"My time's restricted... how do I choose?"
Auto rental is a scorching matter for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. New research performed because of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) implies that, following lodging, leasing a car is the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day getaway.
The Internet is buzzing with unfavorable testimonials speaking about overcharging, poor customer support and mechanical breakdowns. You could have even written 1 oneself!
A normal midsize (three - four Older people) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 each day with 3rd party insurance coverage and charges can differ just as much as twenty p.c among vehicle rental businesses, so looking through A fast critique are going to be time well put in as soon as you estimate the price savings.
And so the question is; which rental business provides the most effective stability of reasonable value, capable customer support and reputable cars? I have researched everything for yourself, so keep reading!
Disclosure: This study was executed in May perhaps - July 2013. The following firms ended up picked mainly because they are the most widely Utilized in Costa Rica. Some are community providers; others are international franchises of recognized model names. Comparisons include things like: customer support, pricing plus the reservation process. The companies are outlined alphabetically and never based on private or on the net Choices.
Take into account this facts right before renting:
Insurance plan
Certainly one of the most important triggers for complaints is in the stack of unforeseen expenses offered towards the renter when standing in the rental company's counter. Vacationers are typically fatigued after a prolonged flight after which are confronted by expenditures which were not expected, spelled out or budgeted.
Topping the listing of grievances would be the non-disclosure of expenses associated with the mandatory 3rd-party insurance coverage at the time the reservation is made.
In keeping with Costa Rican law, each individual driver is required to hold liability coverage to insure versus accidents to 3rd functions. Car or truck rental companies generally refrain from disclosing the cost of this policy inside the quoted rental price to appear extra competitive. Obligatory 3rd-bash insurance policies can at times be around double the vehicle's rental Price tag. The only warranty from coverage confusion is usually to inquire if your estimate includes the third party insurance policies and insist over a written quotation.
Price of Necessary Insurance (also called Third Party or SLI)
Anticipate to pay in between $12 and $15 day-to-day for this insurance policies, dependant upon the make and model in the rented car plus the rental vehicle company. This is the lawful ailment of your respective rental settlement and is usually not protected by bank cards and can't be waived. It's a actuality of leasing an automobile in Costa Rica.
Collision Injury Waiver (CDW)
Because the title indicates, this is not insurance plan, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any legal responsibility for damage to the rental motor vehicle following the deductible is compensated (commonly from $750 to $1,500). Some organizations have to have renters to get their CDW coverage; thereby negating any credit card program. For yet another cost, many organizations do present you with a zero legal responsibility choice where the renter are going to be freed from purchasing any damage to the car. Some providers could set tension upon renters to get the zero legal responsibility protection; however, it truly is completely optional, Until it is actually during the fantastic print in their rental arrangement.
Credit card insurance policy courses could cover the CDW for your rental car. Test together with your decided on rental car or truck organization to find which evidence of insurance policies is needed and afterwards request that from the credit card firm just before arriving. For those who use your bank card's CDW policy, be expecting to pay a better deposit on the automobile; all-around $1,five hundred to $2000 is typical. The upper deposit makes certain that the bank card holder has more than enough monetary reserves to deal with damages if required. It is vital to think about that if employing CDW protection provided by a bank card (in lieu of your rent an auto operator), all damages will be billed on the renter's charge card. The credit card business will then reimburse the cardboard holder for damages.
More Insurance policies
Tires and windshields are rarely A part of insurance procedures, although added policies can be taken out for covering these usually damaged merchandise. Neither the interior nor the beneath in the vehicle could possibly be covered. Generally study the wonderful print.
Standard Technique
Your credit card is going to be charged, or possibly a 'hold' positioned, with the rental automobile in the time from the rental arrangement; i.e. from buying up the rental until finally you come back it. Debit cards are normally not appropriate.
Extra Rates
Most firms have surcharges For added drivers, car or truck seats/boosters, cell phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs differ from company to organization, but due to the fact these extras are billed at a everyday amount, it is actually really worth checking the overall cost -- extra possibilities can add up very quickly! A GPS is all over $eight to $10 every day; on the other hand, some operators may supply discounted models. Hope to pay all around $five day by day for a child seat and a few pounds on a daily basis for all the other 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for featuring Many of these possibilities and, through some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Budget, Hertz and National cost quite possibly the most for this kind of added selections; Whilst the other businesses shown, demand more sensible selling prices.
Surcharges
Most companies include modest incremental prices, like license plate and environmental service fees, into the total tally. Be wary of operators who insert these further fees into your small print from the rental agreement. Autos rented immediate within the airport incur airport taxes, which are a whopping 12% of one's rental Expense!
The rental motor vehicle really should be returned While using the same quantity of fuel, Except if usually indicated. Otherwise, corporations may well demand higher than fuel station fees for missing gasoline.
Vehicles
There is a debate over the vehicles supplied by rental companies: Older vehicles enable the driving force to Mix in more than a shiny, new vehicle. Possessing an older design could hold the oblique good thing about remaining fewer scrutinized by car rental agencies for the latest nicks and scratches, unlike a more recent vehicle. Nevertheless, a newer vehicle might be more roadworthy. This debate carries on into the different vehicle makes and models. Generally, Costa Rican corporations will be able to hire their cars for your decreased fee due to the fact their automobiles are usually a few to 5 years previous (compared to two to three). Online reviews would suggest which the community companies don't have any a lot more complaints concerning auto high-quality than transnational franchises; investigate on message boards, for instance TripAdvisor.com, looks to indicate that clients frequently appreciate driving a a lot less-than-new auto through the wilds of Costa Rica. The explanations are a good deal, from highway problems for the notion of less-then-new motor vehicles Mixing in far better -- a newer vehicle may perhaps attract a lot more unwanted attention.
The possibilities of rental automobiles in Costa Rica are largely limited to would make and types that preserve a aggressive resale benefit, are a typical brand name in the state, and so are low-cost to maintain. As such a hire-a-auto operator's fleet have a tendency not to be as numerous as America. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay brand names of most rental fleets.
Occasionally, drivers are charged for meant 'damages' to your motor vehicle upon return. At the time receiving the car or truck, renters need to meticulously check for pre-present flaws and Review it Together with the car inspection doc employed by the rental automobile representative. Some renters counsel photographing or videoing the auto from all angles, to stop any disagreement among pre-existing and a short while ago ruined products.
Pricing
Motor vehicle rentals in Costa Rica are pricier when compared to other nations. Obligations on autos are higher (about fifty% of their benefit!), areas are costlier and unforgiving road ailments lead to higher don and tear, creating higher routine maintenance fees.
The rule is you receive Anything you pay for -- there are other choices than People rental organizations mentioned listed here, but they are not stated for an excellent reason. They basically fail to provide simple customer care and/or an appropriate vehicle affliction necessary for a (just about) difficulty-no cost getaway.
When evaluating rental car or truck expenses, it is best to go straight to the Costa Rican Site of the rental auto company, as opposed to wanting to use their Intercontinental structure or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For the same autos and reservation dates, the charges made available from the respective Worldwide vs. Costa Rican Internet websites for Alamo, Finances, Hertz and Thrifty differed substantially.
To stay away from confusion, print out all correspondence Using the car or truck rental business with whom you might have reserved a vehicle and produce this into the rental Place of work Along with the quote presented at some time of reservation.
The following prime 10 chart ranks the companies from optimum priced to most affordable and it incorporates the mandatory insurance policies demand. Inside the scenarios of Alamo and Hertz, the figure includes their CDW cost as it is one of their rental necessities. This cost comparison relies on each week's rental of a Daihatsu Bego, wherever available (Dollar delivers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - twenty first, however in December to look at both Green and Substantial Time prices. The checklist promptly demonstrates that the price variation is dependent considerably on the organization -- for generally a similar support. These selling prices were being obtained in June/July 2013.
Rental Auto Providers Ranked In accordance with Selling price
September
ten. Alamo $650.96
9. Hertz $514.27
8. Adobe $449
seven. Spending plan $455
6. National $428.01
five. Thrifty $421.05
four. Service $374.43
3. Vamos $370.thirty
two. Dollar $364
1. Wild Rider $350
December
10. Alamo $650.96
nine. Countrywide $597.fifty one
8. Hertz $566.52
7. Funds $555
six. Greenback $532
five. Thrifty $506.58
4. Services $494.forty three
three. Vamos $461.thirty
two. Adobe $459
1. Wild Rider $395
Alamo ranks amount 10 for both equally seasons, rendering it the most expensive organization. Funds, Hertz and Countrywide also rate minimal on the size for economical rental choices.
Organization Summaries
Adobe
Site is obvious and simple to operate, but pricing and perhaps the vehicles listed are certainly not similar to Those people specified by an office representative over the telephone. Mandatory insurance coverage fees usually are not proven With all the list of automobiles and rental expenses, but They may be Obviously displayed on the following web page as being a customer moves towards booking a reservation. Blended shopper reviews online. Email reaction is fewer than 24 several hours, but might not give all requested details.
Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Reside Chat.
10 places of work nationwide
Required insurance plan: $19 each day
More fees: GPS $9/day, kid seat $5/working day
Alamo
Web-site is evident and convenient to use, but costs differ against offers gained in excess of the mobile phone. Necessary insurance policy expenses aren't given While using the listing of cars and rental fees, but They're clearly exhibited on the subsequent website page as The client moves towards earning a reservation. Blended buyer evaluations on-line. Email reaction is below 24 hrs.
No toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada telephone number or Live chat
fourteen workplaces nationwide
Necessary insurance: $eleven.95 every day, but must also choose their CDW at $twelve.95 daily
Supplemental prices: GPS $12/day, boy or girl seat $six/day
Spending budget
Web-site is primary, but easy to use. Price ranges on-line vary to your quotations provided by a representative around the cell phone and according to whether the Global or Costa Rican Site is utilized. Required insurance policies expenses are specified combined with the list of motor vehicles; even so, another charges are certainly not shown. Mixed shopper testimonials on the web. Email response is over 24 hours.
No toll-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Dwell Chat on Costa Rican Web site.
ten workplaces nationwide
Required insurance policies: included in the mentioned value
Additional prices: GPS $10.95/day, baby seat $12/working day (the most expensive of the top 10)
Dollar
Web page is clear and simple to operate. Rates quoted vary if calling from the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Necessary insurance policy costs are certainly not provided While using the listing of automobiles and rental charges, but These are Obviously displayed on the next web site being a consumer moves toward a creating a reservation. Blended evaluations on line, but typically gets optimistic feed-back. E-mail inquiries answered within just 24 hrs.
Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Reside Chat.
3 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance policy: $sixteen everyday
Supplemental expenses: GPS $nine/day, baby seat $5/working day
Hertz
Website is obvious and easy to use. Necessary insurance coverage expenses will not be presented Apart from the list of cars and rental expenses, but They are really clearly displayed on the following website page as The client moves to a reserving a reservation. Blended customer critiques online. Email reaction a lot less than 24 hours.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number and Dwell Chat (although it seems to be completely offline)
7 offices nationwide
Required insurance: $17.43 daily, but their CDW can also be a need
Added costs: GPS $twelve/day, baby seat $two/working day
Nationwide
Web page is evident and simple to use. Required insurance policy costs will not be given combined with the listing of automobiles and rental prices, but They're Evidently displayed on the next page like a shopper moves in direction dubai exotic car rental of building a reservation. Mixed purchaser critiques on the web, but much more constructive than negative. E-mail reaction lower than 24 hrs.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada telephone number. Stay Chat.
22 offices nationwide
Necessary coverage: $25 day-to-day (the most costly of the very best 10)
Additional expenses: GPS $twelve/working day, youngster seat $six/day
Services
Web-site is clear and user pleasant with only a slight confusion in that a web based quotation is attained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' and not the 'Get a Quote' alternative. The reaction to your cell phone inquiry was to employ the website. Mandatory insurance coverage fees are presented combined with the listing of cars and rental rates for that low period expenses and on the next webpage of the opposite quotation website page. Recall is usually a really advisable income consultant that is stated in several on the net assessments with the superior volume of his customer care. Generally online reviews are positive for Service. Electronic mail response is lower than 24 hours, Despite the fact that all facts requested might not be received.
U.S.A cell phone number, although not toll-free. No Reside Chat.
5 offices nationwide
Necessary insurance policy: $15 daily
More prices: GPS $five.99/day, kid seat $2.99/working day
Thrifty
Costa Rican version of the website is unattainable to make use of and you simply are asked to sign up for any consumer title and password. Necessary insurance plan fees usually are not provided along with the list of motor vehicles and rental prices. A buyer needs to click "Security Selections" about the U.S. Web site and choose the obligatory insurance by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional rather than a necessary cost. Thrifty tend to receive mixed reviews on-line. E mail reaction is more than 24 several hours.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Are living Chat.
four offices nationwide
Required insurance coverage: $19.ninety nine day-to-day
Added prices: GPS $ten/day, baby seat $five/day
Vamos
Internet site is obvious and convenient to use. Obligatory insurance costs are usually not presented together aspect the list of automobiles and rental costs, but are Obviously exhibited on the subsequent web site as the customer moves towards booking a reservation. Anibal, a representative, is commonly talked about in on the net assessments for his superior level of customer care capabilities. Typical Manager, George Schwarzenbach is known on Vacation Advisor for his upfront and sincere responses to clients' posts.
In recent years, Vamos has gained pretty favourable opinions on the web. E-mail reaction is less than 24 several hours. Reside Chat has instantaneous response the perfect time to inquiries.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. Live Chat.
three offices nationwide
Obligatory insurance: $eleven.ninety five day by day
Added expenses: GPS $8/working day, youngster seat free
Wild Rider
Web page is clear and easy to use. Obligatory insurance coverage charges are offered beside the list of cars. Wild Rider is the sole motor vehicle rental agency in Costa Rica with no seen bad opinions on-line. Operator, Thorsten, is usually praised for his performance and customer service, Regardless of the extremely confined sources the corporation has at hand. Email messages acquire extremely prompt and specific responses in lower than twelve hours.
No toll-absolutely free phone number or Stay Chat
1 Business office -- no Liberia airport office
Obligatory coverage: provided
Added fees: GPS $8/day, boy or girl seat $5/working day
Comparison Overview
Customer Service
Vamos and Wild Rider respond swiftly and competently to email or Stay chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Nationwide, and repair reply to electronic mail inquiries in lower than 24 several hours, but Adobe and Service did not deliver all the knowledge asked for (possibly a language barrier). Funds offers a free mobile phone assistance, but it surely seems for being normally busy. Hertz's Reside chat seems to be regularly offline. In the previous calendar year, shoppers who posted to on the net review web pages expressed a particular gratification with the customer care provided by Company, Vamos and Wild Rider.
Clarity
Adobe, Alamo and Spending budget have unique rental costs posted on their Sites than People quoted about the phone. Telephone selling prices were decrease than that quoted on the web site during the scenarios of Adobe and Alamo, but but better in the situation of Spending plan. Adobe also offers distinct car styles around the telephone as compared with their Web-site. International automobile rental companies with both of those a Costa Rican and international Site look to acquire pricing differences among The 2 web-sites.
Spending plan and Wild Rider consist of the necessary insurance plan of their rental prices, but Spending budget states that 'other expenses' that can be offered within the counter in the little print on their Internet site. Rental selling prices for motor vehicle seating needed to be verified around the cellphone as they're not stated over the Budget Web site.
All other organizations except Thrifty (a U.S. Internet site), Plainly clearly show the required insurance Price While using the quotation offered. Thrifty's Costa Rican Web site is just unusable.
Pricing
Support, Vamos and Wild Rider persistently present the ideal rates for both Green and Higher seasons, Even though Dollar has among the lowest Eco-friendly period charges offered, even though Adobe has a less expensive Significant year amount. Vamos present the most beneficial "all inclusive" fees, on condition that most options are offered for free.
Adobe, Dollar, Service, Thrifty and Wild Rider remain competitive with their pricing of things which include boy or girl seats. Alamo, Hertz and Countrywide are the most costly providers to hire from as well as their more solution charges will also be costlier.
"So, what is your rental suggestion?"
All round, the Costa Rican organizations seem to trump the multi-nationals with improved pricing, assistance and clarity.
Assistance provides a normally substantial-amount of customer support and relatively competitive pricing at each international airports.
Vamos can offer efficient scheduling and ongoing significant-standard of customer support with competitive pricing, in addition to totally free additional options at both of those SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider may be very remarkably rated for the rental with very clear and cost-effective pricing and superb customer service, but they are only in San Jose.
"Now you might be wanting to ebook your rental automobile right after seeing how the competition compares. Superior luck and delighted travels!"