Guide to renting cars in Costa Rica

Recommendations (See also driving in Costa Rica)
Especially in dry season (December-April) and for Christmas and holidays, reserve as far in advance as possible. Make sure you clear about any one-way drop-off fees, late return penalties, etc. If you are likely to be going off the main paved roads, or are driving during the rainy season when potholes are at their worst, seriously consider a 4WD vehicle. The smaller 4WDs, such as the Daihatsu Terios, are not much more expensive than 2WD vehicles.

Look carefully at the detailed differences in the terms of the different aencies. For the same model there may be differences in prices, dropoff rates, or insurance.

Most agencies we work with provide unlimited mileage with just one day. Most agencies can rent baby chairs, roofracks, and some will rent camping and surfing equipment.

Manual gears are the norm, but automatic gears can be obtained. If you need, please specifically request to avoid disappointment later.

Preventing abuses
Renting a car in a foreign country, particularly in Latin America, sounds as if it can be a risky business! Abuses, dodgy vehicles, unexpected credit card charges: these are mentioned at some point by some of the more detailed guide books.

With appropriate care there is no difficulty in renting in Costa Rica. It is important to recognize that tourism is well-established in the country and that competition has helped to establish fair international practices among rental companies.

Furthermore, Latin Discover is a wholesaler based in Costa Rica and working with many suppliers, so we have considerable clout and influence with the rental car agencies we work with. You may just rent once from an agency in Costa Rica, whereas we have a continuing relationship which both parties strive to maintain. So we are really in a good position to help you with any difficulties!

» Be clear in your reservation key details of pickup, dropoff, model, times
» Check the vehicle carefully at pickup, and make sure essentials (tyres etc) are OK
» If what you ordered is not what you are offered, push for this to be corrected
» If still a problem, phone Latin Discover (296 4021/231 7045) as we can help
» At drop off, jointly inspect the vehicle, and agree on any damage
» Ask how any identified damage will be charged
» Keep copies of all contracts, repairs and so on for the rented vehicle
» If later you see an unexpected credit card charge, complain & inform Latin Discover

Insurance
Many rates quoted by rental agencies include insurance. However, if you make a reservation through a rental agency and are told the rate includes insurance, check it out carefully. Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you may find that you still have to pay the mandatory insurance. Because auto insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica, you need to accept the obligatory CDW (collision damage waiver) charged by car rental companies. It does not cover your car's contents or personal possessions, nor a deductible. Each company determines its own deductible - typically $750 to $1,000 - even though the state insurance monopoly INS sets this at 20% of damages. Mandatory rates are from $12 per day (small cars) to over $30 pd (large vehicles).

With some companies, including some of the agencies on this site, you can have part of the CDW waived if your credit card provides cover for car insurance and you use the card to pay the agency directly for the car. This can make a substantial difference to the amount you are paying. We recommend you check up on this closely, as the benefits may disappear in the event of a major crash. We understand that in such a case, the value of the damages is automatically deducted from your credit card, and you are provided with the paperwork to claim against your credit card company. This may or may not be upheld. If correct, ths means you potentially risk a major charge to your card, significantly in excess of any limit you may have, for a short-term saving.

Inspect your vehicle for damage and marks carefully before departing, and make sure existing marks and damage are noted. Include even small nicks and dents. This is to avoid being charged for the slightest "damage” when you return. And don't forget the inside, as well as the radio antenna.