely restricted sources the business has at hand. Email messages receive very prompt and comprehensive responses in lower than twelve several hours.

No toll-absolutely free contact number or Are living Chat
one Business office -- no Liberia airport Business
Required insurance plan: provided
Further costs: GPS $eight/day, kid seat $five/day

Comparison Evaluation

Customer care

Vamos and Wild Rider reply immediately and competently to electronic mail or Dwell chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Nationwide, and Service reply to e-mail inquiries in less than 24 hrs, but Adobe and Service did not provide all the data requested (quite possibly a language barrier). Price range provides a free of charge phone services, but it really appears to generally be generally hectic. Hertz's Are living chat appears to get continuously offline. Over the past yr, prospects who posted to on the internet critique websites expressed a certain gratification While using the customer service provided by Assistance, Vamos and Wild Rider.

Clarity

Adobe, Alamo and Spending budget have diverse rental price ranges posted on their Internet sites than All those quoted around the telephone. Telephone rates ended up lessen than that quoted on the web site in the instances of Adobe and Alamo, but nevertheless increased in the case of Price range. Adobe also offers diverse car or truck styles in excess of the cell phone compared to their website. Intercontinental car rental corporations with both of those a Costa Rican and Intercontinental Web page show up to own pricing differences concerning The 2 web sites.

Funds and Wild Rider contain the mandatory insurance of their rental charges, but Price range states that 'other expenses' that will be introduced with the counter inside the little print on their own Site. Rental costs for motor vehicle seating had to be verified to the telephone as they don't seem to be shown around the Spending plan Internet site.

All other organizations except Thrifty (a U.S. website), Plainly display the obligatory insurance coverage Charge With all the quotation specified. Thrifty's Costa Rican Site is solely unusable.

Pricing

Services, Vamos and Wild Rider continually provide the ideal rates for equally Environmentally friendly and Higher seasons, Despite the fact that Dollar has one among the bottom Environmentally friendly season prices offered, when Adobe has a less expensive Superior period charge. Vamos offer you the most beneficial "all inclusive" rates, given that most selections are provided totally free.

Adobe, Greenback, Assistance, Thrifty and Wild Rider keep on being aggressive with their pricing of things for instance kid seats. Alamo, Hertz and Countrywide are the most costly providers to hire from as well as their more possibility costs also are costlier.

"So, what's your rental recommendation?"

All round, the Costa Rican organizations appear to trump the multi-nationals with better pricing, service and clarity.
Company provides a normally large-standard of customer support and relatively aggressive pricing at the two international airports.
Vamos can give economical scheduling and continued higher-volume of customer support with aggressive pricing, and also free of charge added alternatives at both SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider is rather very rated for a rental with obvious and economical pricing and great customer service, but These are only in San Jose.

"Now you're ready to ebook your rental car immediately after seeing how the Levels of competition compares. Great luck and content travels!"

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