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

Car rental is actually a sizzling subject for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Modern exploration executed via the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) implies that, after accommodations, renting a vehicle is the biggest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day holiday.

The net is buzzing with adverse testimonials speaking about overcharging, weak customer care and mechanical breakdowns. You could have even penned a person yourself!

A typical midsize (3 - four Older people) 4X4 rental operates in between $58 and $65 daily with third party insurance and rates can vary as much as twenty p.c among the car or truck rental corporations, so looking through a quick assessment will likely be time effectively expended as soon as you compute the personal savings.

Hence the issue is; which rental organization gives the very best balance of fair rate, able customer support and trustworthy automobiles? I've researched everything in your case, so Continue reading!

Disclosure: This investigate was executed in May well - July 2013. The next businesses had been selected because they are the most generally Utilized in Costa Rica. Some are neighborhood businesses; others are Intercontinental franchises of identified manufacturer names. Comparisons include things like: customer support, pricing and also the reservation process. The businesses are stated alphabetically rather than depending on individual or on line preferences.
Consider this information and facts before leasing:

Insurance plan

Amongst the most important brings about for complaints is within the stack of unexpected expenses presented into the renter the moment standing for the rental firm's counter. Vacationers are usually tired after a lengthy flight after which you can are confronted by fees which were not predicted, discussed or budgeted.

Topping the list of grievances may be the non-disclosure of fees related to the mandatory 3rd-occasion insurance plan at enough time the reservation is created.

In accordance with Costa Rican law, each driver is required to hold legal responsibility coverage to insure against accidents to 3rd functions. Automobile rental businesses usually refrain from disclosing the expense of this coverage inside the quoted rental price to appear extra aggressive. Necessary 3rd-get together insurance can from time to time be approximately double the auto's rental Value. The only assurance towards coverage confusion will be to inquire In case your estimate features the third party insurance and demand on a published quotation.

Cost of Mandatory Coverage (also referred to as 3rd party or SLI)

Count on to pay for among $12 and $fifteen every day for this coverage, with regards to the make and model with the rented car as well as rental automobile company. This can be a lawful problem of one's rental settlement and is usually not included by credit cards and can't be waived. It's a actuality of renting an auto in Costa Rica.

Collision Injury Waiver (CDW)

Given that the title implies, this isn't coverage, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any legal responsibility for damage to the rental auto after the deductible is paid (typically from $750 to $one,five hundred). Some agencies demand renters to invest in their CDW coverage; thus negating any credit card method. For an additional price, many businesses do present you with a zero liability solution exactly where the renter is going to be freed from paying for any harm to the car. Some firms might set stress on renters to buy the zero legal responsibility protection; even so, it's fully optional, unless it truly is in the fantastic print in their rental settlement.

Charge card insurance coverage packages may perhaps include the CDW for the rental auto. Verify with the chosen rental automobile corporation to find which proof of insurance policies is necessary and after that request that from a credit card organization prior to arriving. Should you make use of your charge card's CDW policy, count on to pay for the next deposit on the automobile; all around $one,500 to $2000 is typical. The upper deposit makes certain that the charge card holder has sufficient fiscal reserves to deal with damages if needed. It is vital to think about that if making use of CDW protection furnished by a credit card (in lieu on the hire a car or truck operator), all damages will be billed for the renter's bank card. The charge card company will then reimburse the card holder for damages.

Far more Coverage

Tires and windshields are rarely included in insurance policy insurance policies, Whilst more insurance policies may be taken out for covering these regularly destroyed goods. Neither the inside nor the beneath of the automobile could be lined. Generally browse the fine print.

Regular Method

Your bank card might be billed, or perhaps a 'keep' put, with the rental car through the time in the rental arrangement; i.e. from finding up the rental until eventually you come back it. Debit playing cards are generally not acceptable.

Extra Costs

Most businesses have surcharges For extra drivers, automobile seats/boosters, mobile phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs vary from corporation to enterprise, but considering the fact that these extras are billed in a daily rate, it's really worth checking the total Price -- supplemental options can incorporate up very quickly! A GPS is all around $8 to $10 every day; even so, some operators may well present discounted models. Be expecting to pay for all over $five day-to-day for a kid seat and a few dollars each day for all another 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for providing The majority of these alternatives and, in the course of some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Price range, Hertz and Nationwide cost essentially the most for this sort of further possibilities; While the opposite organizations detailed, charge much more affordable costs.

Surcharges

Most businesses include little incremental costs, such as license plate and environmental fees, into the total tally. Be wary of operators who insert these extra charges into the tiny print on the rental agreement. Autos rented direct at the airport incur airport taxes, which are a whopping twelve% within your rental Price tag!

The rental car or truck really should be returned Along with the very same volume of gas, Except if or else indicated. If not, organizations might charge previously mentioned gas station rates for lacking gasoline.

Autos

There exists a debate above the vehicles equipped by rental corporations: More mature vehicles permit the driver to Mix in a lot more than a shiny, new automobile. Getting an more mature design could provide the oblique benefit of being fewer scrutinized by car or truck rental businesses for latest nicks and scratches, unlike a more recent motor vehicle. Nonetheless, a newer auto could possibly be a lot more roadworthy. This debate carries on into the several automobile makes and products. Normally, Costa Rican firms will be able to hire their cars for any reduce rate for the reason that their cars and trucks are usually three to 5 years aged (as opposed to two to three). On the internet assessments would recommend that the local firms have no far more grievances regarding car quality than transnational franchises; exploration on community forums, such as TripAdvisor.com, would seem to indicate that prospects usually value driving a fewer-than-new automobile through the wilds of Costa Rica. The explanations are a lot, from highway situations to the Idea of much less-then-new cars blending in improved -- a more recent automobile may attract much more unwelcome focus.

The decisions of rental automobiles in Costa Rica are mostly restricted to tends to make and products that sustain a aggressive resale worth, are a standard brand name in the place, and therefore are reasonably priced to keep up. As such a hire-a-auto operator's fleet tend to not be as numerous as The us. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai represent the mainstay manufacturers of most rental fleets.

Sometimes, motorists are charged for meant 'damages' towards the car or truck upon return. The moment receiving the car or truck, renters ought to meticulously look for pre-existing flaws and Review it With all the vehicle inspection doc utilized by the rental car consultant. Some renters counsel photographing or videoing the automobile from all angles, to stay away from any disagreement among pre-present and not too long ago weakened objects.

Pricing

Vehicle rentals in Costa Rica are pricier as compared to other nations. Obligations on automobiles are significant (as much as 50% in their worth!), sections are costlier and unforgiving road problems contribute to bigger dress in and tear, building larger routine maintenance fees.

The rule is you obtain what you purchase -- there are actually other available choices than All those rental companies shown in this article, but they aren't shown for a good cause. They simply just fail to supply primary customer service and/or an appropriate car or truck issue demanded to get a (virtually) hassle-totally free trip.

When evaluating rental car expenses, it's best to go straight to the Costa Rican Web site on the rental motor vehicle business, as an alternative to seeking to use their international format or an middleman (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For a similar motor vehicles and reservation dates, the prices provided by the respective Global vs. Costa Rican Internet sites for Alamo, Finances, Hertz and Thrifty differed significantly.

To avoid confusion, print out all correspondence Together with the car or truck rental enterprise with whom you've reserved a motor vehicle and convey this to the rental Workplace Together with the quotation specified at the time of reservation.

The following best 10 chart ranks the businesses from best priced to lowest and it contains the obligatory coverage charge. From the conditions of Alamo and Hertz, the figure contains their CDW charge because it is among their rental necessities. This rate comparison is based on a week's rental of a Daihatsu Bego, the place readily available (Greenback offers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - 21st, however in December to look at both equally Green and High Period charges. The listing promptly demonstrates that the worth variation is dependent enormously on the organization -- for in essence a similar services. These rates have been received in June/July 2013.

Rental Car or truck Providers Ranked Based on Cost

September

10. Alamo $650.96
9. Hertz $514.27
8. Adobe $449
7. Spending budget $455
6. National $428.01
5. Thrifty $421.05
4. Support $374.forty three
three. Vamos $370.30
2. Dollar $364
one. Wild Rider $350

December

10. Alamo $650.ninety six
nine. Countrywide $597.51
8. Hertz $566.52
seven. Funds $555
6. Greenback $532
five. Thrifty $506.58
4. Provider $494.43
three. Vamos $461.thirty
two. Adobe $459
one. Wild Rider $395

Alamo ranks variety ten for both equally seasons, which makes it the most costly firm. Finances, Hertz and National also charge low on the size for economical rental solutions.

Business Summaries

Adobe

Site is obvious and user friendly, but pricing and in some cases the cars shown are certainly not similar to Individuals given by an Workplace consultant about the cell phone. Mandatory insurance policy prices are usually not revealed with the list of cars and rental prices, but They may be clearly shown on the next webpage as a buyer moves in the direction of booking a reservation. Mixed shopper opinions on the net. E-mail response is lower than 24 several hours, but may well not give all requested info.

Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Are living Chat.
ten workplaces nationwide
Required insurance plan: $19 day-to-day
Further costs: GPS $nine/working day, little one seat $5/working day

Alamo

Web page is obvious and simple to use, but prices vary from rates received over the cell phone. Obligatory insurance policy costs are usually not supplied With all the list of motor vehicles and rental prices, but They may be Plainly displayed on the subsequent site as The client moves towards earning a reservation. Combined consumer assessments on the net. E-mail response is a lot less than 24 hrs.

No toll-free U.S.A and Canada contact number or Dwell chat
14 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance: $eleven.95 day by day, but ought to also get their CDW at $twelve.ninety five every day
Extra rates: GPS $twelve/day, boy or girl seat $6/day

Finances

Site is basic, but convenient to use. Rates on-line vary for the quotations given by a agent above the phone and determined by whether the Intercontinental or Costa Rican Internet site is used. Obligatory insurance policy prices are supplied along with the listing of automobiles; nonetheless, the other prices usually are not listed. Blended consumer assessments on the internet. Electronic mail reaction is more than 24 hrs.

No toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Reside Chat on Costa Rican Web-site.
10 places of work nationwide
Necessary coverage: included in the mentioned price tag
Additional fees: GPS $10.ninety five/day, little one seat $12/working day (the costliest of the top 10)

Greenback

Site is evident and convenient to use. Costs quoted vary if calling within the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Necessary insurance charges are not presented with the listing of vehicles and rental fees, but they are Plainly exhibited on the next web site like a shopper moves in the direction of a building a reservation. Mixed opinions on line, but typically gets good responses. E-mail inquiries answered within just 24 hours.

Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Dwell Chat.
three offices nationwide
Required insurance coverage: $sixteen daily
Further prices: GPS $9/day, baby seat $5/day

Hertz

Web-site is clear and user friendly. Required insurance coverage charges are not provided Moreover the listing of motor vehicles and rental costs, but They can be Evidently displayed on the next site as the customer moves in direction of a scheduling a reservation. Blended client opinions on-line. E mail reaction less than 24 hrs.

Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada phone number and Reside Chat (even though it is apparently permanently offline)
7 workplaces nationwide
Required insurance policy: $seventeen.forty three every day, but their CDW is likewise a requirement
Additional expenses: GPS $twelve/working day, kid seat $2/working day

Countrywide

Web site is obvious and convenient to use. Required insurance coverage charges are certainly not given along with the list of autos and rental rates, but they are Obviously shown on the next web site as a consumer moves in direction of building a reservation. Blended consumer evaluations on the net, but more beneficial than negative. Email response under 24 hrs.

Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada contact number. Are living Chat.
22 offices nationwide
Mandatory insurance policy: $twenty five each day (the most costly of the top ten)
Extra expenses: GPS $twelve/working day, baby seat $six/working day

Company

Website is clear and user pleasant with merely a slight confusion in that a web based quotation is attained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' instead of the 'Get a Quote' solution. The reaction to the phone inquiry was to make use of the website. Necessary insurance policies expenditures are specified together with the listing of vehicles and rental charges for the reduced period expenses and on the next website page of the opposite quotation website page. Recall is usually a really recommended sales representative who is mentioned in many on-line critiques for the higher degree of his customer support. Commonly on the net opinions are beneficial for Assistance. E mail reaction is a lot less than 24 several hours, While all facts asked for will not be acquired.

U.S.A cell phone number, but not toll-free of charge. No Reside Chat.
5 offices nationwide
Mandatory insurance coverage: $15 daily
Extra costs: GPS $5.99/working day, boy or girl seat $2.99/day

Thrifty

Costa Rican Edition of the website is extremely hard to employ and you are requested to sign-up for just a consumer title and password. Mandatory insurance policies expenditures are usually not given along with the listing of automobiles and rental rates. A customer should click on "Protection Choices" to the U.S. Site and choose the obligatory insurance policy by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional and never a necessary Price tag. Thrifty tend to acquire blended critiques on line. Email response is more than 24 several hours.

Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Reside Chat.
4 places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance policies: $19.99 day by day
Supplemental fees: GPS $10/day, boy or girl seat $five/day

Vamos

Website is evident and convenient to use. Necessary insurance prices are certainly not provided along facet the listing of automobiles and rental charges, but are Evidently shown on the following web site as the customer moves toward reserving a reservation. Anibal, a representative, is routinely described in on the internet reviews for his superior amount of customer service skills. Normal Manager, George Schwarzenbach is known on Excursion Advisor for his upfront and truthful responses to customers' posts.

Recently, Vamos has acquired very favourable testimonials on the internet. Email reaction is under 24 hours. Stay Chat has immediate reaction time and energy to inquiries.

Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada contact number. Stay Chat.
3 places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance policy: $eleven.ninety five each day
Further charges: GPS $eight/day, child seat absolutely free

Wild Rider

Internet site is clear and simple to operate. Necessary insurance expenditures are provided next to the listing of vehicles. Wild Rider is the one vehicle rental business in Costa Rica without any visible undesirable reviews on the net. Owner, Thorsten, is frequently praised for his effectiveness and customer service, Regardless of the extremely confined assets the company has at hand. E-mails obtain incredibly prompt and in depth responses in less than twelve hours.

No toll-no cost phone number or Are living Chat
1 office -- no Liberia airport office
Required insurance coverage: bundled
Further rates: GPS $eight/working day, little one seat $5/day

Comparison Review

Customer care

Vamos and Wild Rider react immediately and effectively to email or Dwell chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Greenback, Hertz, Nationwide, and repair respond to electronic mail inquiries in dubai exotic car rental lower than 24 several hours, but Adobe and Service didn't provide all the knowledge requested (potentially a language barrier). Budget offers a free mobile phone service, nonetheless it seems for being often chaotic. Hertz's Dwell chat seems to become regularly offline. Throughout the earlier year, consumers who posted to on line assessment web pages expressed a specific pleasure Using the customer support offered by Support, Vamos and Wild Rider.

Clarity

Adobe, Alamo and Spending plan have distinct rental selling prices posted on their Internet sites than Those people quoted more than the cell phone. Phone costs ended up lessen than that quoted on the website while in the conditions of Adobe and Alamo, but but better in the case of Price range. Adobe also provides distinctive car types around the phone as compared with their Web-site. International motor vehicle rental firms with the two a Costa Rican and Intercontinental Web-site seem to get pricing discrepancies concerning the two web sites.

Funds and Wild Rider involve the mandatory insurance coverage within their rental selling prices, but Spending plan states that 'other charges' which can be offered for the counter during the small print on their Internet site. Rental selling prices for motor vehicle seating had to be verified within the mobile phone as they're not mentioned on the Spending budget Site.

All other firms aside from Thrifty (a U.S. Web-site), clearly display the necessary insurance policies Charge While using the quotation given. Thrifty's Costa Rican Web site is just unusable.

Pricing

Support, Vamos and Wild Rider persistently offer the very best charges for equally Inexperienced and Superior seasons, although Dollar has certainly one of the lowest Eco-friendly period charges obtainable, even though Adobe has a less expensive Substantial year amount. Vamos present the most beneficial "all inclusive" fees, on condition that most options are offered at no cost.

Adobe, Dollar, Services, Thrifty and Wild Rider stay competitive with their pricing of items like kid seats. Alamo, Hertz and National are the most expensive organizations to lease from and their further alternative charges will also be costlier.

"So, what is your rental suggestion?"

Total, the Costa Rican firms appear to trump the multi-nationals with far better pricing, support and clarity.
Support offers a typically large-amount of customer care and quite aggressive pricing at both equally Global airports.
Vamos can present successful reserving and continued large-amount of customer service with competitive pricing, as well as free supplemental solutions at both of those SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider is rather remarkably rated for your rental with obvious and cost-effective pricing and outstanding customer service, but they are only in San Jose.

"Now you're all set to e book your rental car or truck soon after viewing how the Opposition compares. Excellent luck and pleased travels!"