"My time's constrained... how can I select?"
Car or truck rental is a hot topic for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Recent analysis carried out with the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) suggests that, soon after lodging, leasing a vehicle is the biggest price, averaging $702 for an eleven-working day getaway.
The online world is buzzing with destructive assessments speaking about overcharging, weak customer care and mechanical breakdowns. You could have even prepared 1 you!
A standard midsize (three - four Grown ups) 4X4 rental operates concerning $58 and $65 every day with third party insurance coverage and prices can vary as much as twenty p.c between car or truck rental corporations, so looking at A fast overview will probably be time effectively spent after you compute the personal savings.
Therefore the query is; which rental business offers the most beneficial harmony of truthful rate, capable customer service and reliable motor vehicles? I've investigated all of it to suit your needs, so keep reading!
Disclosure: This exploration was done in May perhaps - July 2013. The subsequent companies were selected mainly because they are definitely the most generally used in Costa Rica. Some are regional companies; Other individuals are Global franchises of regarded model names. Comparisons incorporate: customer support, pricing along with the reservation system. The companies are detailed alphabetically and never determined by particular or on the net Tastes.
Think about this details ahead of renting:
Coverage
One among the largest will cause for complaints is within the stack of unexpected expenses presented into the renter the moment standing within the rental company's counter. Vacationers are usually drained after a long flight after which are confronted by charges which were not expected, spelled out or budgeted.
Topping the listing of grievances will be the non-disclosure of costs linked to the obligatory third-get together insurance policies at time the reservation is manufactured.
As outlined by Costa Rican law, every single driver is needed to carry legal responsibility coverage to insure towards injuries to 3rd functions. Vehicle rental businesses generally chorus from disclosing the cost of this plan during the quoted rental amount to seem far more competitive. Required 3rd-occasion insurance coverage can often be just as much as double the car's rental Value. The only ensure versus insurance coverage confusion will be to inquire Should your estimate contains the 3rd party insurance policies and insist on a penned quotation.
Expense of Obligatory Insurance coverage (also called 3rd party or SLI)
Assume to pay between $twelve and $fifteen day by day for this insurance plan, dependant upon the make and design from the rented auto and also the rental auto company. This is the legal affliction of the rental settlement and is usually not included by credit cards and can't be waived. It's a simple fact of renting an auto in Costa Rica.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Since the identify indicates, this isn't coverage, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for harm to the rental auto following the deductible is paid out (commonly from $750 to $one,five hundred). Some companies require renters to invest in their CDW plan; thereby negating any charge card plan. For a further rate, quite a few businesses do offer a zero liability solution where by the renter are going to be freed from paying for any harm to the car. Some organizations may perhaps place force upon renters to get the zero legal responsibility coverage; on the other hand, it is totally optional, Except it is while in the fine print of their rental agreement.
Bank card insurance policies plans may perhaps protect the CDW for a rental automobile. Test using your picked rental vehicle firm to uncover which proof of insurance policies is necessary and after that request that from the bank card company before arriving. In case you use your credit card's CDW plan, count on to pay for an increased deposit to the car; about $1,500 to $2000 is widespread. The upper deposit makes certain that the charge card holder has sufficient economic reserves to go over damages if essential. It is crucial to take into consideration that if applying CDW coverage furnished by a credit card (in lieu on the hire an automobile operator), all damages will likely be billed towards the renter's charge card. The bank card enterprise will then reimburse the card holder for damages.
Much more Insurance policy
Tires and windshields are almost never A part of insurance plan procedures, Whilst extra guidelines could possibly be taken out for covering these regularly broken merchandise. Neither the inside nor the beneath on the car or truck could possibly be lined. Constantly read through the fantastic print.
Normal Method
Your bank card will probably be billed, or maybe a 'maintain' placed, with the rental auto in the time with the rental arrangement; i.e. from choosing up the rental right until you come back it. Debit cards are typically not acceptable.
Supplemental Prices
Most providers have surcharges for additional drivers, car seats/boosters, cell phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The prices differ from organization to corporation, but since these extras are billed at a everyday amount, it is actually truly worth examining the entire Expense -- extra possibilities can add up very quickly! A GPS is all around $8 to $10 every day; however, some operators may provide discounted models. Expect to pay all around $five day-to-day for a kid seat and a few bucks per day for all the other 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for supplying The majority of these possibilities and, for the duration of some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Funds, Hertz and Nationwide cost by far the most for such extra choices; While the opposite providers mentioned, charge additional reasonable rates.
Surcharges
Most corporations add compact incremental costs, for example license plate and environmental expenses, into the overall tally. Be cautious of operators who insert these additional expenses in the little print from the rental agreement. Motor vehicles rented direct with the airport incur airport taxes, which happen to be a whopping 12% of one's rental Value!
The rental auto ought to be returned Using the very same degree of gasoline, unless or else indicated. If not, firms may well demand higher than gas station costs for missing gas.
Autos
There is a debate above the cars supplied by rental firms: More mature cars and trucks permit the driving force to Mix in in excess of a shiny, new vehicle. Owning an older product might hold the indirect advantage of becoming fewer scrutinized by auto rental organizations for current nicks and scratches, compared with a more moderen car. Even so, a newer automobile can be far more roadworthy. This debate carries on into the various car or truck tends to make and versions. Normally, Costa Rican firms can rent their autos for the lessen level mainly because their cars and trucks are generally a few to 5 years aged (compared to two to a few). On the net opinions would advise the local corporations haven't any far more grievances concerning vehicle high-quality than transnational franchises; exploration on message boards, for example TripAdvisor.com, looks to indicate that consumers regularly value driving a much less-than-new vehicle from the wilds of Costa Rica. The reasons are lots, from road disorders to your Idea of less-then-new motor vehicles blending in better -- a more recent automobile may attract much more unwelcome consideration.
The options of rental cars and trucks in Costa Rica are mainly limited to helps make and versions that preserve a competitive resale benefit, are a typical brand from the region, and are economical to maintain. As such a lease-a-vehicle operator's fleet are likely to not be as various as America. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai represent the mainstay makes of most rental fleets.
In some cases, drivers are billed for meant 'damages' into the motor vehicle on return. After receiving the vehicle, renters must meticulously check for pre-existing flaws and Look at it Together with the car inspection doc utilized by the rental car or truck consultant. Some renters suggest photographing or videoing the auto from all angles, to prevent any disagreement concerning pre-present and not long ago ruined goods.
Pricing
Automobile rentals in Costa Rica are pricier compared to other nations. Obligations on automobiles are high (up to fifty% of their price!), sections are costlier and unforgiving street conditions add to increased have on and tear, building bigger servicing charges.
The rule is you obtain Anything you pay for -- there are actually other choices than People rental firms outlined below, but they don't seem to be mentioned for an excellent rationale. They just are unsuccessful to offer basic customer care and/or an appropriate auto ailment needed for any (approximately) difficulty-cost-free holiday vacation.
When evaluating rental vehicle fees, it's best to go directly to the Costa Rican Site with the rental motor vehicle business, as opposed to seeking to use their international format or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For a similar cars and reservation dates, the fees offered by the respective Worldwide vs. Costa Rican Internet websites for Alamo, Finances, Hertz and Thrifty differed substantially.
To prevent confusion, print out all correspondence With all the car or truck rental enterprise with whom you have reserved a car and produce this on the rental Business with the quote provided at enough time of reservation.
The next top rated 10 chart ranks the companies from greatest priced to cheapest and it incorporates the required insurance coverage cost. While in the scenarios of Alamo and Hertz, the figure has their CDW rate as it is one of their rental needs. This price tag comparison is predicated on each week's rental of the Daihatsu Bego, where accessible (Dollar delivers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - twenty first, nonetheless in December to perspective both Green and Higher Period charges. The listing immediately demonstrates that the worth variation depends greatly on the corporate -- for mainly the same services. These charges were being attained in June/July 2013.
Rental Car Companies Ranked Based on Value
September
10. Alamo $650.96
9. Hertz $514.27
8. Adobe $449
7. Funds $455
six. Nationwide $428.01
five. Thrifty $421.05
4. Provider $374.forty three
three. Vamos $370.thirty
2. Dollar $364
1. Wild Rider $350
December
10. Alamo $650.96
nine. Nationwide $597.fifty one
eight. Hertz $566.fifty two
seven. 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 amount ten for both equally seasons, making it the most expensive enterprise. Spending budget, Hertz and Nationwide also charge lower on the size for cost-effective rental alternatives.
Organization Summaries
Adobe
Site is obvious and user friendly, but pricing and in some cases the autos shown are certainly not similar to People presented by an Business office consultant in excess of the mobile phone. Obligatory insurance policies fees will not be proven Using the list of vehicles and rental charges, but They are really Evidently exhibited on the subsequent website page like a client moves in the direction of booking a reservation. Blended purchaser opinions on the web. E-mail response is less than 24 several hours, but may well not give all requested info.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Stay Chat.
ten offices nationwide
Required coverage: $19 each day
Supplemental prices: GPS $nine/day, child seat $five/working day
Alamo
Site is clear and easy to use, but price ranges vary in opposition to rates received around the cell phone. Obligatory insurance policy costs are not supplied Together with the list of vehicles and rental prices, but They may be clearly displayed on the subsequent webpage as the customer moves to building a reservation. Combined customer assessments on the net. E-mail response is a lot less than 24 hrs.
No toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada phone number or Are living chat
fourteen workplaces nationwide
Mandatory coverage: $eleven.95 daily, but ought to also just take their CDW at $12.95 daily
Supplemental prices: GPS $12/working day, little one seat $6/working day
Funds
Web site is essential, but convenient to use. Rates online vary for the quotations given by a agent in excess of the telephone and based upon if the Worldwide or Costa Rican Web-site is utilised. Necessary insurance expenditures are offered together with the listing of vehicles; on the other hand, one other rates are not shown. Mixed consumer opinions on-line. Email reaction is greater than 24 several hours.
No toll-free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Reside Chat on Costa Rican Web-site.
10 places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance: included in the outlined rate
Further rates: GPS $ten.95/day, child seat $twelve/day (the most expensive of the best ten)
Greenback
Web site is evident and simple to use. Selling prices quoted differ if contacting through the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Obligatory insurance policies costs will not be given with the list of vehicles and rental charges, but These are clearly exhibited on the subsequent website page as being a purchaser moves in direction of a making a reservation. Combined critiques on-line, but generally gets good feedback. Electronic mail inquiries answered inside of 24 hours.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Live Chat.
three workplaces nationwide
Required insurance: $16 daily
Further rates: GPS $nine/working day, child seat $5/day
Hertz
Web page is obvious dubai exotic car rental and easy to use. Obligatory insurance coverage expenditures aren't presented Moreover the listing of vehicles and rental fees, but They're Plainly shown on the subsequent website page as The client moves towards a reserving a reservation. Combined buyer opinions online. E-mail reaction fewer than 24 hours.
Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada contact number and Are living Chat (even though it is apparently permanently offline)
7 workplaces nationwide
Obligatory insurance: $17.43 day-to-day, but their CDW is likewise a requirement
Further prices: GPS $twelve/working day, baby seat $two/working day
Countrywide
Website is clear and simple to use. Necessary insurance policies prices are not provided combined with the list of autos and rental fees, but These are Plainly exhibited on the subsequent web site to be a customer moves towards making a reservation. Mixed shopper reviews on the internet, but far more beneficial than negative. Email response under 24 hrs.
Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada phone number. Live Chat.
22 workplaces nationwide
Necessary insurance policy: $25 everyday (the most costly of the highest 10)
Added prices: GPS $12/day, little one seat $six/working day
Company
Internet site is evident and consumer helpful with only a slight confusion in that an internet based quotation is obtained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' and not the 'Receive a Quote' alternative. The response to your phone inquiry was to make use of the web site. Required insurance fees are specified combined with the listing of cars and rental prices with the small time charges and on the second web page of another quotation webpage. Don't forget can be a remarkably encouraged gross sales agent that's mentioned in many online reviews for that large degree of his customer service. Generally on the internet testimonials are optimistic for Support. E-mail response is a lot less than 24 several hours, although all details requested may not be gained.
U.S.A telephone number, but not toll-free. No Stay Chat.
5 places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance policy: $15 each day
Added charges: GPS $five.99/working day, child seat $two.ninety nine/day
Thrifty
Costa Rican Variation of the web site is extremely hard to employ and you also are questioned to sign up for the user title and password. Necessary insurance policy costs usually are not supplied together with the list of cars and rental rates. A shopper has got to click on "Defense Possibilities" about the U.S. Internet site and choose the obligatory insurance plan by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional and not a essential Value. Thrifty have a tendency to obtain combined evaluations on the internet. E-mail reaction is in excess of 24 several hours.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Live Chat.
four workplaces nationwide
Necessary insurance coverage: $19.ninety nine each day
Added costs: GPS $ten/working day, youngster seat $5/working day
Vamos
Internet site is clear and easy to use. Required insurance policies fees are not specified alongside side the listing of cars and rental expenses, but are clearly exhibited on the next page as The shopper moves in direction of booking a reservation. Anibal, a agent, is usually talked about in online assessments for his substantial degree of customer care capabilities. Basic Supervisor, George Schwarzenbach is thought on Trip Advisor for his upfront and genuine responses to buyers' posts.
In recent times, Vamos has obtained pretty constructive evaluations online. E mail response is fewer than 24 hrs. Reside Chat has instant reaction time for you to inquiries.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. Live Chat.
three workplaces nationwide
Mandatory coverage: $11.95 each day
Further rates: GPS $eight/day, baby seat free of charge
Wild Rider
Website is obvious and simple to use. Required insurance policy prices are offered beside the list of motor vehicles. Wild Rider is the sole car rental agency in Costa Rica without any obvious negative assessments on the web. Owner, Thorsten, is frequently praised for his efficiency and customer support, despite the quite limited methods the organization has at hand. E-mails receive incredibly prompt and comprehensive responses in a lot less than 12 several hours.
No toll-free of charge contact number or Reside Chat
one Workplace -- no Liberia airport Office environment
Mandatory insurance plan: integrated
More charges: GPS $eight/day, little one seat $five/day
Comparison Critique
Customer Service
Vamos and Wild Rider reply rapidly and successfully to email or Dwell 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 give all the information requested (maybe a language barrier). Price range provides a totally free cell phone services, nonetheless it appears for being normally hectic. Hertz's Are living chat appears being constantly offline. In the course of the past yr, shoppers who posted to online overview web pages expressed a specific pleasure with the customer support supplied by Provider, Vamos and Wild Rider.
Clarity
Adobe, Alamo and Budget have distinct rental selling prices posted on their own Web sites than People quoted over the cellphone. Phone price ranges had been decrease than that quoted on the web site within the situations of Adobe and Alamo, but nonetheless higher in the case of Finances. Adobe also provides distinct car or truck models more than the mobile phone when compared with their Internet site. Intercontinental vehicle rental companies with both equally a Costa Rican and Intercontinental Web site look to acquire pricing differences among The 2 web pages.
Spending budget and Wild Rider incorporate the required insurance in their rental rates, but Finances states that 'other rates' that may be introduced at the counter inside the modest print on their own Web-site. Rental costs for automobile seating needed to be confirmed over the phone as they aren't detailed about the Finances Web-site.
All other businesses except for Thrifty (a U.S. Internet site), Plainly exhibit the required insurance coverage Expense Together with the quotation supplied. Thrifty's Costa Rican Web-site is solely unusable.
Pricing
Service, Vamos and Wild Rider regularly supply the top costs for both equally Environmentally friendly and Superior seasons, Whilst Dollar has one of the lowest Green season prices obtainable, although Adobe has a cheaper Substantial year fee. Vamos offer you the top "all inclusive" premiums, on condition that most solutions are available without spending a dime.
Adobe, Greenback, Service, Thrifty and Wild Rider stay competitive with their pricing of items including little one seats. Alamo, Hertz and Nationwide are the costliest firms to lease from as well as their added selection fees may 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, support and clarity.
Support offers a typically large-degree of customer service and relatively competitive pricing at each international airports.
Vamos can offer efficient scheduling and ongoing significant-standard of customer support with competitive pricing, along with totally free extra options at both SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider is very really rated for your rental with distinct and cost-effective pricing and superb customer service, but they are only in San Jose.
"Now you might be wanting to ebook your rental auto right after seeing how the competition compares. Superior luck and delighted travels!"