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Costa Rica Car Rental Important things to know:
To rent a car in Costa Rica you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid passport
and driver's license, and a major credit card. You can sometime rent
a car at 18, bull you must leave a double deposit. Some agencies charge
more for people under 25 and won't rent to people oven 75. Check with
your Tico Travel agent. Valid foreign driver's licenses are good in Costa
Rica for three months.
Car rental agencies will provide transport from the airport to their
nearby offices. Avoid having a car wait for you at the airport - there is
of ten a 12 percent surcharge for that. Better yet, take a taxi to your
hotel and ask your Tico Travel agent to have the car delivered to your hotel.
Don't hassle with trying to navigate unfamiliar streets when you first
arrive.
Driving in Costa Rica is not for everyone. So make sure
you know what you’re getting into before getting behind the wheel of a
car in Costa Rica. The following are the 7 most frequently asked
questions about driving in Costa Rica. These questions come from Tico
Travel clients in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
1. What type of
cars are available for rent? Renting a car in Costa Rica is more
expensive than in the U.S. so most people rent the smaller more compact
cars that are a little cheaper. However at Tico Travel we recommend that
if your budget can afford it, to rent a 4x4 as they sit higher off the
ground and are more comfortable on long rideds Prices vary and during
the high season you will pay more. Around $20 or more per day. Renting
during Christmas/New Years will add another $50 or more per week. Tico
Travel car rental company cars in Costa Rica and the average for renting
a small car like a Toyota Yaris in low season will cost around $137 per
week and believe it or not a 4x4 as low as $130.00 per week. Please note
this doesn’t include the required by law insurance which will add at
least $10-20 per day.
2. Is driving a good idea? It
depends. Driving in Costa Rica compared to other countries can be a very
scary proposition for most. Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle
accident rates in the world. Traffic laws and speed limits are often
ignored. Crazy and illegal turns across lanes of traffic are common.
Turn signals are rarely used and dangerous passing is common. So you
might driving on your lane when all of a sudden here comes a car in your
lane going the wrong way because they’re passing on a blind spot. The
roads are in poor condition, and large potholes which could cause
serious damage to your car is common. Although the road conditions in
the beach areas are worse the actual driving isn’t as scary since there
is less traffic and since the roads aren’t the best people tend to drive
a little slower. I like to have my own transportation so renting a car
is something I like to do but it all depends on your comfort level. I’ve
had friends and family who had never driven outside of the U.S. they
found driving to be scary but a fun adventure. So just take it easy and
slow and you will be fine. Don’t worry about the other drivers, just do
your thing.
3. Do I need car rental insurance? By law you will
need the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) liability insurance
regardless of your own car insurance coverage or credit card coverage.
The insurance required by law is known as TPL, SLI, SLC or API. The cost
ranges from $10-20 USD per day depending on the vehicle. This insurance
only covers damages to other people, cars, or property. You will need to
buy supplemental coverage to cover damages to the rental car or
yourself. However your own car insurance policy or credit card might
cover that so call your insurance agent at home before leaving for Costa
Rica and ask him or her if your insurance policy covers you for damages
in Costa Rica. You might also want to call your credit card issuer and
ask them the same question. If your own policy covers you in Costa Rica
you’re set and you don’t need the supplemental coverage. If they do not
cover you, then I suggest taking out a supplemental policy offered by
Costa Rica car rental agencies. Optional-CDW or LDW – collision damage
waiver which covers the cost of the car’s deductible amount which varies
depending on the type of car and agency. The cost will range between
$10-20 USD per day. Optional-Zero Liability – This will reduce your
liability to zero against theft and vandalism, for example, the cost for
this insurance is between $5-20 USD per day depending on the agency and
car. As you can see the supplemental insurance cost can add up fast so
it’s important that you check with your insurance agent and your credit
card company since you might not even need the optional/supplemental
coverage. If your insurance agent gives you the thumbs up do me a favor
and get it in writing! You don’t want any surprises.
4. What are
car rental requirements in Costa Rica? Requirements may vary depending
on the car agency you use so check with them. Most require a valid
driver’s license (one from your home state or country is fine), a valid
passport with your entry stamp, the Costa Rica mandated liability
insurance, and you must be at least 21 years of age.
5. Is it
safe to drive at night? The problem driving at night is not crime, it’s
just the unsafe driving and poor road conditions which are compounded
even worse when you have poor visibility. The roads are not lit up well
and it gets pitch dark after 6:00 PM making it unsafe to drive for an
inexperienced driver.
6. What are road conditions like? The road
conditions are very poor compared to the super highways of the United
States or the Autobahn in Germany. Drivers have to contend with unsafe
driving habits of motorists, huge potholes, and even the highway is a
two-lane road. The roads get worse during the rainy season since road
washouts from the mudslides from the mountains are common.
7.
What side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica? On the right hand
side, like in the U.S. and Canada. One final tip Make a copy of the
profile page of your passport and your entry stamp and carry that with
you along with your car rental papers. You might get stopped by police
and you will need to show this to them. Do no carry your passport with
you just make copies. The Costa Rican government now allows you to carry
copies instead of your actual passport.
Also note the following:
1) You must treat the car as if it were yours, since the obligatory
insurance does not cover all types of damages. 2) Do
not leave the car unattended with belongings inside, not even for one
second. The insurance does not cover missing accessories like the radio,
tools, rims, tires, either or damages whose cost is less than the
deductible amount. 3) Never park on the street, use
secure car parking facilities. 4) You are responsible
for traffic law violations.
5) If you live abroad you must carry your passport or a copy of the
same, where your photo and last entry date to Costa Rica appear. Also
remember to carry your valid driver’s license.
6) The value of the car windows and windshield is too high, you are
responsible for any damage to the same, regardless of whose fault it is.
7) All car rentals consist of 24 hours per day, any extra time after the
time agreed upon by you to drop off the car, will be charged by
additional hour.
8) Before you set off, check out the car yourself very carefully and
make sure the car is in optimal conditions, besides, make sure that you
carry the documents required.
9) If you decide to keep your car for a few more days, do not forget to
call our offices at least two days in advance in order to obtain your
authorization.
10)Always use your seat belt; seat belts save lives.
11) The minimum speed in Costa Rica is 40 KPH, and maximum 100 KPH. The
speed limit in the streets and secondary road is 60 KPH. The maximum
speed may vary in certain areas and it must be painted on the road
surface.
12) Motor vehicles on the beach are strictly
forbidden by law; therefore, this insurance shall not apply in these
cases.
13) The Instituto Nacional de Seguros and your car rental agency
shall not be responsible for towing expenses in any of the
above mentioned cases.
14) The traffic infractions shall NOT BE PAID to the traffic authority
members, only at the car rental agfeny office or at the closest State
Bank and submit a copy of your voucher to Rent a Car whenever you return
your car. If you get a car-related ticket, you will have to notify the
car rental agency.
15) If you are involved in an accident, please do not move the
car, notify us immediately for the corresponding accident report, and
then wait until the authorities (Traffic and the Instituto Nacional de
Seguros) arrive.
16) If you have a mechanical breakdown and someone offers to help, watch
your belongings very carefully.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Car Rental Rates are subject to change without notice.
- Must be over 21
- Valid drivers license AND a major credit card IN YOUR NAME!
- Valid passport.
- Visa, Amex, Master Card, Diners, and ST accepted.
- Minimum rental is 24 hours.
- No cash deposit accepted.
- Rates include unlimited mileage.
- Taxes are included.
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