"My time's restricted... how can I choose?"
Car or truck rental is actually a incredibly hot subject matter for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Current analysis executed because of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) implies that, after accommodations, renting an auto is the largest cost, averaging $702 for an eleven-day trip.
The online market place is buzzing with detrimental evaluations talking about overcharging, bad customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even published a person by yourself!
A typical midsize (3 - four adults) 4X4 rental operates amongst $58 and $65 daily with third party insurance plan and fees could vary up to twenty per cent amid automobile rental organizations, so reading A fast overview will likely be time well invested when you estimate the personal savings.
So the query is; which rental corporation gives the very best harmony of honest selling price, capable customer support and reliable vehicles? I've investigated it all in your case, so Continue reading!
Disclosure: This exploration was carried out in May - July 2013. The next providers were being picked because they are the most widely used in Costa Rica. Some are neighborhood businesses; Some others are Global franchises of regarded brand names. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation method. The companies are stated alphabetically instead of based on individual or on the internet Choices.
Look at this information and facts before renting:
Insurance plan
Amongst the most significant causes for complaints is from the stack of unexpected rates offered on the renter after standing at the rental firm's counter. Vacationers are usually drained after a long flight and then are confronted by prices which were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.
Topping the listing of grievances would be the non-disclosure of costs related to the required third-celebration insurance at enough time the reservation is created.
Based on Costa Rican regulation, every single driver is required to hold legal responsibility coverage to insure in opposition to accidents to third get-togethers. Automobile rental companies commonly refrain from disclosing the price of this plan while in the quoted rental rate to seem more competitive. Obligatory 3rd-get together insurance can often be as much as double the motor vehicle's rental cost. The sole assurance against insurance policies confusion is to inquire Should your estimate features the 3rd party insurance policy and insist over a published quotation.
Expense of Mandatory Insurance coverage (also referred to as Third Party or SLI)
Assume to pay for involving $twelve and $fifteen day by day for this insurance coverage, dependant upon the make and product of the rented motor vehicle and also the rental auto agency. This can be a legal situation of one's rental agreement and is normally not lined by credit cards and cannot be waived. It is a fact of leasing a car or truck in Costa Rica.
Collision Harm Waiver (CDW)
Because the title indicates, this is not insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any legal responsibility for damage to the rental car once the deductible is compensated (commonly from $750 to $1,five hundred). Some businesses call for renters to get their CDW policy; thus negating any bank card program. For yet another cost, a lot of agencies do present you with a zero liability option where by the renter are going to be freed from paying for any harm to the car. Some providers may possibly put force upon renters to acquire the zero liability coverage; nevertheless, it is actually totally optional, Except it truly is in the wonderful print in their rental arrangement.
Charge card insurance policy courses might deal with the CDW for just a rental automobile. Examine using your decided on rental vehicle firm to seek out which evidence of insurance is necessary then request that out of your credit card firm just before arriving. For those who use your credit card's CDW policy, assume to pay for the next deposit around the automobile; all-around $one,five hundred to $2000 is widespread. The higher deposit ensures that the charge card holder has sufficient financial reserves to deal with damages if wanted. It is vital to consider that if employing CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (in lieu of your hire a vehicle operator), all damages are going to be billed to your renter's credit card. The credit card company will then reimburse the cardboard holder for damages.
Far more Insurance policies
Tires and windshields are hardly ever included in coverage procedures, Despite the fact that further policies can be taken out for covering these frequently harmed things. Neither the inside nor the underneath of the car or truck could be covered. Usually browse the fantastic print.
Standard Technique
Your credit card might be charged, or possibly a 'hold' placed, with the rental car in the time in the rental arrangement; i.e. from picking up the rental right up until you come back it. Debit cards are typically not satisfactory.
More Charges
Most organizations have surcharges For added motorists, car seats/boosters, mobile phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs differ from corporation to company, but considering the fact that these extras are billed at a every day fee, it can be worth examining the total Price -- added selections can increase up in a short time! A GPS is all-around $eight to $ten a day; having said that, some operators may offer you discounted units. Assume to pay for close to $5 day-to-day for a child seat and a few dollars a day for all one other 'niceties'. Vamos is noteworthy for presenting These types of selections and, through some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Finances, Hertz and Nationwide charge quite possibly the most for these types of supplemental possibilities; While the other providers stated, cost much more reasonable charges.
Surcharges
Most businesses insert modest incremental expenses, like license plate and environmental service fees, into the total tally. Be cautious of operators who insert these additional prices into your tiny print on the rental contract. Cars rented immediate with the airport incur airport taxes, that are a whopping 12% within your rental Expense!
The rental vehicle ought to be returned with the very same amount of gas, Until or else indicated. If not, corporations might cost higher than gas station charges for missing gas.
Cars
There is a debate in excess of the motor vehicles equipped by rental businesses: Older automobiles make it possible for the motive force to Mix in more than a shiny, new automobile. Obtaining an older design may well contain the oblique advantage of being much less scrutinized by automobile rental companies for modern nicks and scratches, contrary to a more moderen car or truck. On the other hand, a more recent car or truck can be additional roadworthy. This debate carries on into the various car tends to make and styles. Commonly, Costa Rican companies have the ability to rent their motor vehicles for just a decreased fee due to the fact their vehicles are typically 3 to five years aged (compared to two to three). On the net reviews would counsel the nearby corporations have no extra issues concerning car or truck top quality than transnational franchises; research on message boards, including TripAdvisor.com, seems to indicate that prospects usually recognize driving a much less-than-new car or truck with the wilds of Costa Rica. The explanations are a good deal, from road ailments towards the Idea of fewer-then-new automobiles Mixing in improved -- a newer motor vehicle may draw far more unwanted focus.
The possibilities of rental cars in Costa Rica are largely limited to would make and models that preserve a competitive resale worth, are a common manufacturer within the nation, and therefore are cheap to take care of. Therefore a rent-a-auto operator's fleet are inclined to not be as varied as The usa. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay manufacturers of most rental fleets.
Often, drivers are charged for supposed 'damages' to the vehicle on return. At the time acquiring the auto, renters should really meticulously look for pre-present flaws and Review it While using the car or truck inspection document used by the rental car agent. Some renters advise photographing or videoing the motor vehicle from all angles, in order to avoid any disagreement among pre-existing and a short while ago harmed objects.
Pricing
Automobile rentals in Costa Rica are pricier in comparison with other countries. Obligations on motor vehicles are substantial (approximately fifty% of their benefit!), elements are costlier and unforgiving highway situations add to increased put on and tear, building larger maintenance charges.
The rule is you receive Anything you pay for -- there are other choices than Individuals rental providers detailed in this article, but they aren't stated for a great motive. They simply fall short to supply essential customer service and/or an appropriate auto situation essential for just a (practically) trouble-free of charge family vacation.
When evaluating rental car costs, it is best to go directly to the Costa Rican Internet site with the rental motor vehicle company, as opposed to looking to use their Global structure or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For the same automobiles and reservation dates, the charges provided by the respective Intercontinental vs. Costa Rican websites for Alamo, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty differed significantly.
To stay away from confusion, print out all correspondence with the car rental company with whom you have reserved a vehicle and convey this to your rental Business office Together with the estimate offered at some time of reservation.
The next best ten chart ranks the businesses from best priced to cheapest and it contains the mandatory insurance cost. Within the cases of Alamo and Hertz, the determine consists of their CDW fee since it is one of their rental necessities. This value comparison is predicated on every week's rental of the Daihatsu Bego, the place accessible (Greenback delivers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - 21st, then again in December to look at equally Green and Substantial Time charges. The record rapidly demonstrates that the cost variation relies upon tremendously on the corporation -- for fundamentally a similar support. These selling prices were acquired in June/July 2013.
Rental Car or truck Firms Rated According to Value
September
10. Alamo $650.96
9. Hertz $514.27
8. Adobe $449
7. Finances $455
six. National $428.01
5. Thrifty $421.05
4. Support $374.43
3. Vamos $370.thirty
two. Greenback $364
one. Wild Rider $350
December
ten. Renta A Car Dar es salaam Alamo $650.ninety six
9. Nationwide $597.51
8. Hertz $566.fifty two
seven. Budget $555
six. Greenback $532
five. Thrifty $506.fifty eight
four. Assistance $494.forty three
3. Vamos $461.30
2. Adobe $459
1. Wild Rider $395
Alamo ranks quantity ten for both seasons, making it the most expensive business. Spending budget, Hertz and National also price minimal on the scale for economical rental choices.
Business Summaries
Adobe
Web site is clear and easy to use, but pricing and even the vehicles mentioned are usually not similar to People presented by an Workplace agent about the cell phone. Necessary insurance coverage costs are usually not demonstrated With all the list of cars and rental expenses, but They're Evidently shown on the subsequent website page as being a shopper moves in direction of booking a reservation. Combined shopper reviews on the net. Email reaction is less than 24 hrs, but may well not offer all asked for information.
Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Dwell Chat.
ten places of work nationwide
Necessary coverage: $19 everyday
More costs: GPS $9/day, child seat $five/working day
Alamo
Website is clear and convenient to use, but prices differ from offers acquired around the cellphone. Obligatory coverage expenses are certainly not specified Using the list of automobiles and rental prices, but they are Plainly displayed on the subsequent website page as The client moves in direction of generating a reservation. Combined buyer testimonials on the net. E mail response is under 24 hours.
No toll-totally free U.S.A and Canada phone number or Live chat
fourteen workplaces nationwide
Required insurance coverage: $eleven.95 every day, but must also take their CDW at $twelve.ninety five daily
Supplemental prices: GPS $12/working day, little one seat $six/day
Spending plan
Web page is standard, but simple to use. Prices on line differ to the quotations supplied by a agent in excess of the cellphone and depending on if the international or Costa Rican Web page is employed. Required insurance policies costs are supplied along with the list of motor vehicles; nonetheless, one other costs are usually not outlined. Combined shopper evaluations on line. Email reaction is more than 24 hours.
No toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Live Chat on Costa Rican Site.
ten workplaces nationwide
Required insurance: included in the detailed selling price
Supplemental costs: GPS $10.95/day, kid seat $12/day (the most expensive of the top ten)
Greenback
Web page is obvious and simple to operate. Prices quoted vary if contacting within the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Required insurance costs aren't offered With all the list of vehicles and rental charges, but they are Evidently shown on the next webpage as being a customer moves towards a earning a reservation. Combined testimonials on the internet, but usually gets beneficial opinions. E-mail inquiries answered within 24 hrs.
Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Are living Chat.
3 places of work nationwide
Necessary insurance coverage: $sixteen everyday
Additional prices: GPS $9/working day, kid seat $five/working day
Hertz
Internet site is clear and convenient to use. Mandatory insurance plan expenses are usually not presented besides the list of motor vehicles and rental costs, but These are clearly shown on the subsequent page as The client moves to a booking a reservation. Mixed purchaser reviews on the internet. E mail reaction less than 24 hrs.
Toll-absolutely free U.S.A and Canada contact number and Live Chat (although it appears to be completely offline)
7 workplaces nationwide
Obligatory coverage: $17.forty three daily, but their CDW is additionally a prerequisite
More rates: GPS $twelve/working day, boy or girl seat $two/working day
Nationwide
Web page is evident and simple to operate. Required coverage costs are not offered along with the listing of motor vehicles and rental prices, but They are really Plainly shown on the subsequent web site to be a purchaser moves toward generating a reservation. Mixed customer reviews on line, but additional constructive than adverse. E-mail reaction a lot less than 24 hours.
Toll-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. Dwell Chat.
22 offices nationwide
Obligatory insurance policy: $twenty five day-to-day (the most expensive of the highest ten)
More expenses: GPS $twelve/day, baby seat $6/working day
Services
Web page is clear and consumer friendly with only a slight confusion in that an online estimate is attained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' and never the 'Have a Quote' selection. The reaction to some cell phone inquiry was to make use of the web site. Required insurance policy expenditures are offered combined with the listing of motor vehicles and rental costs for that small season expenses and on the next web site of the other quotation webpage. Recall is a very advisable gross sales agent that's talked about in many on the internet testimonials for that significant volume of his customer care. Frequently online critiques are good for Support. Email response is less than 24 several hours, Whilst all information and facts asked for will not be acquired.
U.S.A telephone number, but not toll-free. No Are living Chat.
five workplaces nationwide
Mandatory insurance: $fifteen day-to-day
Further costs: GPS $five.99/day, baby seat $2.ninety nine/day
Thrifty
Costa Rican version of the web site is extremely hard to utilize and also you are questioned to register for a consumer name and password. Obligatory insurance policy costs are certainly not presented along with the list of motor vehicles and rental fees. A consumer should click on "Defense Options" to the U.S. Web site and choose the required insurance policies by clicking on it -- implying that it's optional and not a essential cost. Thrifty are inclined to acquire mixed testimonials online. E-mail response is much more than 24 hours.
Toll-cost-free U.S.A and Canada contact number. No Live Chat.
4 offices nationwide
Necessary insurance plan: $19.ninety nine daily
Further fees: GPS $ten/working day, baby seat $five/working day
Vamos
Web-site is evident and easy to use. Necessary insurance policies expenditures are usually not given together facet the listing of cars and rental rates, but are Evidently exhibited on the next website page as The client moves in direction of reserving a reservation. Anibal, a representative, is often talked about in on-line critiques for his higher level of customer care competencies. Typical Supervisor, George Schwarzenbach is known on Trip Advisor for his upfront and genuine responses to prospects' posts.
Lately, Vamos has obtained extremely positive assessments on the web. E-mail reaction is below 24 hours. Are living Chat has quick response time and energy to inquiries.
Toll-free of charge U.S.A and Canada phone number. Stay Chat.
3 workplaces nationwide
Mandatory insurance plan: $11.ninety five daily
More expenses: GPS $eight/day, little one seat totally free
Wild Rider
Web page is clear and convenient to use. Mandatory insurance policies costs are presented beside the list of autos. Wild Rider is the only real vehicle rental organization in Costa Rica without having noticeable undesirable reviews on the internet. Proprietor, Thorsten, is commonly praised for his efficiency and customer service, despite the quite confined resources the organization has at hand. E-mails get pretty prompt and comprehensive responses in under 12 hrs.
No toll-cost-free cell phone number or Are living Chat
one Business -- no Liberia airport office
Mandatory insurance policy: incorporated
Added fees: GPS $8/day, kid seat $five/working day
Comparison Critique
Customer support
Vamos and Wild Rider react swiftly and proficiently to e-mail or live chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Greenback, Hertz, Countrywide, and Service respond to electronic mail inquiries in fewer than 24 hrs, but Adobe and Service didn't present all the knowledge requested (possibly a language barrier). Budget provides a free of charge cellphone services, but it seems for being always chaotic. Hertz's Stay chat appears to generally be consistently offline. Through the earlier yr, customers who posted to on the net assessment sites expressed a certain satisfaction Along with the customer service supplied by Services, Vamos and Wild Rider.
Clarity
Adobe, Alamo and Spending plan have distinct rental price ranges posted on their Web sites than All those quoted more than the mobile phone. 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 Price range. Adobe also provides unique vehicle versions about the phone in comparison with their Web page. Intercontinental car rental firms with the two a Costa Rican and Worldwide Internet site show up to acquire pricing differences between the two sites.
Spending budget and Wild Rider contain the necessary insurance policy within their rental costs, but Price range states that 'other expenses' which can be presented at the counter during the compact print on their own Internet site. Rental rates for vehicle seating needed to be confirmed within the telephone as they are not mentioned about the Price range Web site.
All other companies excluding Thrifty (a U.S. Internet site), Evidently show the mandatory insurance plan Expense with the quotation supplied. Thrifty's Costa Rican Site is solely unusable.
Pricing
Provider, Vamos and Wild Rider regularly present the most effective fees for equally Environmentally friendly and Substantial seasons, although Dollar has amongst the lowest Eco-friendly year rates offered, while Adobe has a cheaper Substantial time rate. Vamos supply the most beneficial "all inclusive" prices, provided that most selections are offered free of charge.
Adobe, Greenback, Assistance, Thrifty and Wild Rider remain competitive with their pricing of items like youngster seats. Alamo, Hertz and Nationwide are the costliest corporations to hire from as well as their supplemental possibility costs can also be more expensive.
"So, what's your rental advice?"
Overall, the Costa Rican businesses seem to trump the multi-nationals with better pricing, services and clarity.
Services offers a generally high-level of customer care and rather aggressive pricing at the two Worldwide airports.
Vamos can provide efficient scheduling and continued superior-volume of customer support with competitive pricing, as well as no cost more possibilities at the two SJO and LIR airports.
Wild Rider is extremely really rated for your rental with obvious and economical pricing and fantastic customer support, but They're only in San Jose.
"Now you might be willing to guide your rental car just after viewing how the competition compares. Superior luck and happy travels!"