“My time’s constrained… how do I choose? “
Auto rental is actually a very hot topic for visitors headed to Costa Rica. Recent research performed by the Puerto Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) signifies that, after hotels, renting an auto is the most significant expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.
The World wide web is buzzing using negative reviews talking about overcharging, poor customer service and physical breakdowns. You may possibly have even published one yourself!
A typical midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental works between $58 plus $65 daily with third party insurance coverage and rates can vary just as much as thirty percent among car rental companies, so studying a quick critique will probably be time properly spent once an individual calculate the personal savings.
So the question is; which rental company offers typically the best balance involving fair price, in a position customer service and trusted vehicles? I’ve searched all this for a person, so keep reading!
Disclosure: This research had been conducted in-may — July 2013. The following companies have been selected because they will are probably the most broadly used in Costa Rica. Some are regional companies; others are international franchises associated with recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer service, prices and the reservation process. The service providers are listed in an alphabetical order and never based on personal or on-line preferences.
Consider this to be information before renting:
Insurance
One of typically the biggest causes for complaints is from the stack regarding unforeseen charges presented to the renter once standing in the rental carrier’s counter. Vacationers are typically tired after a long flight then are confronted by costs that were certainly not anticipated, explained or perhaps budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees linked to the mandatory third-party insurance policy at the period the reservation is made.
According to Costa Rican rules, every driver is definitely required to hold liability coverage to insure against accidental injuries to 3rd parties. Automobile rental companies normally refrain from exposing the cost of this policy throughout the quoted rental rate to show up more competitive. Essential third-party insurance can certainly sometimes be around double the vehicle’s rental cost. The sole guarantee against insurance coverage confusion is to be able to inquire if your estimate includes the particular third party insurance plan and insist upon a written offer.
Price of Mandatory Insurance coverage (also called 3 rd Party or SLI)
OBX jeep rentals
Expect to pay between $12 plus $15 daily with this insurance, depending upon the make and model associated with the rented automobile and the leasing car agency. This particular is a legal current condition of your leasing agreement and is definitely generally not protected by credit credit cards and cannot be waived. It’s a fact regarding renting an automobile inside Costa Rica.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
As the name suggests, this isn’t insurance, but the waiver, which relieves the renter through any liability regarding damage to the rental car right after the deductible will be paid (usually by $750 to $1, 500). Some companies require renters to purchase their CDW policy; thereby killing any credit card program. For an additional fee, numerous agencies do offer a zero liability choice where the tenant will be separated from purchasing virtually any damage to the vehicle. Some companies may possibly put pressure after renters to buy the zero responsibility coverage; however , it is entirely recommended, unless it will be in the fine printing of their hire agreement.
Credit card insurance programs may possibly cover the CDW for any rental car. Consult with your chosen rental car business to find which often proof of insurance will be needed and then demand that from your credit score card company just before arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, anticipate to pay a greater deposit on the vehicle; around $1, 500 to $2000 frequently occurs. The larger deposit ensures that the credit card holder has enough economic reserves to cover damages if needed. You should consider that if using CDW coverage given by a new credit card (in lieu of the rent an auto operator), all damages may be billed to the renter’s credit cards. The credit card company will then pay the card owner for damages.
A lot more Insurance
Tires in addition to windshields are seldom contained in insurance procedures, although additional guidelines may be taken away for covering these frequently damaged items. Neither the internal nor the under with the vehicle may possibly be covered. Usually read the good print.
Standard Method
Your credit greeting card will be billed, or possibly a ‘hold’ positioned, for your rental motor vehicle might be the lease agreement; i. at the. from picking finished the rental until you return that. Debit cards will be generally not satisfactory.
Additional Charges
Most companies have surcharges for extra drivers, car seats/boosters, cell phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The fees vary from business to business, but since these types of extras are invoiced at the daily rate, it is worth examining the total cost — additional alternatives can add upwards very quickly! Some sort of GPS is about $8 to $12 per day; yet , some operators may offer discounted units. Expect to pay around $5 every day for a child seat and some dollars some sort of day for all the various other ‘niceties’. Vamos is definitely notable for offering most of these types of options and, during some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Price range, Hertz and National charge by far the most regarding such additional alternatives; whereas another companies listed, charge a lot more reasonable prices.
Surcharges
Most companies include small incremental charges, such as license plate and environmental charges, in to the total tally. Be suspicious of operators who insert these additional charges directly into the fine print of the rental contract. Vehicles rented immediate at the airport terminal incur airport fees, that are a whopping 12% of the local rental cost!
The leasing vehicle ought to be came back with the same amount of fuel, unless or else indicated. If not really, companies may demand above gas place rates for lacking fuel.
Vehicles
Now there is a debate over the cars given by rental firms: Older cars permit the driver to be able to blend in more than a shiny, new automobile. Having an old model might have typically the indirect advantage of getting less scrutinized simply by car rental agencies for recent grazes and scratches, contrary to a newer vehicle. However , a newer vehicle could possibly be a lot more roadworthy. This controversy carries on into the different vehicle models and makes. Generally, Costa Rican firms are in a position to rent their own vehicles for a reduce rate because their cars are normally 3 to five many years old (versus two to three). On the web reviews would suggest that the local organizations have no even more complaints concerning motor vehicle quality than transnational franchises; research on forums, such as TripAdvisor. com, appears to indicate that customers frequently love driving a less-than-new vehicle through typically the wilds of Playa Rica. The reason why are a lot, from road disorders for the notion of less-then-new vehicles mixing up in better — a more recent vehicle might draw more unwanted attention.
The options of rental cars inside of Costa Rica are mainly limited to makes and models of which maintain a competitive resale value, are a common brand in the united states, and are affordable to keep up. As such a rent-a-car operator’s fleet usually do not end up being as diverse seeing that the United Says. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay brands of most lease fleets.
Sometimes, individuals are charged with regard to supposed ‘damages’ to be able to the vehicle on return. Once obtaining the vehicle, renters should meticulously check intended for pre-existing flaws plus compare it with the vehicle examination document utilized by the rental car consultant. Some renters recommend photographing or videoing the vehicle coming from all angles, to avoid any difference between pre-existing in addition to recently damaged products.
Pricing
Rental car on Costa Rica are really pricier compared to other countries. Obligations on vehicles are usually high (as a lot as 50% associated with their value! ), parts are more expensive and unforgiving road conditions lead to increased wear and split, generating higher maintenance costs.
The concept is you get what you pay for — there are other choices than those local rental companies listed right here, but are not shown for any good purpose. They simply do not offer basic customer satisfaction and/or a suited vehicle condition necessary for a (nearly) trouble-free vacation.
When comparing rental vehicle charges, it is certainly best to move directly to the BahÃa Rican website regarding the car hire firm, rather than wanting to use their cosmopolitan format or the intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, ou al. ). For the same vehicles and booking dates, the rates proposed by the individual international vs. Playa Rican websites intended for Alamo, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty differed substantially.
