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Off topic....... Costa Rica car rentals


Whiskeytrain

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Going down to Costa Rica at the end of April and seeking advice about car rentals. Many sources online suggest the insurance is more than the actual rental it self. Can anyone please give some advice on what they recommend based on their past experiences with car rentals in Costa Rica. What insurance policy did you and what rental company did you use. We will be flying into San Jose airport and we need a 4x4 vehicle. This will be our first time there

thank you for any help

 

hoping some forum members have experience with this

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No problem getting a 4x4 rental in San Jose....we used airport rentals , can't even remember which one National or Hertz...all of the big rental companies are there.  Check your personal car insurance company to see if they offer you any coverage on rentals....but, if not, get it there. Look it up online....to see the rates. 

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35 minutes ago, Whiskeytrain said:

This will be our first time there

I lived there for 3 years and travelled in Central America my whole life growing melons and pineapples and other products....

TWO WORDS - TOTAL COVERAGE !!!

YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAN HAPPEN AND IF YOU GET INTO A FENDER BENDER OR OTHER ACCIDENT OR THE CAR STOLEN....YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO BE DEALNG WITH IN IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY.

 

For the cost of the insurance...you walk away, pure and simple...it's the cost of the vacation....

DC

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Shop total cost. Insurance cost is much higher than the daily cost of the car rental. Stick with a major car rental company. Their franchisees are much less likely to try and pull some BS damage charge on you when you return the car. Take extensive photos and have the agent document every scratch and dent on the vehicle before you sign for it. Be sure to check the top of the roof and the the lower fenders, air dam, and rocker panel areas. A small, inconspicuous ding or scratch will net unscrupulous rental franchisees thousands of extra dollars each month. Without documentation, you will pay for every scratch and ding on the car, whether you put it there or not. If you pay them for total insurance coverage, they are unlikely to try and rip you off-they already got their money from you up front. On a totally unrelated subject; Costa Rica is an awesome place. The people are friendly and the country is spectacular. Have a great time!

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Just got back from a trip there.  Great place!  

My recommendation is to take a taxi and/or get a driver.  Taxi's are everywhere and your resort/hotel/property owner likely has arrangements for transportation.  A private van from San Jose to/from Los Suenos (1.5 hour trip) was only $60 booked through the resort (which likely included a resort premium).  In general their driving style is entirely different and the probability of an accident is real.  Plus, you have a local helping you get to the good spots and keep you safe.  Costa Rican's are very proud of their country and tourism and want visitors to have a great experience.

Don't be an ugly American, tip generously, and you will have a fantastic trip.

Have fun!

Cheers,

Bud

BTW - fishing was "slow" - we caught 4 big sailfish and 20 small yellowfin tuna over 3 days of fishing.

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