"My time's constrained... how do I choose?"

Car or truck rental is really a very hot topic for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Latest exploration done by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) signifies that, immediately after lodging, renting a vehicle is the biggest price, averaging $702 for an eleven-working day vacation.

The online world is buzzing with destructive critiques talking about overcharging, lousy customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You might have even published a person your self!

A normal midsize (3 - 4 Grown ups) 4X4 rental operates between $58 and $sixty five day-to-day with 3rd party insurance coverage and fees could vary as much as 20 % between vehicle rental organizations, so studying a quick assessment will probably be time well used as soon as you compute the price savings.

And so the dilemma is; which rental company gives the most effective balance of honest price, capable customer support and trusted vehicles? I have researched it all for you, so keep reading!

Disclosure: This investigation was carried out in May possibly - July 2013. The next organizations were chosen since they are definitely the most generally used in Costa Rica. Some are community organizations; others are Global franchises of recognized model names. Comparisons contain: customer care, pricing along with the reservation procedure. The businesses are outlined alphabetically instead of depending on own or on the web preferences.
Think about this information and facts just before renting:

Insurance policies

Certainly one of the most important triggers for problems is from your stack of unexpected expenses introduced for the renter once standing with the rental company's counter. Vacationers are generally exhausted following a extended flight after which you can are confronted by charges that were not anticipated, stated or budgeted.

Topping the list of grievances is definitely the non-disclosure of costs associated with the obligatory 3rd-get together insurance at enough time the reservation is made.

In line with Costa Rican regulation, each and every driver is required to carry legal responsibility coverage to insure from injuries to 3rd parties. Car or truck rental businesses generally chorus from disclosing the cost of this coverage during the quoted rental fee to appear far more aggressive. Necessary 3rd-celebration insurance plan can occasionally be up to double the auto's rental Expense. The only real assure from insurance coverage confusion will be to inquire In case your estimate incorporates the 3rd party insurance plan and insist over a penned quotation.

Cost of Obligatory Coverage (also called 3rd party or SLI)

Expect to pay for between $12 and $fifteen everyday for this insurance plan, based on the make and product of the rented motor vehicle as well as rental automobile company. This can be a authorized ailment of your respective rental agreement and is usually not included by credit cards and can't be waived. It's a simple fact of leasing a car in Costa Rica.

Collision Hurt Waiver (CDW)

Given that the name indicates, this is not coverage, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for damage to the rental car or truck once the deductible is compensated (ordinarily from $750 to $one,500). Some companies demand renters to invest in their CDW policy; therefore negating any credit card system. For yet another charge, quite a few agencies do give you a zero legal responsibility alternative wherever the renter will probably be freed from purchasing any harm to the car. Some corporations may put stress upon renters to acquire the zero legal responsibility protection; however, it really is fully optional, Except it is inside the wonderful print in their rental settlement.

Credit card insurance policy systems may possibly include the CDW for the rental automobile. Check with your preferred rental vehicle corporation to uncover which evidence of insurance coverage is needed after which request that from the bank card corporation ahead of arriving. If you use your credit card's CDW coverage, assume to pay a greater deposit within the motor vehicle; all over $one,five hundred to $2000 is prevalent. The upper deposit makes certain that the charge card holder has sufficient economic reserves to protect damages if essential. It is crucial to look at that if using CDW coverage furnished by a charge card (in lieu of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will likely be billed for the renter's bank card. The charge card corporation will then reimburse the cardboard holder for damages.

Additional Insurance policies

Tires and windshields are hardly ever A part of coverage procedures, although more insurance policies might be taken out for covering these often harmed merchandise. Neither the inside nor the beneath on the car or truck may very well be covered. Constantly read the great print.

Conventional Treatment

Your credit card will be charged, or perhaps a 'hold' put, for that rental motor vehicle over the time with the rental settlement; i.e. from finding up the rental until eventually you come back it. Debit cards are typically not satisfactory.

Additional Fees

Most businesses have surcharges For extra motorists, automobile seats/boosters, cellular phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The prices differ from organization to business, but because these extras are billed at a day by day amount, it truly is well worth checking the full Charge -- further alternatives can include up in a short time! A GPS is all over $eight to $10 each day; however, some operators may perhaps offer you discounted units. Anticipate to pay for all over $5 every day for a child seat and some bucks per day for all another 'niceties'. Vamos is noteworthy for presenting These types of alternatives and, throughout some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Budget, Hertz and Countrywide cost probably the most for such supplemental possibilities; whereas the other corporations shown, charge extra acceptable charges.

Surcharges

Most businesses increase smaller incremental expenditures, for example license plate and environmental costs, into the total tally. Be cautious of operators who insert these more expenses to the little print of the rental deal. Autos rented direct for the airport incur airport taxes, that happen to be a whopping 12% of your rental Price tag!

The rental motor vehicle ought to be returned With all the similar amount of gasoline, unless usually indicated. Otherwise, firms might demand previously mentioned gas station premiums for missing fuel.

Cars

There exists a debate about the autos supplied by rental organizations: Older autos permit the motive force to blend in more than a shiny, new auto. Having an more mature model may perhaps hold the oblique advantage of becoming fewer scrutinized by automobile rental agencies for modern nicks and scratches, in contrast to a more recent motor vehicle. Nevertheless, a more recent automobile may be additional roadworthy. This debate carries on into different car can make and models. Commonly, Costa Rican firms can easily rent their cars for any lessen charge for the reason that their automobiles are generally 3 to 5 years previous (vs . two to a few). On the net critiques would advise that the regional firms don't have any extra grievances about automobile high-quality than transnational franchises; analysis on boards, such as TripAdvisor.com, looks to point that consumers commonly appreciate driving a considerably less-than-new auto with the wilds of Costa Rica. The explanations are plenty, from road ailments to the notion of fewer-then-new automobiles Mixing in improved -- a more moderen car or truck may draw additional unwanted focus.

The possibilities of rental cars in Costa Rica are largely restricted to makes and versions that preserve a aggressive resale benefit, are a common model in the nation, and so are reasonably priced to maintain. As a result a hire-a-car operator's fleet have a tendency to not be as numerous as the United States. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay makes of most rental fleets.

Sometimes, drivers are charged for meant 'damages' into the car upon return. After acquiring the vehicle, renters need to meticulously look for pre-present flaws and compare it With all the car or truck inspection doc employed by the rental vehicle consultant. Some renters propose photographing or videoing the car or truck from all angles, to avoid any disagreement in between pre-current and not long ago weakened products.

Pricing

Automobile rentals in Costa Rica are pricier when compared to other nations around the world. Duties on vehicles are large (up to fifty% in their benefit!), parts are costlier and unforgiving road situations lead to better have on and tear, generating greater upkeep expenditures.

The rule is you can get what you pay for -- there are actually other options than These rental businesses detailed listed here, but they're not stated for a very good reason. They merely fail to supply simple customer support and/or an acceptable car or truck ailment demanded for a (nearly) difficulty-totally free trip.

When comparing rental automobile fees, it's best to go on to the Costa Rican Internet site on the rental car or truck enterprise, rather then trying to use their Global structure or an middleman (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For a similar cars and reservation dates, the fees made available from the respective Intercontinental vs. Costa Rican Web-sites for Alamo, Spending plan, Hertz and Thrifty differed significantly.

To avoid confusion, print out all correspondence with the motor vehicle rental company with whom you have reserved a vehicle and convey this into the rental Business While using the quotation supplied at enough time of reservation.

The next top rated ten chart ranks the companies from greatest priced to lowest and it includes the required insurance demand. From the situations of Alamo and Hertz, the determine includes their CDW payment as it is among their rental prerequisites. This rate comparison is predicated on weekly's rental of a Daihatsu Bego, in which accessible (Dollar offers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - twenty first, on the other hand in December to check out each Green and Superior Time costs. The checklist rapidly demonstrates that the price variation relies upon enormously on the corporate -- for generally precisely the same services. These prices ended up received in June/July 2013.

Rental Automobile Organizations Ranked In keeping with Selling price

September

ten. Alamo $650.96
9. Hertz $514.27
eight. Adobe $449
7. Spending budget $455
6. Countrywide $428.01
five. Thrifty $421.05
4. Service $374.forty three
three. Vamos $370.30
two. Greenback $364
1. Wild Rider $350

December

10. Alamo $650.ninety six
nine. National $597.51
eight. Hertz $566.52
7. Budget $555
six. Dollar $532
5. Thrifty $506.58
4. Provider $494.43
3. Vamos $461.thirty
2. Adobe $459
1. Wild Rider $395

Alamo ranks number 10 for equally seasons, which makes it the most expensive company. Finances, Hertz and Countrywide also level lower on the size for economical rental solutions.

Corporation Summaries

Adobe

Internet site is clear and easy to use, but pricing and perhaps the cars detailed are not similar to People offered by an office agent above the telephone. Necessary insurance coverage costs are certainly not proven with the listing of autos and rental costs, but They are really clearly exhibited on the next web page as a customer moves in the direction of booking a reservation. Mixed purchaser opinions on line. Electronic mail response is lower than 24 hrs, but might not offer all asked for data.

Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Live Chat.
ten places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance coverage: $19 everyday
Further costs: GPS $nine/day, youngster seat $5/day

Alamo

Site is evident and convenient to use, but charges differ from rates been given in excess of the phone. Obligatory insurance coverage prices usually are not specified Together with the list of autos and rental charges, but They can be clearly shown on the following website page as the customer moves in direction of making a reservation. Combined customer testimonials online. E-mail reaction is under 24 several hours.

No toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada contact number or Reside chat
fourteen offices nationwide
Required insurance coverage: $eleven.95 day-to-day, but must also get their CDW at $twelve.95 each day
Extra fees: GPS $twelve/day, baby seat $6/working day

Spending plan

Site is essential, but simple to use. Selling prices on-line vary into the quotations provided by a agent over the mobile phone and based upon if the Global or Costa Rican website is employed. Required insurance coverage charges are given combined with the listing of vehicles; nonetheless, one other charges will not be shown. Blended consumer testimonials online. E-mail reaction is much more than 24 hours.

No toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Live Chat on Costa Rican Internet site.
ten offices nationwide
Necessary insurance plan: A part of the outlined price tag
Supplemental costs: GPS $10.ninety five/working day, kid seat $12/working day (the most costly of the very best 10)

Greenback

Website is obvious and convenient to use. Price ranges quoted differ if calling through the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Required insurance fees will not be specified with the list of cars and rental rates, but they are Plainly exhibited on the following web page being a shopper moves toward a making a reservation. Mixed testimonials dubai exotic car rental on the net, but frequently receives good opinions. E mail inquiries answered in just 24 hours.

Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Dwell Chat.
three places of work nationwide
Required insurance coverage: $sixteen daily
Extra expenses: GPS $nine/working day, boy or girl seat $5/day

Hertz

Site is obvious and convenient to use. Required insurance costs aren't provided Moreover the listing of vehicles and rental charges, but They're Obviously displayed on the next website page as The shopper moves to a scheduling a reservation. Blended customer critiques on the internet. E-mail response below 24 several hours.

Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada contact number and Live Chat (although it seems to be forever offline)
seven places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance plan: $17.forty three day-to-day, but their CDW can be a prerequisite
Additional expenses: GPS $twelve/working day, boy or girl seat $two/working day

Countrywide

Site is clear and easy to use. Required coverage expenditures are certainly not presented combined with the list of automobiles and rental charges, but they are Obviously shown on the next webpage like a client moves in the direction of producing a reservation. Mixed consumer critiques on-line, but much more good than negative. Email reaction fewer than 24 several hours.

Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. Dwell Chat.
22 offices nationwide
Mandatory insurance coverage: $25 daily (the most costly of the best 10)
More prices: GPS $twelve/day, kid seat $6/working day

Company

Web page is obvious and consumer pleasant with just a slight confusion in that an online quotation is received by clicking on 'Reserve Now' rather than the 'Obtain a Quote' option. The reaction to your mobile phone inquiry was to utilize the website. Mandatory coverage expenditures are presented combined with the list of vehicles and rental rates for that lower period charges and on the 2nd site of another quotation web page. Remember is usually a remarkably advisable revenue representative that's described in lots of on-line assessments for that substantial degree of his customer care. Commonly on the web critiques are positive for Assistance. Electronic mail reaction is under 24 hours, Whilst all data requested may not be gained.

U.S.A telephone number, but not toll-no cost. No Dwell Chat.
5 places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance coverage: $fifteen day-to-day
Extra charges: GPS $five.99/working day, little one seat $2.ninety nine/day

Thrifty

Costa Rican version of the web site is unattainable to use therefore you are requested to register for your user identify and password. Obligatory insurance coverage prices will not be offered together with the list of vehicles and rental prices. A client has got to click "Protection Selections" within the U.S. website and choose the mandatory insurance plan by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional instead of a essential cost. Thrifty are likely to obtain blended testimonials online. E mail response is greater than 24 several hours.