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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 is 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!

An average midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with third 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 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 it all for you, so keep reading!

Disclosure: This research was conducted in May – July 2013. The following companies 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 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 then are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.

Topping the list of grievances may be the non-disclosure of fees linked to 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 appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only real 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, depending on make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. That is a legal condition of one’s 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 damage to the rental car after the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to get their CDW policy; thereby negating any charge 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 is entirely optional, unless it really is in the fine print of these rental agreement.

luxury car hire may cover the CDW for a rental vehicle. Check with your chosen rental car company to find which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your credit card company prior to arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, be prepared to pay a higher deposit on the automobile; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The bigger deposit ensures that the charge 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 then reimburse the card holder for damages.

With the high price of carrental, typically the price is sometimes no more worth typically the convenience. Sure, the rising associated with gasoline at the pump has something in order to do with substantial car rental service fees. But what most of us don’t realize is the fact that most associated with what’s inside your rentals bill is a result of concealed charges. These costs can actually contribute to half of precisely what they charge with regard to your bill.

Just about all rental car organizations won’t tell an individual this, several of those hidden expenses are optional. You save money by possessing them removed within your carrental expenses. We’ll teach you precisely what these hidden costs are, what they imply, and how you are able to talk your way from them.

3. luxury car hire in addition to surcharges is just what car rental firms charge you more for your convenience of picking up your current rental car in the airport. This kind of extra service could actually amount to 10% of the total bill. Typically the reason they ask you for more when you want your car acquired to the air-port is because involving taxes and donation fees. Rental cars companies have to shell out concession fees to the airport management every time they bring a rental towards the airport. The particular agency also provides to pay business taxes to the county for performing business on the airport terminal.

Most airports and even some rental firms have free taxi service with set routes. To eliminate this hidden fee from the car rental bill, take advantage of this free service and just include your car delivered at a spot away from the airport. That will way, the vehicle hire reduces cost and even you don’t acquire charged extra for their service.

2. Collision Damage or even Loss Damage Waiver is the more $10-$25 you have to pay each day in purchase to avoid liability for any destruction on your own rental auto, provided that destruction wasn’t caused by simply gross negligence.

Just about all car insurance policy and credit card insurance cover local rental cars as element of their regular coverage. Find out if your current insurance company covers rental cars in addition to if they do, have the Loss Damage Waiver removed. You aren’t just wasting money if you’re having to pay for collision harm on top regarding your regular insurance plan.

* Initially, petrol charges seem like the great idea. Imagine getting your rental car with a total tank. You avoid need to visit gas stations together the way and you will return the car by having an empty tank to be able to.

However, most car renters can’t completely consume a full tank of gas. You will not get a refund if you don’t use up all your gas but you could obtain penalties added upward to your costs. It’s still less expensive to gas up your own car hire you only possess to pay for that amount of gas that you might want.

* In case you drop involving your rental vehicle in a different location from where a person picked up, you may get billed which has a drop-off payment. Drop-off fees change from state to state. Some claims don’t have drop-off fees while a few have fees that can go up to $1000.

So mainly because much as possible, return your vehicle with its original pick-up point. If really not possible to go back your car back in the same place, search for drop-off places where the fee is minimal.

* Typically the early return cost is something that automobile rental agencies ask you for when you go back your automobile too early on. A car rental company can fee you $10-$15 for each day for early returns. And when which not enough, they’ll also change your current rental rates. Rather of charging a person their weekly charge, they’ll ask you for their daily rate. Not only do an individual have to pay money for your early come back fees, you have to pay for that will rate difference also. In order to save yourself from paying hundreds of dollars in fees, help to make sure you return your rental auto on the precise date stated within your policy.

Just about all of the concealed charges that carrental companies add to be able to your bill are due to charges for breaking your own rental policy. This is the reason you should go through and understand your rental policy just before signing the deal. Ask your vehicle rentals company to be sure you have everything protected in your deal. By knowing anything there is certainly to realize about your coverage, you’ll be able to avoid any penalties and keep your car rental fees at least.