15 Unheard Ways To Achieve Greater BEST CAR RENTAL

Car rental is really a hot topic for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Recent research conducted by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) indicates that, after accommodations, renting an automobile may be the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.

The Internet is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You may have even written one yourself!

A typical midsize (3 – 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with alternative party insurance and rates can vary around 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading an instant review will undoubtedly be time well spent once you calculate the savings.

Therefore the question is; which rental company offers the best balance of fair price, capable customer service and reliable vehicles? I’ve researched it all for you, so continue reading!

Disclosure: This research was conducted in-may – July 2013. The following companies were selected because they are the most widely used in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brands. Comparisons include: customer support, pricing and the reservation process. The firms are listed alphabetically and not predicated on personal or online preferences.
Consider this information before renting:

Insurance

One of the biggest causes for complaints is from the stack of unforeseen charges presented to the renter once standing at the rental company’s counter. Vacationers are usually tired after a long flight and then are confronted by costs which were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.

Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees linked to the mandatory third-party insurance at that time the reservation is made.

According to Costa Rican law, every driver must carry liability coverage to insure against injuries to third parties. Car rental companies generally refrain from disclosing the cost of this policy in the quoted rental rate to appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be just as much as double the vehicle’s rental cost. The only real guarantee against insurance confusion is to inquire if your estimate includes the third party insurance and insist upon a written quotation.

Cost of Mandatory Insurance (also known as Third Party or SLI)

Be prepared to pay between $12 and $15 daily because of this insurance, depending on make and style of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. That is a legal condition of your rental agreement and is generally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It goes without saying of renting an automobile in Costa Rica.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

As the name suggests, this isn’t insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for harm to the rental car after the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to purchase their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For an additional fee, many agencies do provide a zero liability option where in fact the renter will be free of paying for any harm to the car. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to get the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of these rental agreement.

Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for accommodations vehicle. Check with your chosen rental car company to get which proof of insurance is necessary and then request that from your credit card company ahead of arriving. If you are using your credit card’s CDW policy, be prepared to pay an increased deposit on the automobile; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The higher deposit ensures that the charge card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. It is important to consider that if using CDW coverage supplied by a credit card (instead of the rent an automobile operator), all damages will be billed to the renter’s charge card. exotic car rentals miami will reimburse the card holder for damages.