The best way to experience Costa Rica vacations is by rental car. There is more flexibility and freedom of travel, especially in other provinces such as Limon, Guanacaste, Alajuela and Puntarenas. Even though that driving in San Jose, which is the capital city, maybe difficult this is still the top option for sightseeing and enjoying your escape to beautiful Costa Rica.

There are important guidelines that you must consider before renting a car. Car rental insurance or protection such as CDW-"Collision Damage Waiver" is a deductible that starts around US$750 or more depending on the selected vehicle, the driver’s age, rental period, etc.

"Third Party Liability"-TPL, covers damage to private property as a result of an accident where you are responsible. This insurance covers other properties, other vehicles, or any damage that may have resulted by the driver of the vehicle. There is a 20% deductible this is calculated by the amount of damage caused to someone else’s property.

Other insurance items to take into consideration are “THEFT”, the deductible starts around US$1500 but may be higher depending on certain factors. BIL “Bodily Injury Liability Coverage”, which pays for other person's death or bodily injury that may have resulted from an accident with the rental vehicle by the authorized driver. SLI “Supplemental Liability”, which covers 20% deductible of the “TPL” protection if someone else’s property is damaged and VAI “Vandalism”, which is damage to the rental vehicle caused by vandalism such as, door locks, windows, windshield, tools and radio.

If you use your credit card to rent a car during your vacations then you may want to check with your credit card company, they may offer a car rental insurance coverage. If so, then you may be able to waive the “CDW”, “Theft”, “VAI” and deductibles with their program. There is an exception; the CC insurance program will not cover the “TPL”. It is mandatory that you take the “Third Party Liability” to cover someone else’s property.

Remember to always carry your driver’s license, passport and the car rental contract wherever you travel in Costa Rica or its provinces, and always follow the rules and regulations of the road.

Many tourists choose to rent a car so they can explore the beautiful countryside, some small out-of-the-way place or travel over the mountains to the coast. Please keep in mind that you can always Contact Us for expert advice!

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