"My time's restricted... how do I choose?"
Motor vehicle rental is usually a warm matter for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Latest study conducted via the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) suggests that, soon after accommodations, renting an auto is the biggest expenditure, averaging $702 for an eleven-working day getaway.
The online world is buzzing with adverse critiques discussing overcharging, poor customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You could have even published one particular oneself!
A typical midsize (three - four Grownups) 4X4 rental runs concerning $fifty eight and $65 every day with third party insurance coverage and rates will vary up to 20 percent among the auto rental organizations, so reading A fast overview will probably be time nicely spent as you work out the personal savings.
So the dilemma is; which rental firm gives the very best balance of honest price, able customer service and responsible cars? I've investigated all of it for you, so Continue reading!
Disclosure: This study was done in May possibly - July 2013. The following corporations had been picked given that they would be the most generally Utilized in Costa Rica. Some are local corporations; Some others are Worldwide franchises of regarded brand name names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and also the reservation course of action. The companies are mentioned alphabetically and never dependant on personalized or online Choices.
Consider this facts prior to leasing:
Insurance policy
One of the most significant will cause for grievances is from your stack of unforeseen fees presented to your renter when standing at the rental firm's counter. Vacationers are typically drained following a prolonged flight and then are confronted by charges which were not predicted, explained or budgeted.
Topping the listing of grievances is the non-disclosure of costs associated with the obligatory 3rd-get together coverage at some time the reservation is created.
According to Costa Rican legislation, each individual driver is required to hold liability coverage to insure versus injuries to 3rd events. Car rental organizations frequently refrain from disclosing the expense of this policy while in the quoted rental level to seem extra competitive. Obligatory third-occasion insurance coverage can from time to time be as much as double the motor vehicle's rental Price tag. The only promise versus insurance policy confusion will be to inquire if your estimate contains the 3rd party insurance coverage and insist with a written quotation.
Price of Obligatory Coverage (also called Third Party or SLI)
Be expecting to pay concerning $12 and $15 each day for this insurance coverage, dependant upon the make and model on the rented auto as well as the rental car or truck agency. This can be a lawful situation of the rental settlement and is usually not lined by bank cards and cannot be waived. It's a actuality of leasing a vehicle in Costa Rica.
Collision Problems Waiver (CDW)
As being the name indicates, this is not insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for damage to the rental motor vehicle after the deductible is paid (normally from $750 to $one,five hundred). Some companies call for renters to invest in their CDW plan; thereby negating any bank card application. For an additional price, lots of agencies do give you a zero legal responsibility selection wherever the renter are going to be freed from paying for any damage to the vehicle. Some corporations may put stress upon renters to acquire the zero legal responsibility coverage; even so, it can be entirely optional, Except if it can be during the fine print of their rental arrangement.
Bank card insurance plan packages may well address the CDW to get a rental car. Examine using your preferred rental motor vehicle enterprise to find which proof of insurance coverage is required after which ask for that out of your charge card organization previous to arriving. For those who make use of your charge card's CDW policy, anticipate to pay a better deposit to the car or truck; all-around $one,five hundred to $2000 is popular. The upper deposit makes certain that the credit card holder has sufficient economic reserves to go over damages if necessary. It is necessary to take into account that if working with CDW protection supplied by a bank card (in lieu from the lease an automobile operator), all damages will likely be billed on the renter's bank card. The bank card organization will then reimburse the card holder for damages.
Much more Insurance coverage
Tires and windshields are rarely included in insurance procedures, Despite the fact that more procedures could possibly be taken out for masking these regularly ruined things. Neither the interior nor the underneath of the auto may very well be included. Generally examine the high-quality print.
Common Technique
Your bank card will likely be charged, or perhaps a 'hold' placed, with the rental auto in the course of the time on the rental arrangement; i.e. from choosing up the rental till you return it. Debit playing cards are commonly not suitable.
Added Expenses
Most businesses have surcharges for additional motorists, automobile seats/boosters, mobile phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs differ from corporation to firm, but given that these extras are billed at a daily level, it can be value checking the entire Expense -- extra options can increase up in a short time! A GPS is close to $8 to $ten a day; even so, some operators could provide discounted models. Be expecting to pay all-around $five day-to-day for a child seat and a few pounds every day for all another 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for presenting The majority of these alternatives and, during some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Price range, Hertz and National demand by far the most for these kinds of further options; Whilst another businesses mentioned, cost much more fair charges.
Surcharges
Most organizations add tiny incremental expenses, which include license plate and environmental costs, into the entire tally. Be cautious of operators who insert these added costs into your modest print on the rental deal. Automobiles rented direct for the airport incur airport taxes, which can be a whopping twelve% of your respective rental Value!
The rental vehicle really should be returned Together with the exact same degree of gas, unless in any other case indicated. If not, firms might demand previously mentioned gas station costs for missing fuel.
Motor vehicles
There's a discussion above the vehicles provided by rental businesses: More mature vehicles make it possible for the driving force to Mix in over a shiny, new motor vehicle. Obtaining an older design may provide the indirect advantage of remaining considerably less scrutinized by car rental businesses for current nicks and scratches, contrary to a more moderen vehicle. On the other hand, a more moderen car can be much more roadworthy. This discussion carries on into the various car or truck helps make and products. Typically, Costa Rican corporations can hire their automobiles for your reduced level since their cars and trucks are typically 3 to 5 years previous (as opposed to two to three). On the web reviews would propose that the neighborhood firms haven't any far more problems relating to auto top quality than transnational franchises; investigate on community forums, which include TripAdvisor.com, appears to point that customers usually respect driving a significantly less-than-new car or truck through the wilds of Costa Rica. The explanations are a good deal, from road ailments into the notion of less-then-new cars blending in superior -- a newer auto may possibly draw more undesired attention.
The selections of rental autos in Costa Rica are mostly limited to would make and models that sustain a aggressive resale value, are a common model during the nation, and so are reasonably priced to maintain. As a result a hire-a-motor vehicle operator's fleet have a tendency never to be as varied as the United States. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai represent the mainstay brands of most rental fleets.
Often, motorists are charged for intended 'damages' to the car on return. At the time receiving the automobile, renters really should meticulously look for pre-existing dubai exotic car rental flaws and Evaluate it Together with the auto inspection document used by the rental auto agent. Some renters suggest photographing or videoing the car from all angles, in order to avoid any disagreement involving pre-present and lately ruined objects.
Pricing
Car rentals in Costa Rica are pricier when compared to other countries. Responsibilities on motor vehicles are large (just as much as 50% in their value!), components are costlier and unforgiving street problems add to bigger wear and tear, producing larger upkeep charges.
The rule is you obtain Anything you pay for -- you will find other options than Individuals rental firms mentioned in this article, but they are not outlined for a great cause. They just are unsuccessful to offer standard customer care and/or a suitable automobile affliction essential for just a (nearly) trouble-totally free trip.
When comparing rental automobile fees, it's best to go on to the Costa Rican Web page with the rental car or truck enterprise, rather then trying to use their international format or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For a similar vehicles and reservation dates, the rates offered by the respective international vs. Costa Rican websites for Alamo, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty differed significantly.
To avoid confusion, print out all correspondence With all the car or truck rental enterprise with whom you have reserved a automobile and produce this to the rental Workplace Using the quote offered at the time of reservation.
The following top ten chart ranks the businesses from best priced to least expensive and it incorporates the obligatory insurance plan cost. While in the situations of Alamo and Hertz, the figure includes their CDW payment because it is one of their rental requirements. This price comparison is predicated on weekly's rental of the Daihatsu Bego, the place offered (Greenback presents the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - twenty first, nevertheless in December to view equally Environmentally friendly and Superior Time costs. The listing swiftly demonstrates that the price variation depends enormously on the corporate -- for in essence precisely the same services. These rates had been obtained in June/July 2013.
Rental Car Providers Rated In line with Value
September
10. Alamo $650.ninety six
nine. Hertz $514.27
8. Adobe $449
7. Spending plan $455
six. Nationwide $428.01
5. Thrifty $421.05
four. Assistance $374.forty three
3. Vamos $370.thirty
2. Greenback $364
one. Wild Rider $350
December
10. Alamo $650.96
9. Countrywide $597.51
eight. Hertz $566.52
seven. Funds $555
6. Dollar $532
five. Thrifty $506.fifty eight
4. Services $494.43
three. Vamos $461.thirty
2. Adobe $459
1. Wild Rider $395
Alamo ranks number 10 for equally seasons, which makes it the most expensive enterprise. Finances, Hertz and Nationwide also price low on the dimensions for cost-effective rental choices.
Company Summaries
Adobe
Web page is obvious and user friendly, but pricing as well as the motor vehicles shown usually are not the same as All those presented by an Place of work representative around the cell phone. Necessary insurance coverage prices will not be proven with the list of motor vehicles and rental fees, but They can be Evidently shown on the following page to be a consumer moves towards reserving a reservation. Blended buyer testimonials on-line. E mail response is fewer than 24 hrs, but may well not give all requested information.
Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Stay Chat.
10 offices nationwide
Obligatory insurance policy: $19 day-to-day
More charges: GPS $nine/day, baby seat $five/working day
Alamo
Internet site is clear and simple to operate, but charges vary against rates gained more than the phone. Necessary insurance coverage expenditures will not be given Using the listing of automobiles and rental prices, but They can be clearly shown on the subsequent website page as the customer moves toward creating a reservation. Blended buyer critiques on line. E-mail reaction is under 24 several hours.
No toll-free U.S.A and Canada telephone number or Stay chat
14 places of work nationwide
Required insurance policies: $11.ninety five day by day, but need to also acquire their CDW at $twelve.95 day by day
Further prices: GPS $12/day, youngster seat $6/day
Spending budget
Site is standard, but user friendly. Charges on-line vary towards the quotations specified by a consultant more than the telephone and based upon if the Worldwide or Costa Rican Web page is utilised. Mandatory insurance prices are specified combined with the listing of autos; on the other hand, the opposite expenses are certainly not shown. Blended purchaser opinions online. E mail response is in excess of 24 several hours.
No toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Are living Chat on Costa Rican Internet site.
10 places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance: included in the stated selling price
Extra costs: GPS $10.95/working day, baby seat $12/working day (the most expensive of the highest 10)
Greenback
Website is obvious and simple to operate. Rates quoted differ if contacting with the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Mandatory insurance policy costs will not be specified With all the listing of autos and rental charges, but They can be clearly exhibited on the following site like a shopper moves in direction of a making a reservation. Mixed assessments on line, but frequently receives beneficial responses. Email inquiries answered in just 24 several hours.
Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Reside Chat.
3 offices nationwide
Required insurance policies: $16 day by day
Supplemental charges: GPS $9/day, kid seat $5/day
Hertz
Web site is evident and simple to use. Mandatory insurance costs are usually not specified Moreover the listing of cars and rental fees, but They may be clearly displayed on the subsequent website page as The client moves to a reserving a reservation. Blended client evaluations on-line. E-mail response under 24 several hours.
Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada phone number and Dwell Chat (even though it seems to be completely offline)
seven offices nationwide
Mandatory coverage: $seventeen.43 day by day, but their CDW can also be a prerequisite
Extra prices: GPS $twelve/working day, youngster seat $two/working day
Nationwide
Web site is obvious and simple to operate. Required insurance policies expenditures are certainly not given along with the listing of motor vehicles and rental charges, but They are really Plainly exhibited on the following web site as a client moves in the direction of generating a reservation. Blended buyer opinions on line, but a lot more optimistic than detrimental. E mail reaction a lot less than 24 several hours.
Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada phone number. Are living Chat.
22 offices nationwide
Mandatory insurance policies: $twenty five day by day (the most expensive of the very best ten)
Extra costs: GPS $12/day, boy or girl seat $six/working day
Provider
Site is obvious and user friendly with simply a slight confusion in that an on-line quotation is received by clicking on 'Reserve Now' rather than the 'Have a Estimate' alternative. The response to a cellular phone inquiry was to employ the web site. Obligatory insurance policies charges are presented along with the list of motor vehicles and rental prices for that minimal season charges and on the 2nd site of another quotation webpage. Keep in mind is a really encouraged income consultant who is outlined in several on-line assessments for that substantial degree of his customer service. Frequently on the net evaluations are good for Service. Electronic mail response is lower than 24 several hours, While all details requested may not be been given.
U.S.A telephone number, but not toll-free of charge. No Stay Chat.
five workplaces nationwide
Necessary insurance: $fifteen day-to-day
Extra charges: GPS $five.99/working day, baby seat $2.99/working day
Thrifty
Costa Rican Edition of the web site is extremely hard to utilize and you are questioned to sign-up for a consumer name and password. Required insurance policies expenses are usually not supplied combined with the listing of autos and rental charges. A purchaser must click on "Defense Choices" over the U.S. Internet site and select the required insurance policy by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional rather than a needed Charge. Thrifty often receive combined critiques on line. E-mail reaction is a lot more than 24 hours.