"My time's confined... how can I select?"
Motor vehicle rental is often a incredibly hot subject for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Recent investigation executed via the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) suggests that, immediately after accommodations, renting an automobile is the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day holiday vacation.
The net is buzzing with detrimental opinions speaking about overcharging, bad customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You might have even penned a single yourself!
An average midsize (3 - 4 Older people) 4X4 rental operates amongst $fifty eight and $65 everyday with third party insurance policy and charges may vary around 20 percent among car rental businesses, so studying a quick evaluate are going to be time perfectly used when you finally estimate the personal savings.
Therefore the issue is; which rental business offers the best balance of good rate, able customer support and reputable autos? I've investigated everything for yourself, so Continue reading!
Disclosure: This investigation was carried out in Could - July 2013. The following companies were being chosen given that they are classified as the most generally Utilized in Costa Rica. Some are neighborhood firms; others are Worldwide franchises of acknowledged brand names. Comparisons consist of: customer service, pricing and also the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically instead of dependant on own or on the net Tastes.
Look at this data just before renting:
Insurance
One of the biggest causes for problems is with the stack of unexpected expenses presented to the renter once standing at the rental firm's counter. Vacationers are generally drained after a lengthy flight and then are confronted by prices that were not anticipated, defined or budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances is definitely the non-disclosure of service fees linked to the necessary third-party coverage at some time the reservation is manufactured.
In accordance with Costa Rican law, every driver is necessary to hold legal responsibility protection to insure in opposition to injuries to third get-togethers. Car or truck rental organizations usually refrain from disclosing the expense of this coverage within the quoted rental rate to look far more competitive. Mandatory 3rd-social gathering coverage can from time to time be up to double the car's rental cost. The only real assurance in opposition to insurance confusion should be to inquire If the estimate involves the third party insurance and demand on the written quotation.
Expense of Obligatory Insurance (also known as Third Party or SLI)
Count on to pay in between $12 and $fifteen each day for this insurance policies, according to the make and model of the rented auto as well as rental car or truck company. It is a legal issue within your rental arrangement and is mostly not coated by credit cards and can't be waived. It is a simple fact of renting a car or truck in Costa Rica.
Collision Problems Waiver (CDW)
Since the title suggests, this isn't coverage, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any legal responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle following the deductible is paid out (generally from $750 to $one,500). Some agencies have to have renters to get their CDW policy; thus negating any bank card program. For a further charge, quite a few companies do present you with a zero liability possibility where the renter might be freed from paying for any harm to the car. Some providers may possibly put force upon renters to acquire the zero liability protection; however, it is actually totally optional, unless it truly is in the great print in their rental agreement.
Charge card insurance policy courses could cover the CDW for the rental vehicle. Check out together with your preferred rental vehicle business to locate which evidence of insurance plan is needed after which you can ask for that out of your charge card business previous to arriving. If you use your charge card's CDW policy, be expecting to pay an increased deposit on the motor vehicle; all-around $1,five hundred to $2000 is typical. The upper deposit ensures that the charge card holder has adequate money reserves to cover damages if essential. It's important to take into account that if making use of CDW coverage furnished by a credit card (in lieu on the hire a vehicle operator), all damages will probably be billed into the renter's credit card. The credit card organization will then reimburse the cardboard holder for damages.
Much more Insurance plan
Tires and windshields are rarely A part of insurance guidelines, Whilst additional procedures may very well be taken out for covering these often weakened items. Neither the inside nor the beneath from the auto could be protected. Usually browse the good print.
Normal Technique
Your bank card will likely be charged, or a 'maintain' put, to the rental automobile during the time from the rental arrangement; i.e. from picking up the rental until finally you come it. Debit playing cards are typically not appropriate.
Additional Charges
Most companies have surcharges For added drivers, motor vehicle seats/boosters, cell phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs vary from firm to corporation, but since these extras are billed at a everyday fee, it can be truly worth examining the total Price -- further possibilities can insert up in a short time! A GPS is all-around $8 to $10 daily; on the other hand, some operators may provide discounted units. Count on to pay for all around $five each day for a kid seat and a few dollars a day for all the other 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for supplying These types of selections and, all through some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Funds, Hertz and Countrywide demand the most for this kind of added selections; Whilst one other companies outlined, cost a lot more realistic selling prices.
Surcharges
Most providers increase small incremental expenses, including license plate and environmental costs, into the full tally. Be wary of operators who insert these further fees in the compact print of the rental contract. Automobiles rented direct with the airport incur airport taxes, which might be a whopping twelve% within your rental cost!
The rental car needs to be returned Together with the similar number of gasoline, Except in any other case indicated. If not, organizations may possibly cost earlier mentioned fuel station fees for lacking gasoline.
Vehicles
There's a debate in excess of the autos provided by rental firms: More mature automobiles let the motive force to Mix in greater than a shiny, new vehicle. Getting an older product may perhaps contain the oblique good thing about remaining fewer scrutinized by car or truck rental businesses for modern nicks and scratches, not like a more moderen motor vehicle. Even so, a more moderen automobile might be more roadworthy. This discussion carries on into the different vehicle makes and models. Frequently, Costa Rican corporations have the ability to lease their automobiles to get a lower rate for the reason that their autos are usually 3 to five years old (versus two to 3). On line assessments would propose which the community companies have no more problems relating to motor vehicle good quality than transnational franchises; analysis on discussion boards, such as TripAdvisor.com, appears to be to point that consumers often value driving a much less-than-new car with the wilds of Costa Rica. The reasons are a good deal, from highway circumstances for the notion of a lot less-then-new autos blending in much better -- a newer auto may well draw more unwelcome consideration.
The alternatives of rental vehicles in Costa Rica are mostly restricted to can make and designs that maintain a aggressive resale worth, are a typical brand name during the place, and therefore are inexpensive to take care of. As such a rent-a-vehicle operator's fleet have a tendency not to be as various as America. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay models of most rental fleets.
From time to time, drivers are billed for supposed 'damages' to your automobile upon return. The moment getting the automobile, renters really should meticulously look for pre-present flaws and Look at it Along with the motor vehicle inspection doc employed by the rental car or truck representative. Some renters recommend photographing or videoing the car or truck from all angles, to stop any disagreement among pre-existing and a short while ago destroyed items.
Pricing
Auto rentals in Costa Rica are pricier in comparison to other nations around the world. Responsibilities on cars are large (about 50% in their worth!), pieces are costlier and unforgiving street conditions lead to higher use and tear, generating increased maintenance charges.
The rule is you obtain what you buy -- you will discover other options than Those people rental organizations outlined right here, but they don't seem to be shown for an excellent explanation. They just are unsuccessful to offer essential customer service and/or an acceptable auto issue essential for the (approximately) trouble-free vacation.
When evaluating rental auto costs, it is best to go directly to the Costa Rican website of your rental auto organization, instead of endeavoring to use their international format or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For the same vehicles and reservation dates, the fees provided by the respective Intercontinental vs. Costa Rican websites for Alamo, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty differed significantly.
To stop confusion, print out all correspondence With all the motor vehicle rental enterprise with whom you might have reserved a automobile and produce this to the rental Place of work with the estimate supplied at time of reservation.
The subsequent prime ten chart ranks the businesses from highest priced to least expensive and it consists of the necessary insurance charge. While in the scenarios of Alamo and Hertz, the figure is made up of their CDW payment mainly because it is one of their rental demands. This value comparison is predicated on every week's rental of the Daihatsu Bego, where by accessible (Greenback delivers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - 21st, nonetheless in December to see the two Inexperienced and Significant Time premiums. The checklist rapidly demonstrates that the cost variation is dependent significantly on the company -- for basically exactly the same provider. These selling prices had been acquired in June/July 2013.
Rental Car or truck Firms Rated According to Value
September
ten. Alamo $650.ninety six
9. Hertz $514.27
eight. Adobe $449
seven. Price range $455
six. Nationwide $428.01
5. Thrifty $421.05
four. Service $374.43
three. Vamos $370.30
2. Greenback $364
1. Wild Rider $350
December
10. Alamo $650.ninety six
9. Countrywide $597.51
eight. Hertz $566.fifty two
seven. Budget $555
6. Greenback $532
5. Thrifty $506.58
four. Company $494.forty three
three. Vamos $461.thirty
two. Adobe $459
one. Wild Rider $395
Alamo ranks variety ten for both of those seasons, making it the costliest business. Budget, Hertz and Countrywide also level minimal on the size for cost-effective rental options.
Company Summaries
Adobe
Web page is clear and easy to use, but pricing and also the cars shown usually are not the same as Individuals supplied by an Place of work agent more than the cell phone. Obligatory insurance expenses are certainly not demonstrated Using the list of vehicles and rental fees, but they are Obviously exhibited on the next web site like a purchaser moves in the direction of booking a reservation. Blended buyer assessments on the internet. E-mail response is below 24 several hours, but might not present all asked for information.
Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Dwell Chat.
ten workplaces nationwide
Obligatory coverage: $19 daily
Additional rates: GPS $nine/working day, little one seat $5/day
Alamo
Website is evident and user friendly, but charges differ against rates acquired in excess of the cellphone. Required coverage costs are not offered With all the list of automobiles and rental expenses, but They may be Obviously shown on the next webpage as The client moves in the direction of generating a reservation. Combined buyer opinions on line. Electronic mail reaction is fewer than 24 several hours.
No toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number or Live chat
14 places of work nationwide
Required coverage: $eleven.ninety five everyday, but should also take their CDW at $twelve.ninety five everyday
Additional rates: GPS $twelve/day, child seat $six/working day
Price range
Website is essential, but convenient to use. Rates on-line vary on the quotations provided by a representative about the mobile phone and based on whether or not the Global or Costa Rican Site is used. Obligatory insurance policy expenses are specified together with the list of vehicles; having said that, the opposite costs are not stated. Combined consumer assessments on the web. E-mail reaction is in excess of 24 hours.
No toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Are living Chat on Costa Rican Web site.
10 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance policies: A part of the listed cost
Extra charges: GPS $10.95/working day, boy or girl seat $twelve/day (the most expensive of the top ten)
Dollar
Web-site is evident and user friendly. Charges quoted vary if contacting with the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Obligatory insurance coverage costs are usually not supplied With all the list of vehicles and rental prices, but They can be Obviously exhibited on the next webpage as a shopper moves toward a producing a reservation. Mixed opinions on the web, but usually gets constructive comments. Email inquiries answered within just 24 hrs.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Dwell Chat.
three offices nationwide
Obligatory insurance coverage: $sixteen daily
Added charges: GPS $nine/working day, youngster seat $five/day
Hertz
Web-site is obvious and simple to operate. Necessary coverage fees are usually not provided Other than the list of cars and rental costs, but They can be clearly shown on the subsequent web page as The client moves towards a booking a reservation. Combined shopper evaluations on the net. E-mail reaction less than 24 hrs.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada telephone number and Are living Chat (although it is apparently forever offline)
7 places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance policy: $seventeen.43 everyday, but their CDW is likewise a requirement
Added rates: GPS $12/working day, boy or girl seat $2/working day
Countrywide
Site is evident and simple to use. Obligatory coverage expenses are certainly not given combined with the listing of automobiles and rental fees, but They are really Obviously shown on the subsequent web page being a customer moves in direction of earning a reservation. Mixed client assessments on-line, but far more favourable than damaging. E mail reaction less than 24 hrs.
Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. Live Chat.
22 offices nationwide
Necessary insurance plan: $twenty five daily (the most expensive of the highest 10)
Supplemental costs: GPS $12/day, little one seat $six/working day
Service
Web site is obvious and consumer welcoming with simply a slight confusion in that an internet estimate is received by clicking on 'Reserve Now' instead of the 'Receive a Quote' alternative. The response to your cellular phone inquiry was to use the website. Necessary insurance policies expenses are presented together with the listing of vehicles and rental costs to the very low time rates and on the second web page of another quotation webpage. Don't forget is usually a really recommended revenue representative that is pointed out in several on the net reviews to the superior amount of his customer support. Normally online assessments are positive for Services. Email response is under 24 several hours, While all info asked for will not be obtained.
U.S.A phone number, but not toll-free. No Are living Chat.
five workplaces nationwide
Mandatory insurance policies: $fifteen everyday
More costs: GPS $five.99/working day, child seat $two.ninety nine/day
Thrifty
Costa Rican version of the website is difficult to work with and also you are requested to register for any person name and password. Obligatory insurance coverage prices are certainly not specified combined with the listing of vehicles and rental costs. A buyer should click on "Safety Possibilities" around the U.S. Site and select the mandatory insurance coverage by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional instead of a expected Charge. Thrifty are likely to get combined critiques online. Electronic mail reaction is a lot more than 24 hrs.
Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Live Chat.
4 places of work nationwide
Required insurance policies: $19.99 every day
Extra charges: GPS $ten/working day, little one seat $5/day
Vamos
Web-site is evident and user friendly. Necessary insurance coverage costs are usually not supplied alongside aspect the list of vehicles and rental rates, but are Plainly shown on the following page as The shopper moves toward reserving a reservation. Anibal, a representative, is frequently outlined in on the net testimonials for his large volume of customer care capabilities. Common Supervisor, George Schwarzenbach is thought on Journey Advisor for his upfront and sincere responses to customers' posts.
Lately, Vamos has acquired extremely favourable opinions on the internet. Email reaction is a lot less than 24 hrs. Live Chat has prompt reaction time for you to inquiries.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. Stay Chat.
3 workplaces nationwide
Mandatory insurance policies: $eleven.ninety five day by day
Extra costs: GPS $8/day, baby seat absolutely free
Wild Rider
Internet site is clear and convenient to use. Obligatory coverage prices are supplied beside the listing of vehicles. Wild Rider is the sole car or truck rental business in Costa Rica without having obvious poor opinions on-line. Proprietor, Thorsten, is usually praised for his performance and customer service, despite the very limited sources the company has at hand. E-mail obtain pretty prompt and thorough responses in less than twelve hours.
No toll-no cost telephone number or Live Chat
one office -- no Liberia airport Business
Necessary insurance: provided
Additional prices: GPS $8/working day, kid seat $five/day
Comparison Critique
Customer Service
Vamos and Wild Rider answer swiftly and efficiently to e mail or live chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Greenback, Hertz, National, and repair respond to e mail inquiries in less than 24 hrs, but Adobe and repair did not deliver all the knowledge asked for (perhaps a language barrier). Budget offers a no cost cellphone assistance, nevertheless it seems for being normally hectic. Hertz's Are living chat appears being continuously offline. Over the past calendar year, consumers who posted to on the net evaluation web-sites expressed a particular pleasure with the customer support offered by Support, Vamos and Wild Rider.
Clarity
Adobe, Alamo and Finances have various rental selling prices posted on their Internet sites than People quoted over the cellphone. Phone costs ended up lower than that quoted on the website from the cases of Adobe and Alamo, but nevertheless bigger in the case of Finances. Adobe also offers unique car types around the cellphone compared to their Site. Global car rental companies with both equally a Costa Rican and Intercontinental Site show up to obtain pricing variations amongst The 2 sites.
Funds and Wild Rider involve the mandatory insurance policy of their rental prices, but Price range states that 'other fees' which will be dubai exotic car rental presented on the counter from the compact print on their own Web site. Rental charges for motor vehicle seating had to be verified about the cellular phone as they are not outlined within the Finances Web-site.
All other companies except for Thrifty (a U.S. Web page), Evidently clearly show the mandatory insurance policy Value Along with the quotation given. Thrifty's Costa Rican Web site is just unusable.
Pricing
Provider, Vamos and Wild Rider continually give the most beneficial prices for each Eco-friendly and Substantial seasons, While Greenback has amongst the bottom Green season prices obtainable, even though Adobe has a less expensive Significant time level. Vamos offer the best "all inclusive" prices, given that most alternatives are offered free of charge.
Adobe, Dollar, Support, Thrifty and Wild Rider continue to be aggressive with their pricing of things for example little one seats. Alamo, Hertz and Nationwide are the costliest corporations to hire from as well as their supplemental possibility costs are also more expensive.
"So, what's your rental recommendation?"
Overall, the Costa Rican companies seem to trump the multi-nationals with better pricing, services and clarity.
Services offers a generally higher-degree of customer service and pretty competitive pricing at the two Worldwide airports.
Vamos can supply productive reserving and continued higher-degree of customer service with competitive pricing, in addition to totally free extra choices at each SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider is extremely highly rated for a rental with apparent and inexpensive pricing and fantastic customer care, but They may be only in San Jose.
"Now you are able to e-book your rental automobile right after viewing how the Competitors compares. Great luck and happy travels!"