5 Ways You Can Get More BEST CAR RENTAL While Spending Less

Car rental is 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 may be the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.

THE WEB is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You might have even written one yourself!

A typical midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with alternative party insurance and rates can vary around 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will undoubtedly be time well spent once you calculate the savings.

So the question is; which rental company supplies the best balance of fair price, capable customer support and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched everything for you, so keep reading!

Disclosure: This research was conducted in-may – July 2013. luxury car rental miami following companies were selected because they’re the most trusted in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically and not based on personal or online preferences.
Think about this information before renting:

Insurance

One of the biggest causes for complaints is from the stack of unforeseen charges presented to the renter once standing at the rental company’s counter. Vacationers are typically tired after a long flight and are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.

Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees associated with 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 avoid disclosing the expense of this policy in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be around double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only guarantee against insurance confusion is to inquire if your estimate includes the third party insurance and insist upon a written quotation.

Cost of Mandatory Insurance (also known as Third Party or SLI)

Be prepared to pay between $12 and $15 daily for this insurance, with respect to the make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This can be 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 isn’t insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for harm to the rental car following the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to get their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For yet another fee, many agencies do offer a zero liability option where the renter will be free of paying for any harm to the car. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to get the zero liability coverage; however, it really is entirely optional, unless it really is in the fine print of their rental agreement.

Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for a rental vehicle. Check with your chosen rental car company to get which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your credit card company ahead of arriving. If you use your credit card’s CDW policy, expect to pay a higher deposit on the vehicle; 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 important to consider that when using CDW coverage provided by a credit card (instead of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s charge card. The credit card company will reimburse the card holder for damages.