"My time's limited... how do I select?"
Automobile rental is usually a hot subject for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Modern investigate conducted through the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) suggests that, just after accommodations, renting a vehicle is the biggest expenditure, averaging $702 for an eleven-working day holiday.
The net is buzzing with detrimental assessments discussing overcharging, bad customer support and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even published a person your self!
An average midsize (three - four Older people) 4X4 rental operates between $58 and $65 everyday with 3rd party insurance plan and fees can vary around 20 per cent among the car rental businesses, so reading through A fast overview are going to be time perfectly spent when you determine the cost savings.
Hence the problem is; which rental corporation features the best balance of fair cost, capable customer support and trustworthy autos? I have investigated all of it in your case, so Continue reading!
Disclosure: This exploration was done in May perhaps - July 2013. The subsequent companies were selected because they would be the most widely used in Costa Rica. Some are nearby businesses; Other individuals are Worldwide franchises of acknowledged brand name names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation course of action. The companies are outlined alphabetically and never based upon personalized or on-line preferences.
Consider this information and facts in advance of leasing:
Insurance policy
One of the most significant triggers for problems is with the stack of unexpected prices offered on the renter after standing on the rental company's counter. Vacationers are typically exhausted after a long flight and then are confronted by prices which were not expected, stated or budgeted.
Topping the listing of grievances could be the non-disclosure of expenses linked to the necessary third-celebration insurance coverage at the time the reservation is made.
According to Costa Rican regulation, each individual driver is necessary to hold liability coverage to insure against injuries to 3rd functions. Auto rental organizations typically refrain from disclosing the cost of this plan from the quoted rental fee to seem a lot more competitive. Required 3rd-occasion insurance policies can often be approximately double the automobile's rental Price. The only warranty versus insurance plan confusion is usually to inquire Should your estimate contains the third party coverage and demand on the created quotation.
Cost of Required Insurance plan (also referred to as Third Party or SLI)
Expect to pay for amongst $12 and $15 day by day for this insurance policies, according to the make and model of your rented car or truck along with the rental vehicle agency. This is the authorized situation of your rental settlement and is usually not coated by bank cards and can't be waived. It is a simple fact of renting a car or truck in Costa Rica.
Collision Hurt Waiver (CDW)
Because the name implies, this isn't insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any legal responsibility for damage to the rental car once the deductible is paid out (generally from $750 to $one,five hundred). Some companies require renters to acquire their CDW policy; thus negating any bank card plan. For yet another price, numerous organizations do give a zero liability possibility the place the renter will probably be freed from purchasing any damage to the car. Some corporations could set strain upon renters to invest in the zero liability protection; even so, it's solely optional, Except if it is from the fantastic print in their rental arrangement.
Credit card insurance plan plans may perhaps protect the CDW to get a rental auto. Examine with your preferred rental vehicle enterprise to seek out which proof of insurance policies is needed and afterwards request that from your bank card business ahead of arriving. Should you make use of your bank card's CDW policy, assume to pay an increased deposit around the car or truck; about $one,500 to $2000 is popular. The higher deposit makes certain that the bank card holder has more than enough economic reserves to address damages if necessary. It is important to take into account that if using CDW protection furnished by a bank card (in lieu of your lease a car or truck operator), all damages will likely be billed into the renter's credit card. The charge card business will then reimburse the cardboard holder for damages.
More Insurance policies
Tires and windshields are rarely included in coverage guidelines, While extra procedures may be taken out for covering these routinely ruined goods. Neither the interior nor the beneath of your automobile can be coated. Constantly read the fantastic print.
Conventional Process
Your bank card will be charged, or maybe a 'hold' positioned, with the rental car or truck during the time in the rental arrangement; i.e. from picking up the rental right until you return it. Debit playing cards are normally not acceptable.
Further Charges
Most companies have surcharges For added motorists, car seats/boosters, mobile devices, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The prices differ from enterprise to company, but due to the fact these extras are billed in a day by day fee, it really is well worth examining the overall Price tag -- extra possibilities can increase up very quickly! A GPS is all around $8 to $ten every day; on the other hand, some operators may supply discounted models. Hope to pay close to $five day by day for a child seat and a few bucks on a daily basis for all the other 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for presenting most of these choices and, for the duration of some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Spending plan, Hertz and National charge one of the most for these additional choices; While the opposite providers listed, charge a lot more acceptable costs.
Surcharges
Most organizations incorporate smaller incremental prices, like license plate and environmental costs, into the overall tally. Be cautious of operators who insert these supplemental charges in to the tiny print on the rental deal. Motor vehicles rented direct for the airport incur airport taxes, that are a whopping twelve% of your rental Value!
The rental car really should be returned Using the similar level of gas, unless usually indicated. Otherwise, companies may perhaps charge above gas station charges for missing gas.
Autos
You will find a discussion around the motor vehicles supplied by rental companies: Older vehicles enable the driving force to blend in a lot more than a shiny, new auto. Acquiring an more mature product may well contain the oblique good thing about being less scrutinized by car rental agencies for current nicks and scratches, in contrast to a newer automobile. Nonetheless, a more moderen automobile could be a lot more roadworthy. This debate carries on into the various automobile helps make and versions. Commonly, Costa Rican corporations can easily hire their cars for the decrease fee mainly because their autos are typically three to five years aged (vs . two to 3). On line opinions would advise which the regional companies don't have any a lot more grievances regarding car high quality than transnational franchises; research on forums, such as TripAdvisor.com, appears to be to point that shoppers commonly recognize driving a considerably less-than-new automobile with the wilds of Costa Rica. The reasons are a lot, from road disorders into the Idea of considerably less-then-new autos blending in much better -- a newer auto may perhaps attract far more undesirable interest.
The choices of rental cars in Costa Rica are typically restricted to can make and versions that preserve a competitive resale benefit, are a standard brand name inside the country, and are reasonably priced to keep up. As a result a rent-a-car operator's fleet are likely to not be as varied as the United States. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay models of most rental fleets.
From time to time, drivers are charged for meant 'damages' to your motor vehicle upon return. Once acquiring the car or truck, renters need to meticulously check for pre-existing flaws and Look at it Together with the automobile inspection document employed by the rental car or truck consultant. Some renters suggest photographing or videoing the auto from all angles, to stop any disagreement among pre-existing and a short while ago harmed things.
Pricing
Automobile rentals in Costa Rica are pricier in comparison to other nations around the world. Obligations on automobiles are high (approximately fifty% in their value!), sections are costlier and unforgiving street problems lead to bigger don and tear, generating larger routine maintenance expenses.
The rule is you obtain That which you purchase -- there are actually other available choices than These rental providers listed listed here, but they are not stated for a superb cause. They simply just fall short to supply simple customer care and/or a suitable car or truck situation necessary for a (practically) issues-totally free family vacation.
When comparing rental car or truck costs, it is best to go straight to the Costa Rican website rent faster with the rental car corporation, rather than looking to use their international structure or an middleman (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For the same cars and reservation dates, the rates supplied by the respective international vs. Costa Rican Internet sites for Alamo, Spending plan, Hertz and Thrifty differed considerably.
To stop confusion, print out all correspondence Using the auto rental enterprise with whom you've got reserved a motor vehicle and convey this to the rental office with the quote provided at time of reservation.
The following prime 10 chart ranks the businesses from best priced to cheapest and it involves the necessary insurance coverage demand. In the cases of Alamo and Hertz, the determine incorporates their CDW charge as it is among their rental prerequisites. This rate comparison is predicated on weekly's rental of the Daihatsu Bego, the place readily available (Greenback provides the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - 21st, then again in December to perspective equally Eco-friendly and Large Period charges. The list quickly demonstrates that the worth variation relies upon drastically on the organization -- for basically the same company. These charges ended up received in June/July 2013.
Rental Auto Organizations Ranked According to Selling price
September
10. Alamo $650.96
nine. Hertz $514.27
eight. Adobe $449
seven. Spending budget $455
six. Countrywide $428.01
5. Thrifty $421.05
four. Provider $374.43
three. Vamos $370.thirty
two. Dollar $364
1. Wild Rider $350
December
ten. Alamo $650.96
nine. Nationwide $597.fifty one
eight. Hertz $566.52
seven. Funds $555
6. Dollar $532
five. Thrifty $506.58
4. Service $494.forty three
three. Vamos $461.30
two. Adobe $459
1. Wild Rider $395
Alamo ranks amount ten for both of those seasons, which makes it the costliest company. Finances, Hertz and Nationwide also rate very low on the scale for affordable rental alternatives.
Company Summaries
Adobe
Site is evident and convenient to use, but pricing and even the cars outlined are not similar to Individuals given by an Business office representative about the cellphone. Mandatory insurance policy prices will not be shown While using the listing of vehicles and rental rates, but These are clearly shown on the following site as being a purchaser moves towards reserving a reservation. Blended consumer assessments on the net. E mail reaction is lower than 24 hrs, but may not give all asked for data.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Reside Chat.
10 workplaces nationwide
Required insurance: $19 every day
Further fees: GPS $nine/working day, child seat $5/working day
Alamo
Web-site is clear and simple to use, but rates vary from offers received more than the cellphone. Necessary insurance policies prices are not offered With all the list of autos and rental prices, but They are really Evidently displayed on the following web page as the customer moves in direction of generating a reservation. Combined purchaser opinions on line. Electronic mail reaction is less than 24 hours.
No toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada telephone number or Reside chat
14 workplaces nationwide
Necessary insurance policies: $eleven.ninety five each day, but ought to also acquire their CDW at $twelve.ninety five day by day
Supplemental rates: GPS $twelve/working day, child seat $6/day
Budget
Website is basic, but easy to use. Costs on-line differ towards the quotations offered by a representative more than the telephone and based on whether the Worldwide or Costa Rican Web site is utilized. Mandatory insurance coverage expenses are offered along with the list of vehicles; having said that, one other rates are usually not mentioned. Blended purchaser opinions on the web. E mail response is over 24 hrs.
No toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Live Chat on Costa Rican website.
ten places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance policies: A part of the detailed value
Extra costs: GPS $10.ninety five/working day, baby seat $twelve/day (the most expensive of the top ten)
Greenback
Web page is obvious and user friendly. Rates quoted differ if calling within the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Required insurance plan charges usually are not offered Using the listing of motor vehicles and rental prices, but They can be Obviously displayed on the subsequent site for a client moves in the direction of a making a reservation. Blended opinions on the web, but typically receives favourable responses. E mail inquiries answered inside of 24 hours.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Dwell Chat.
3 offices nationwide
Required insurance policies: $16 daily
Supplemental prices: GPS $9/day, boy or girl seat $five/day
Hertz
Website is evident and user friendly. Necessary insurance prices will not be provided besides the listing of autos and rental costs, but they are Plainly shown on the following site as The client moves in the direction of a scheduling a reservation. Combined consumer reviews on the net. E-mail response a lot less than 24 hrs.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada contact number and Dwell Chat (although it is apparently completely offline)
7 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance: $seventeen.43 day by day, but their CDW can be a necessity
Supplemental fees: GPS $12/working day, little one seat $2/working day
Nationwide
Site is obvious and easy to use. Obligatory insurance policy prices will not be offered together with the list of vehicles and rental fees, but They're Evidently shown on the following site as being a shopper moves in direction of making a reservation. Blended consumer assessments on the internet, but more beneficial than unfavorable. Electronic mail response fewer than 24 hrs.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. Live Chat.
22 places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance plan: $25 day by day (the costliest of the best ten)
Supplemental prices: GPS $12/working day, kid seat $six/day
Assistance
Web site is evident and user helpful with only a slight confusion in that an internet based quote is attained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' and never the 'Have a Quote' solution. The response to your telephone inquiry was to implement the website. Obligatory insurance charges are given combined with the listing of autos and rental rates for your very low season prices and on the second website page of the other quotation webpage. Try to remember is actually a remarkably suggested profits representative that is outlined in lots of on the net critiques for that high amount of his customer care. Usually on the web reviews are optimistic for Company. E-mail reaction is fewer than 24 hours, While all information requested is probably not received.
U.S.A cell phone number, although not toll-totally free. No Dwell Chat.
five offices nationwide
Obligatory coverage: $15 day-to-day
Supplemental charges: GPS $five.99/working day, baby seat $2.ninety nine/day
Thrifty
Costa Rican Variation of the website is extremely hard to employ so you are requested to sign up for your user identify and password. Required insurance policies fees are usually not presented together with the list of motor vehicles and rental fees. A consumer has got to click on "Protection Selections" within the U.S. website and choose the necessary coverage by clicking on it -- implying that it's optional and not a demanded Value. Thrifty have a tendency to acquire mixed opinions on the internet. Electronic mail response is much more than 24 hrs.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Live Chat.
four places of work nationwide
Necessary coverage: $19.99 day by day
Further rates: GPS $10/working day, kid seat $five/working day
Vamos
Site is evident and user friendly. Required insurance policy prices usually are not supplied along aspect the listing of automobiles and rental fees, but are clearly shown on the subsequent web page as The client moves towards reserving a reservation. Anibal, a agent, is often described in online evaluations for his superior degree of customer support competencies. Common Manager, George Schwarzenbach is thought on Vacation Advisor for his upfront and honest responses to consumers' posts.
Lately, Vamos has received extremely constructive opinions online. E-mail response is a lot less than 24 hours. Reside Chat has quick reaction the perfect time to inquiries.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada telephone number. Dwell Chat.
three places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance policy: $eleven.ninety five daily
Extra expenses: GPS $eight/working day, boy or girl seat free
Wild Rider
Website is clear and simple to use. Necessary insurance policies charges are supplied beside the listing of vehicles. Wild Rider is the only car or truck rental business in Costa Rica without having obvious bad reviews online. Owner, Thorsten, is often praised for his efficiency and customer service, despite the really restricted sources the corporate has at hand. E-mail get incredibly prompt and specific responses in fewer than twelve several hours.
No toll-no cost contact number or Stay Chat
one Business office -- no Liberia airport Office environment
Obligatory insurance policies: incorporated
Extra costs: GPS $8/day, boy or girl seat $five/working day
Comparison Critique
Customer support
Vamos and Wild Rider reply swiftly and effectively to e-mail or live chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Countrywide, and repair reply to e mail inquiries in under 24 hours, but Adobe and Service did not deliver all the data asked for (potentially a language barrier). Funds offers a totally free phone service, but it really seems to get constantly hectic. Hertz's Reside chat appears to generally be regularly offline. In the course of the previous yr, customers who posted to on line evaluate web-sites expressed a certain fulfillment with the customer care made available from Provider, Vamos and Wild Rider.
Clarity
Adobe, Alamo and Price range have various rental prices posted on their own Sites than Individuals quoted more than the cellular phone. Phone charges had been lower than that quoted on the web site while in the circumstances of Adobe and Alamo, but yet bigger in the situation of Price range. Adobe also offers distinctive car or truck versions more than the cellular phone when compared to their Internet site. Worldwide motor vehicle rental corporations with the two a Costa Rican and international Web-site look to possess pricing differences involving the two sites.
Spending plan and Wild Rider incorporate the mandatory coverage inside their rental costs, but Budget states that 'other prices' which can be presented for the counter inside the small print on their own Site. Rental prices for car or truck seating had to be confirmed about the telephone as they don't seem to be detailed on the Finances Site.
All other companies excluding Thrifty (a U.S. Site), Evidently demonstrate the mandatory insurance plan Expense with the quotation presented. Thrifty's Costa Rican Web site is solely unusable.
Pricing
Support, Vamos and Wild Rider consistently offer you the very best premiums for the two Environmentally friendly and Substantial seasons, although Greenback has certainly one of the bottom Eco-friendly time charges out there, although Adobe has a less expensive Substantial season fee. Vamos offer the ideal "all inclusive" prices, on condition that most choices are made available at no cost.
Adobe, Greenback, Services, Thrifty and Wild Rider keep on being competitive with their pricing of things like baby seats. Alamo, Hertz and National are the most costly businesses to hire from and their added option charges are also costlier.
"So, what's your rental suggestion?"
In general, the Costa Rican organizations manage to trump the multi-nationals with much better pricing, assistance and clarity.
Services provides a generally substantial-level of customer support and quite competitive pricing at both equally international airports.
Vamos can offer you efficient reserving and ongoing higher-standard of customer service with competitive pricing, and totally free added options at equally SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider may be very very rated for your rental with clear and affordable pricing and fantastic customer service, but They can be only in San Jose.
"Now you're able to e book your rental car soon after looking at how the Competitors compares. Very good luck and joyful travels!"