"My time's restricted... how do I select?"
Car or truck rental is usually a hot topic for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Current investigate performed via the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) suggests that, following lodging, leasing a car or truck is the most important cost, averaging $702 for an eleven-working day getaway.
The Internet is buzzing with damaging opinions talking about overcharging, bad customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even penned just one by yourself!
A standard midsize (3 - 4 Grownups) 4X4 rental operates concerning $58 and $sixty five each day with third party insurance and fees could vary around 20 per cent among the vehicle rental firms, so looking through A fast evaluate will probably be time properly invested as you compute the discounts.
And so the dilemma is; which rental company features the most effective stability of reasonable value, able customer support and reputable automobiles? I have researched everything for yourself, so Continue reading!
Disclosure: This research was carried out in Could - July 2013. The following providers have been picked mainly because they would be the most widely Utilized in Costa Rica. Some are regional providers; Other individuals are international franchises of regarded brand name names. Comparisons consist of: customer service, pricing plus the reservation approach. The companies are outlined alphabetically instead of dependant on particular or on the web Choices.
Consider this information and facts ahead of renting:
Insurance policy
Considered one of the most important will cause for complaints is with the stack of unforeseen charges offered to the renter after standing at the rental company's counter. Vacationers are usually worn out after a extended flight and after that are confronted by charges that were not expected, explained or budgeted.
Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees connected with the obligatory third-social gathering coverage at time the reservation is designed.
According to Costa Rican regulation, just about every driver is required to carry legal responsibility coverage to insure versus injuries to 3rd events. Vehicle rental firms usually chorus from disclosing the expense of this plan inside the quoted rental level to look more competitive. Mandatory third-get together insurance policy can often be just as much as double the automobile's rental Value. The sole warranty from insurance coverage confusion will be to inquire if your estimate features the third party insurance coverage and insist with a published quotation.
Cost of Obligatory Coverage (also known as 3rd party or SLI)
Assume to pay in between $12 and $fifteen day-to-day for this insurance, depending upon the make and product with the rented car or truck plus the rental auto company. It is a authorized situation of one's rental agreement and is mostly not protected by bank cards and cannot be waived. It's a actuality of renting an automobile in Costa Rica.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Since the name implies, this isn't coverage, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for harm to the rental automobile once the deductible is paid out (ordinarily from $750 to $1,five hundred). Some companies require renters to invest in their CDW policy; therefore negating any charge card application. For yet another charge, lots of companies do give a zero liability solution where the renter will be freed from purchasing any damage to the vehicle. Some firms could place force upon renters to get the zero legal responsibility protection; nonetheless, it's solely optional, Except if it can be inside the great print of their rental agreement.
Credit card insurance policies courses may perhaps protect the CDW to get a rental car. Check along with your decided on rental auto firm to locate which evidence of insurance policy is needed and then ask for that from a bank card enterprise just before arriving. If you make use of your bank card's CDW policy, hope to pay the next deposit within the automobile; all around $one,five hundred to $2000 is frequent. The higher deposit ensures that the credit card holder has ample fiscal reserves to deal with damages if essential. It can be crucial to consider that if making use of CDW coverage furnished by a charge card (in lieu with the lease an automobile operator), all damages will probably be billed to your renter's credit card. The bank card company will then reimburse the card holder for damages.
Additional Insurance
Tires and windshields are seldom A part of insurance plan insurance policies, although extra procedures can be taken out for masking these frequently ruined objects. Neither the inside nor the underneath from the car or truck may very well be covered. Usually go through the wonderful print.
Conventional Procedure
Your credit card is going to be billed, or simply a 'hold' placed, to the rental motor vehicle over the time of your rental agreement; i.e. from choosing up the rental until you come back it. Debit playing cards are frequently not suitable.
Supplemental Charges
Most organizations have surcharges For extra motorists, car seats/boosters, mobile phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs differ from enterprise to company, but because these extras are billed at a everyday charge, it truly is truly worth checking the entire Price -- more choices can add up very quickly! A GPS is all around $eight to $ten on a daily basis; however, some operators may provide discounted units. Anticipate to pay close to $5 day-to-day for a kid seat and a few pounds a day for all the other 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for supplying These types of solutions and, during some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Spending budget, Hertz and Nationwide cost by far the most for these types of extra choices; While another firms stated, demand much more reasonable costs.
Surcharges
Most companies add little incremental prices, for example license plate and environmental costs, into the whole tally. Be wary of operators who insert these further costs in to the little print in the rental contract. Vehicles rented direct at the airport incur airport taxes, which happen to be a whopping twelve% within your rental Price tag!
The rental vehicle should be returned While using the exact degree of gasoline, Until normally indicated. If not, companies may demand higher than gas station fees for lacking gasoline.
Autos
There's a debate more than the motor vehicles equipped by rental corporations: Older vehicles permit the driver to blend in more than a shiny, new car. Having an more mature design could possess the indirect good thing about staying less scrutinized by car rental organizations for modern nicks and scratches, as opposed to a newer car or truck. On the other hand, a more moderen car may be extra roadworthy. This discussion carries on into the various car makes and products. Commonly, Costa Rican companies can rent their cars for your lessen amount due to the fact their vehicles are generally a few to five years aged (as opposed to two to three). On line assessments would advise which the regional firms haven't any a lot more complaints relating to automobile quality than transnational franchises; research on message boards, including TripAdvisor.com, seems to point that clients routinely recognize driving a much less-than-new auto throughout the wilds of Costa Rica. The reasons are a great deal, from street disorders on the notion of a lot less-then-new automobiles Mixing in greater -- a more moderen vehicle may possibly attract extra undesired interest.
The decisions of rental vehicles in Costa Rica are mostly restricted to tends to make and products that keep a competitive resale price, are a typical manufacturer while in the country, and so are economical to maintain. As a result a hire-a-motor vehicle operator's fleet are likely to not be as diverse as The usa. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay makes of most rental fleets.
Occasionally, motorists are charged for meant 'damages' for the vehicle on return. Once obtaining the car, renters should really meticulously check for pre-present flaws and Evaluate it While using the automobile inspection doc employed by the rental automobile agent. Some renters recommend photographing or videoing the car or truck from all angles, in order to avoid any disagreement between pre-current and recently destroyed items.
Pricing
Auto rentals in Costa Rica are pricier in comparison to other nations around the world. Duties on motor vehicles are higher (up to 50% in their worth!), pieces are costlier and unforgiving street conditions add to higher use and tear, building larger routine maintenance fees.
The rule is you can get Whatever dubai exotic car rental you buy -- you'll find other choices than These rental firms listed listed here, but they don't seem to be outlined for a superb reason. They simply fall short to offer primary customer care and/or an appropriate auto situation essential for just a (almost) issues-free getaway.
When evaluating rental vehicle fees, it's best to go directly to the Costa Rican Internet site of your rental vehicle firm, rather than wanting to use their international structure or an middleman (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For the same cars and reservation dates, the rates provided by the respective Global vs. Costa Rican Web-sites for Alamo, Spending budget, Hertz and Thrifty differed considerably.
To stay away from confusion, print out all correspondence Using the auto rental enterprise with whom you've reserved a motor vehicle and convey this to the rental Place of work Along with the quotation given at enough time of reservation.
The next top ten chart ranks the businesses from best priced to lowest and it contains the obligatory insurance charge. While in the conditions of Alamo and Hertz, the figure consists of their CDW payment mainly because it is one of their rental needs. This price tag comparison is predicated on a week's rental of a Daihatsu Bego, the place out there (Dollar offers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - twenty first, nevertheless in December to check out both of those Eco-friendly and Large Season fees. The listing quickly demonstrates that the worth variation is dependent significantly on the company -- for generally a similar services. These price ranges were obtained in June/July 2013.
Rental Car Organizations Ranked In line with Price tag
September
10. Alamo $650.96
9. Hertz $514.27
8. Adobe $449
7. Price range $455
6. Nationwide $428.01
5. Thrifty $421.05
4. Support $374.43
3. Vamos $370.30
2. Dollar $364
1. Wild Rider $350
December
10. Alamo $650.96
nine. Countrywide $597.fifty one
eight. Hertz $566.fifty two
7. Spending budget $555
6. Dollar $532
5. Thrifty $506.58
4. Services $494.43
3. Vamos $461.30
2. Adobe $459
1. Wild Rider $395
Alamo ranks quantity ten for each seasons, making it the most expensive organization. Price range, Hertz and Nationwide also charge lower on the size for affordable rental alternatives.
Firm Summaries
Adobe
Internet site is obvious and convenient to use, but pricing and in some cases the cars stated are usually not similar to Those people supplied by an Office environment agent more than the telephone. Mandatory insurance coverage expenses aren't shown Using the list of motor vehicles and rental rates, but They are really Evidently exhibited on the next website page like a client moves in direction of booking a reservation. Mixed consumer critiques online. Email reaction is a lot less than 24 several hours, but may well not present all asked for details.
Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Reside Chat.
10 offices nationwide
Required coverage: $19 each day
Supplemental prices: GPS $9/day, child seat $five/working day
Alamo
Web site is clear and easy to use, but prices vary from prices acquired more than the phone. Required insurance plan charges usually are not provided Using the list of cars and rental fees, but They can be Obviously displayed on the subsequent web site as The client moves in the direction of making a reservation. Blended purchaser testimonials on-line. Email reaction is under 24 hours.
No toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada cell phone number or Dwell chat
14 places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance policies: $11.ninety five each day, but ought to also get their CDW at $12.ninety five day-to-day
Further charges: GPS $twelve/day, child seat $six/day
Budget
Web page is simple, but simple to use. Price ranges on the web differ into the quotations presented by a representative around the cellphone and depending on whether or not the Worldwide or Costa Rican website is employed. Necessary insurance expenditures are provided along with the listing of automobiles; having said that, the opposite costs are usually not shown. Mixed purchaser evaluations online. E mail response is in excess of 24 hours.
No toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Live Chat on Costa Rican Web page.
10 places of work nationwide
Necessary coverage: included in the detailed price
More expenses: GPS $ten.95/working day, kid seat $twelve/day (the most costly of the top 10)
Dollar
Site is clear and user friendly. Prices quoted vary if contacting from your U.S. or in Costa Rica. Mandatory insurance policies fees are usually not provided with the list of motor vehicles and rental fees, but they are Evidently displayed on the next page being a customer moves in direction of a earning a reservation. Combined assessments on the internet, but frequently receives beneficial feedback. E mail inquiries answered within 24 hrs.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Stay Chat.
3 workplaces nationwide
Required insurance coverage: $sixteen every day
More charges: GPS $nine/day, baby seat $5/day
Hertz
Web page is clear and convenient to use. Required insurance policy expenditures aren't presented Other than the list of cars and rental charges, but They are really Obviously shown on the following webpage as The shopper moves towards a reserving a reservation. Combined shopper critiques on the web. Electronic mail response below 24 several hours.
Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada contact number and Reside Chat (even though it is apparently permanently offline)
7 workplaces nationwide
Required coverage: $17.43 day-to-day, but their CDW is usually a requirement
Added rates: GPS $12/day, little one seat $two/day
Nationwide
Internet site is evident and easy to use. Mandatory insurance policies expenditures are not offered combined with the listing of motor vehicles and rental charges, but They may be Plainly exhibited on the following web page to be a customer moves in direction of building a reservation. Mixed client opinions online, but far more optimistic than unfavorable. E mail reaction less than 24 hrs.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. Are living Chat.
22 offices nationwide
Necessary insurance plan: $twenty five day by day (the costliest of the top ten)
Further prices: GPS $twelve/working day, child seat $6/day
Provider
Internet site is obvious and consumer helpful with only a slight confusion in that an internet quotation is obtained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' and never the 'Obtain a Quote' choice. The response into a mobile phone inquiry was to make use of the website. Necessary insurance fees are supplied along with the list of cars and rental charges for your lower time rates and on the second web site of another quotation webpage. Don't forget can be a hugely encouraged profits agent that is stated in several on the net testimonials for that substantial standard of his customer support. Normally on the web testimonials are constructive for Provider. E mail response is under 24 hrs, While all information and facts asked for may not be obtained.
U.S.A telephone number, but not toll-cost-free. No Are living Chat.
5 offices nationwide
Mandatory insurance: $fifteen day by day
Supplemental prices: GPS $five.ninety nine/working day, youngster seat $2.99/day
Thrifty
Costa Rican version of the website is impossible to use and you are questioned to sign up for your consumer title and password. Necessary insurance policy expenditures are usually not specified together with the listing of vehicles and rental charges. A customer needs to click "Safety Alternatives" around the U.S. website and choose the obligatory insurance plan by clicking on it -- implying that it's optional and never a needed Price. Thrifty tend to acquire blended testimonials on the internet. Email reaction is much more than 24 hrs.
Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Reside Chat.
4 offices nationwide
Required coverage: $19.ninety nine day by day
Supplemental rates: GPS $ten/working day, child seat $5/day
Vamos
Site is clear and simple to use. Required insurance plan charges usually are not given together aspect the list of vehicles and rental prices, but are Obviously displayed on the subsequent website page as the customer moves towards scheduling a reservation. Anibal, a consultant, is often mentioned in on the net testimonials for his large degree of customer care techniques. Normal Supervisor, George Schwarzenbach is known on Trip Advisor for his upfront and honest responses to customers' posts.
Recently, Vamos has been given really good assessments on the web. Email reaction is under 24 hours. Stay Chat has instantaneous reaction time and energy to inquiries.
Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada contact number. Dwell Chat.
3 places of work nationwide
Necessary coverage: $eleven.95 each day
Further charges: GPS $eight/day, little one seat totally free
Wild Rider
Web-site is obvious and easy to use. Obligatory insurance prices are supplied close to the list of vehicles. Wild Rider is the only real auto rental company in Costa Rica without any visible undesirable reviews on the web. Owner, Thorsten, is frequently praised for his efficiency and customer support, despite the incredibly restricted methods the organization has at hand. E-mail obtain pretty prompt and in depth responses in fewer than 12 several hours.
No toll-free of charge phone number or Dwell Chat
one Business office -- no Liberia airport office
Obligatory insurance coverage: involved
Extra prices: GPS $8/working day, kid seat $five/day
Comparison Review
Customer care
Vamos and Wild Rider react immediately and competently to e mail or live chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Countrywide, and Service reply to electronic mail inquiries in under 24 several hours, but Adobe and Service didn't provide all the knowledge asked for (perhaps a language barrier). Spending plan offers a absolutely free telephone provider, but it appears to generally be usually occupied. Hertz's live chat appears to generally be continuously offline. Over the past yr, prospects who posted to on-line overview sites expressed a particular satisfaction Along with the customer service made available from Support, Vamos and Wild Rider.
Clarity
Adobe, Alamo and Budget have diverse rental selling prices posted on their Internet sites than All those quoted over the mobile phone. Phone charges were being reduce than that quoted on the web site from the instances of Adobe and Alamo, but nevertheless bigger in the case of Price range. Adobe also provides distinctive car versions about the phone in comparison with their Internet site. Intercontinental car rental firms with equally a Costa Rican and Intercontinental website seem to get pricing discrepancies concerning the two web sites.
Spending budget and Wild Rider consist of the obligatory insurance coverage inside their rental prices, but Price range states that 'other expenses' which can be offered within the counter in the little print on their Internet site. Rental selling prices for motor vehicle seating had to be verified around the cellphone as they're not stated on the Spending budget Site.
All other firms excluding Thrifty (a U.S. Web-site), clearly present the obligatory insurance plan Price tag While using the quotation offered. Thrifty's Costa Rican Site is actually unusable.
Pricing
Assistance, Vamos and Wild Rider consistently provide the very best charges for equally Inexperienced and Significant seasons, While Greenback has among the bottom Green period premiums available, although Adobe has a cheaper Higher period price. Vamos provide the most effective "all inclusive" charges, provided that most alternatives are presented totally free.
Adobe, Greenback, Provider, Thrifty and Wild Rider continue being aggressive with their pricing of things for example baby seats. Alamo, Hertz and Nationwide are the costliest firms to lease from and their added selection charges will also be costlier.
"So, what is your rental suggestion?"
All round, the Costa Rican organizations appear to trump the multi-nationals with far better pricing, provider and clarity.
Provider provides a normally significant-standard of customer service and reasonably aggressive pricing at both equally Global airports.
Vamos can offer you successful scheduling and ongoing high-level of customer support with aggressive pricing, as well as free further options at both SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider is very hugely rated to get a rental with clear and economical pricing and excellent customer care, but They are really only in San Jose.
"Now you happen to be willing to ebook your rental automobile following seeing how the competition compares. Superior luck and delighted travels!"