Car Rental Costa Rica
car rental costa rica isn't for everyone. So make sure you know what you're getting into before getting behind the wheel of a car inside Costa Rica. The following are the 7 most common questions about driving in Costa Rica.
These questions come in from my popular podcast concerning Costa Rica from folks in the U. S., Canada, and Europe. 1. What type of cars are for sale for rent? Renting a car inside Costa Rica is higher priced than in the You. S. so most people rent small more compact cars which might be a little cheaper. Prices vary and in the high season you will pay more. Around $20 or more per day. Renting during Christmas/New Years will add another $50 or even more per week. I looked at five car rental company autos in Costa Rica as well as the average for renting a little car like a Toyota Yaris will surely cost around $205 per week. Please note this doesn't include the required by law insurance that can add at least $10-20 daily. So you're looking on $250-300 to rent a little car per week. You will find all the major Costa Rica travel agencies like Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Budget, and others. 2. Is driving a wise decision? It depends. Driving in Costa Rica compared abroad can be a very scary proposition for most. Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates on the globe. Traffic laws and speed limits can be ignored. Crazy and illegal turns across lanes of traffic are typical. Turn signals are hardly ever used and dangerous driving is common. So you might driving on your lane when instantly here comes a car inside your lane going the wrong manner because they're passing using a blind spot. The roads are within poor condition, and large potholes that may cause serious damage to your car is common.
Although the road conditions inside the beach areas are worse the specific driving isn't as scary since there is less traffic and since the roads aren't the best people are likely to drive a little reduced. I like to have my transportation so renting an automobile is something I like to do but it all hangs on your comfort stage. I've had friends as well as family who had never driven outside of the U. S. they found driving being scary but a enjoyment adventure. So just take it easy and slow and you will be fine. Don't worry about the opposite drivers, just do your matter. 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 charge card coverage. The insurance required by law is referred to as TPL, SLI, SLC or API. The cost ranges coming from $10-20 USD per day depending on the vehicle. This insurance only covers damages to others, cars, or property. You will need to obtain supplemental coverage to cover damages towards rental car or yourself. However your own car insurance policy or credit card could possibly cover that so call your insurance broker at home before making for Costa Rica and ask him or her if your insurance coverage covers you for injuries in Costa Rica. You might also wish to call your credit card provider and ask them the same question.
If your own coverage covers you in Costa Rica you're set and you don't need the supplemental coverage. If they do certainly not cover you, then I suggest applying for a supplemental policy offered by Costa Rica car rental firms. Optional-CDW or LDW - collision damage waiver which covers the cost of the car's deductible amount which varies with regards to the type of car and agency. The cost will variety between $10-20 USD on a daily basis. Optional-Zero Liability - This can reduce your liability to be able to zero against theft as well as vandalism, for example, the cost for that insurance is between $5-20 USD per day according to the agency and car. As you can start to see the supplemental insurance cost can increase fast so it's essential that you check with your agent and your credit card company since you might not even need the optional/supplemental insurance policy coverage. If your insurance agent offers you the thumbs up do me a favor and have it in writing! You don't want just about any surprises. 4. What are car leasing requirements in Costa Rica? Requirements may vary based on the car agency you use so seek advice from them. Most require a valid license (one in your home office state or country is okay), a valid passport with your entry stamp, the Costa Rica remitted liability insurance, and you must end up being at least 21 years of age. 5. Is it safe they are driving at night? The problem driving at night is not crime, it's just the dangerous driving and poor road conditions which might be compounded even worse when you've got poor visibility. The roads are definitely not lit up well plus it gets pitch dark immediately after 6: 00 PM making it unsafe to push for an inexperienced car owner.
6. What are road disorders like? The road conditions are very poor compared to the super highways of the usa or the Autobahn with Germany. Drivers have to handle unsafe driving habits connected with motorists, huge potholes, and even the highway is really a two-lane road. The roads get worse in the rainy season since road washouts from your mudslides from the mountains are normal. 7. What side of the street do they drive on in Costa Rica? On the right give side, like in the You. S. and Canada. One final tip Come up with a copy of the profile page of your respective passport and your entry stamp and carry that with you along with your car rental papers. You might get halted by police and you have got to show this to them. Do no carry your passport along with you just make copies. The Costa Rican government now lets you carry copies instead of your respective actual passport.