"My time's constrained... how do I select?"
Auto rental is actually a warm matter for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Current exploration performed because of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) signifies that, right after accommodations, renting an automobile is the largest cost, averaging $702 for an eleven-day getaway.
The Internet is buzzing with unfavorable testimonials speaking about overcharging, weak customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even prepared a person oneself!
A typical midsize (three - 4 Grownups) 4X4 rental operates amongst $58 and $sixty five day by day with third party insurance policy and fees may vary approximately 20 per cent between car rental businesses, so studying a quick evaluate will probably be time perfectly invested as soon as you work out the cost savings.
And so the question is; which rental corporation offers the top equilibrium of fair value, able customer care and reliable automobiles? I have investigated it all for you personally, so Continue reading!
Disclosure: This investigate was performed in May possibly - July 2013. The subsequent businesses had been chosen mainly because they would be the most widely Employed in Costa Rica. Some are area providers; others are international franchises of identified brand name names. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation system. The businesses are detailed alphabetically and not according to personal or on the net preferences.
Consider this info prior to renting:
Insurance coverage
Certainly one of the largest leads to for complaints is within the stack of unexpected charges presented into the renter the moment standing with the rental company's counter. Vacationers are typically exhausted after a prolonged flight and afterwards are confronted by costs which were not expected, stated or budgeted.
Topping the listing of grievances is definitely the non-disclosure of service fees affiliated with the required third-party insurance coverage at some time the reservation is built.
According to Costa Rican regulation, each individual driver is necessary to hold liability coverage to insure towards injuries to 3rd events. Car rental corporations normally refrain from disclosing the price of this plan inside the quoted rental rate to look much more aggressive. Obligatory third-bash insurance policies can sometimes be about double the car or truck's rental Expense. The only real assure against insurance policy confusion is to inquire When your estimate features the 3rd party insurance plan and insist on the penned quotation.
Price of Necessary Insurance coverage (also known as Third Party or SLI)
Expect to pay for in between $twelve and $15 day-to-day for this insurance coverage, depending on the make and design of the rented car or truck along with the rental vehicle company. This can be a lawful ailment of the rental agreement and is normally not protected by credit cards and can't be waived. It is a fact of leasing an automobile in Costa Rica.
Collision Destruction Waiver (CDW)
Since the name implies, this isn't insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for damage to the rental vehicle after the deductible is paid (generally from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to get their CDW plan; thus negating any credit card program. For an additional fee, several companies do give a zero legal responsibility possibility where by the renter is going to be freed from paying for any harm to the vehicle. Some companies might place force on renters to buy the zero liability protection; having said that, it really is fully optional, unless it really is during the good print of their rental arrangement.
Bank card coverage programs may possibly address the CDW to get a rental automobile. Look at along with your preferred rental motor vehicle business to uncover which proof of insurance policies is necessary after which you can ask for that out of your bank card corporation ahead of arriving. For those who make use of your bank card's CDW policy, count on to pay for an increased deposit over the car or truck; all around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The higher deposit ensures that the charge card holder has plenty of financial reserves to protect damages if necessary. It is vital to take into consideration that if applying CDW protection provided by a credit card (in lieu from the rent a car or truck operator), all damages will be billed into the renter's bank card. The charge card corporation will then reimburse the card holder for damages.
Extra Coverage
Tires and windshields are seldom A part of insurance coverage insurance policies, Even though more procedures could possibly be taken out for masking these regularly weakened items. Neither the interior nor the beneath in the motor vehicle may be included. Usually examine the fine print.
Common Procedure
Your bank card might be charged, or possibly a 'keep' placed, for that rental vehicle through the time of your rental agreement; i.e. from selecting up the rental right until you return it. Debit playing cards are frequently not satisfactory.
Added Charges
Most organizations have surcharges For added motorists, vehicle seats/boosters, cellular phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The prices vary from firm to enterprise, but because these extras are billed in a day by day price, it truly is truly worth checking the whole Charge -- additional alternatives can insert up in a short time! A GPS is about $8 to $ten per day; nonetheless, some operators may possibly give discounted units. Count on to pay for all-around $5 everyday for a kid seat and some dollars per day for all the opposite 'niceties'. Vamos is noteworthy for providing The majority of these selections and, during some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Spending budget, Hertz and Nationwide demand the most for this kind of added selections; Whilst the other organizations shown, demand more affordable rates.
Surcharges
Most corporations increase small incremental expenses, including license plate and environmental expenses, into the full tally. Be cautious of operators who insert these additional expenses to the smaller print of your rental contract. Automobiles rented direct with the airport incur airport taxes, which might be a whopping twelve% of your rental Price!
The rental automobile must be returned Along with the exact amount of fuel, Unless of course in any other case indicated. Otherwise, corporations may perhaps demand above gas station prices for missing fuel.
Autos
You will find a discussion about the motor vehicles equipped by rental companies: Older vehicles enable the driving force to blend in a lot more than a shiny, new auto. Acquiring an more mature product may perhaps have the indirect benefit of being much less scrutinized by vehicle rental companies for latest nicks and scratches, as opposed to a more moderen motor vehicle. Even so, a more moderen motor vehicle can be additional roadworthy. This discussion carries on into the several car or truck would make and styles. Commonly, Costa Rican corporations will be able to hire their motor vehicles for just a lessen level for the reason that their cars and trucks are generally a few to 5 years aged (as opposed to two to 3). On the web testimonials would advise the regional companies don't have any a lot more grievances concerning car quality than transnational franchises; research on forums, such as TripAdvisor.com, appears to be to point that shoppers commonly recognize driving a considerably less-than-new motor vehicle throughout the wilds of Costa Rica. The reasons are a lot, from road conditions into the Idea of fewer-then-new motor vehicles Mixing in greater -- a more moderen car might draw extra unwelcome consideration.
The alternatives of rental vehicles in Costa Rica are mainly limited to will make and styles that retain a competitive resale worth, are a common manufacturer from the place, and so are low-cost to maintain. Therefore a hire-a-auto operator's fleet have a tendency not to be as diverse as America. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai represent the mainstay manufacturers of most rental fleets.
At times, drivers are billed for intended 'damages' for the car upon return. At the time obtaining the automobile, renters ought to meticulously check for pre-present flaws and Assess it Together with the car inspection document employed by the rental auto representative. Some renters suggest photographing or videoing the auto from all angles, to stop any disagreement among pre-existing and a short while ago harmed things.
Pricing
Vehicle rentals in Costa Rica are pricier as compared to other nations around the world. Responsibilities on automobiles are superior (about fifty% in their worth!), pieces are costlier and unforgiving road circumstances contribute to greater dress in and tear, generating higher servicing expenses.
The rule is you can get Everything you buy -- you will find other available choices than People rental companies detailed here, but they don't seem to be listed for a superb purpose. They only fail to offer standard customer care and/or a suitable automobile problem expected for any (virtually) trouble-absolutely free holiday.
When evaluating rental vehicle fees, it is best to go on to the Costa Rican Internet site with the rental car or truck enterprise, as an alternative to endeavoring to use their Worldwide structure or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For a similar motor vehicles and reservation dates, the charges made available from the respective international vs. Costa Rican Sites for Alamo, Spending plan, Hertz and Thrifty differed considerably.
To stop confusion, print out all correspondence with the auto rental enterprise with whom you've reserved a car and produce this to your rental Workplace Using the quote given at the time of reservation.
The next best 10 chart ranks the companies from best priced to least expensive and it includes the mandatory insurance policies demand. During the cases of Alamo and Hertz, the figure includes their CDW payment since it is among their rental demands. This price tag comparison relies on every week's rental of the Daihatsu Bego, the place obtainable (Dollar provides the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - twenty first, on the other hand in December to see both Inexperienced and Substantial Period fees. The listing rapidly demonstrates that the price variation relies upon considerably on the corporate -- for generally precisely the same provider. These charges have been received in June/July 2013.
Rental Auto Corporations Rated In line with Price tag
September
10. Alamo $650.96
9. Hertz $514.27
eight. Adobe $449
seven. Price range $455
6. Countrywide $428.01
five. Thrifty $421.05
four. Support $374.43
3. Vamos $370.30
two. Dollar $364
one. Wild Rider $350
December
10. Alamo $650.ninety six
nine. Nationwide $597.51
8. Hertz $566.fifty two
7. Price range $555
6. Greenback $532
five. Thrifty $506.fifty eight
4. Services $494.forty three
three. Vamos $461.30
2. Adobe $459
one. Wild Rider $395
Alamo ranks range 10 for equally seasons, which makes it the costliest business. Funds, Hertz and National also amount minimal on the scale for affordable rental alternatives.
Company Summaries
Adobe
Web site is obvious and simple to operate, but pricing and in many cases the automobiles mentioned usually are not the same as These supplied by an Place of work agent more than the phone. Required insurance policies fees are usually not demonstrated With all the listing of cars and rental costs, but they are Obviously exhibited on the next webpage as a shopper moves in the direction of scheduling a reservation. Combined shopper assessments on the internet. Email response is fewer than 24 hrs, but may not supply all asked for details.
Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Reside Chat.
ten offices nationwide
Required insurance policy: $19 daily
More costs: GPS $nine/day, boy or girl seat $5/working day
Alamo
Internet site is clear and convenient to use, but prices vary towards quotations received about the cellphone. Required insurance policy prices usually are not specified With all the listing of automobiles and rental prices, but They may be Plainly exhibited on the next web site as The client moves toward producing a reservation. Blended consumer testimonials on line. Email response is a lot less than 24 hours.
No toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada cell phone number or Are living chat
14 offices nationwide
Obligatory insurance: $11.ninety five day by day, but need to also acquire their CDW at $twelve.95 day-to-day
Supplemental expenses: GPS $twelve/working day, child seat $6/working day
Spending plan
Web site is primary, but simple to operate. Rates on the internet differ to the quotations supplied by a consultant in excess of the cellphone and based on whether the Intercontinental or Costa Rican Internet site is employed. Obligatory insurance policies charges are presented combined with the list of automobiles; nevertheless, the other charges are usually not stated. Blended purchaser testimonials on the internet. Email reaction is much more than 24 several hours.
No toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Reside Chat on Costa Rican Web site.
10 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance policy: included in the listed rate
More fees: GPS car luxury $10.95/working day, baby seat $12/day (the most costly of the highest ten)
Dollar
Web-site is evident and user friendly. Rates quoted differ if contacting with the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Obligatory insurance policy costs are certainly not offered Along with the listing of automobiles and rental prices, but They can be Evidently shown on the following site as being a customer moves to a building a reservation. Combined critiques online, but generally receives optimistic responses. Email inquiries answered in 24 hrs.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada cell phone number. No Live Chat.
3 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance: $sixteen every day
More fees: GPS $9/working day, little one seat $5/working day
Hertz
Web page is obvious and simple to use. Required insurance plan charges usually are not specified Moreover the list of cars and rental fees, but they are Evidently displayed on the following website page as the customer moves to a reserving a reservation. Mixed shopper evaluations on-line. Electronic mail response less than 24 hrs.
Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada contact number and Dwell Chat (although it is apparently completely offline)
seven workplaces nationwide
Mandatory insurance plan: $17.forty three daily, but their CDW can be a requirement
Added costs: GPS $12/working day, youngster seat $two/day
Countrywide
Site is evident and simple to use. Obligatory insurance charges are usually not presented along with the list of cars and rental costs, but These are clearly displayed on the subsequent page like a shopper moves towards generating a reservation. Blended client opinions on-line, but a lot more beneficial than unfavorable. E-mail reaction less than 24 hrs.
Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada phone number. Dwell Chat.
22 workplaces nationwide
Required insurance policy: $twenty five day by day (the most expensive of the highest 10)
Additional costs: GPS $twelve/working day, boy or girl seat $6/day
Support
Internet site is obvious and consumer helpful with merely a slight confusion in that an internet based estimate is received by clicking on 'Reserve Now' rather than the 'Receive a Quotation' option. The response to a telephone inquiry was to utilize the website. Obligatory insurance plan prices are specified together with the listing of vehicles and rental charges with the low season charges and on the second web page of the other quotation web page. Keep in mind is really a extremely advised product sales consultant who is talked about in many on-line critiques for the higher level of his customer care. Frequently on the net opinions are constructive for Support. Email reaction is fewer than 24 several hours, Despite the fact that all details requested may not be been given.
U.S.A contact number, although not toll-free of charge. No Live Chat.
five places of work nationwide
Obligatory insurance policies: $15 daily
Additional prices: GPS $five.99/working day, baby seat $2.99/working day
Thrifty
Costa Rican Edition of the website is unachievable to implement and you also are asked to sign up for any user identify and password. Necessary insurance coverage costs are certainly not provided combined with the list of motor vehicles and rental fees. A shopper needs to click on "Safety Selections" within the U.S. Web site and choose the obligatory insurance coverage by clicking on it -- implying that it's optional and not a essential Price tag. Thrifty are inclined to receive blended evaluations online. Electronic mail response is in excess of 24 hours.
Toll-no cost U.S.A and Canada telephone number. No Are living Chat.
4 places of work nationwide
Mandatory insurance policies: $19.ninety nine daily
Added charges: GPS $ten/day, little one seat $5/day
Vamos
Web page is clear and user friendly. Required insurance policy expenditures aren't presented together side the list of cars and rental charges, but are Obviously shown on the subsequent web page as The client moves toward booking a reservation. Anibal, a representative, is usually stated in online evaluations for his significant volume of customer service expertise. Normal Supervisor, George Schwarzenbach is known on Journey Advisor for his upfront and trustworthy responses to shoppers' posts.
Recently, Vamos has received extremely constructive opinions on line. Email response is under 24 several hours. Live Chat has immediate response time for you to inquiries.
Toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada phone number. Are living Chat.
three workplaces nationwide
Obligatory coverage: $11.95 every day
Further fees: GPS $eight/working day, baby seat no cost
Wild Rider
Website is clear and simple to use. Mandatory insurance costs are offered close to the listing of cars. Wild Rider is the one auto rental agency in Costa Rica without noticeable poor critiques on the internet. Proprietor, Thorsten, is usually praised for his effectiveness and customer support, despite the extremely restricted sources the organization has at hand. Email messages obtain extremely prompt and comprehensive responses in lower than twelve several hours.
No toll-no cost contact number or Stay Chat
one Office environment -- no Liberia airport Office environment
Obligatory insurance policy: integrated
Additional rates: GPS $eight/day, youngster seat $5/working day
Comparison Critique
Customer care
Vamos and Wild Rider reply swiftly and proficiently to email or Are living chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Greenback, Hertz, National, and Service reply to e mail inquiries in below 24 hours, but Adobe and repair didn't give all the information asked for (quite possibly a language barrier). Funds provides a cost-free cellphone services, but it really seems for being usually chaotic. Hertz's Stay chat appears to be frequently offline. In the course of the previous year, buyers who posted to on the web evaluation sites expressed a selected pleasure With all the customer care supplied by Service, Vamos and Wild Rider.
Clarity
Adobe, Alamo and Budget have distinctive rental charges posted on their Internet websites than These quoted around the cell phone. Telephone price ranges have been reduced than that quoted on the web site inside the conditions of Adobe and Alamo, but nevertheless higher in the situation of Spending budget. Adobe also provides distinct vehicle types over the mobile phone when compared with their Web-site. Worldwide motor vehicle rental firms with both of those a Costa Rican and Worldwide Web-site show up to have pricing variances between the two web-sites.
Spending budget and Wild Rider include things like the mandatory insurance plan in their rental charges, but Budget states that 'other expenses' which will be offered for the counter in the tiny print on their own website. Rental costs for auto seating needed to be confirmed around the mobile phone as they don't seem to be listed within the Funds Web-site.
All other businesses except for Thrifty (a U.S. Web page), clearly present the required insurance coverage Expense While using the quotation offered. Thrifty's Costa Rican Internet site is solely unusable.
Pricing
Service, Vamos and Wild Rider regularly offer you the most beneficial prices for equally Environmentally friendly and High seasons, Even though Dollar has considered one of the bottom Green period costs out there, whilst Adobe has a cheaper Substantial time level. Vamos offer the most effective "all inclusive" costs, on condition that most options are provided at no cost.
Adobe, Dollar, Services, Thrifty and Wild Rider stay competitive with their pricing of items for example baby seats. Alamo, Hertz and Countrywide are the most costly providers to rent from and their additional choice expenses can also be more expensive.
"So, what's your rental advice?"
In general, the Costa Rican companies seem to trump the multi-nationals with better pricing, services and clarity.
Services offers a usually superior-volume of customer support and relatively competitive pricing at both Intercontinental airports.
Vamos can present successful reserving and continued superior-standard of customer service with aggressive pricing, in addition to no cost additional choices at each SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider is extremely highly rated for your rental with apparent and cost-effective pricing and outstanding customer support, but They may be only in San Jose.
"Now you're wanting to e-book your rental motor vehicle soon after looking at how the Competitiveness compares. Great luck and joyful travels!"