How to avoid a costly costa rica car rental

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Arranging a Costa Rica car rental need not be daunting. But you will want to be smart about saving money and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Having a rental car is a great way to tour the country and explore all the hidden gems and remote finds. Here are our tips to avoid a costly Costa Rica car rental.

Third party insurance is mandatory in costa rica

Many visitors booking a Costa Rica car rental do not realize that third party insurance in the country is mandated by law, but not all car rental companies will include it in their booking quote. Renters are then surprised to learn that the insurance must be purchased at the location once they arrive, and usually at a significantly higher price than their original quote.

So if you are comparing prices, make sure you are comparing comparable rental agreements. It is possible to use your third party liability insurance from home, or through a credit card option you may have, but Costa Rica car rental companies will require written proof of this, and you’ll need to provide a copy of the letter at the time of vehicle pick up

Be careful where you park

Parking rules in Costa Rica may not be that different from your home country, but the repercussions of disobeying them are pretty costly.

Rather than issuing tickets to illegally parked cars, vehicle plates are removed and cars towed on the spot. Vehicle retrieval is expensive and can be delayed, interrupting your travel plans, and worse, racking up rental car charges for a vehicle not in use. You will need speak to the police and government agencies to get both the car back, and the plates reissued – at your expense.

Parking areas are usually signed, but don’t count on it. In cities and towns, a yellow line on the curb indicates that it is a no parking zone. But like many other painted markings on Costa Rica roads, you may find that the paint has faded or chipped away. If in doubt, paying for parking, rather parking on the street, unless you are absolutely certain it is in a legal area.

Do not move your car if involved in an accident

Vehicles involved in an accident in Costa Rica must remain exactly in place until police attend the scene. Even if damage appears minor, do not pull off to the side of the road, as you might otherwise at home. Having everything in place until police write up their report is for insurance purposes, and failure to heed this law can void your car insurance. 

Exercise caution behind the wheel

While everyone thinks they can drive, navigating roads in your Costa Rica car rental requires attention and caution. Mistakes could prove costly.

Potholes

Potholes seemingly appear out of nowhere, often along otherwise well paved roads, and where road speed is high. Whether it’s the abundance of trucks, or linked to thermal activity, using a navigation app such as Waze, where users post hazards that are updated in real time, can be helpful.

Redactors

Speed bumps, known as redactors, are quite aggressive in shape, and appear in all school zones. Oftentimes the paint is worn off to mark them, and until you’re used to the warning sign appearing significantly before the actual bump, you are apt to launch your rental car over your first bump at speed.

Washouts

Washouts can happen on roads, especially during the wet season, but can also be an issue during the shoulder season emerging from the wet. Because of moisture, mud is also a concern on unpaved roads. Personally, I wouldn’t consider renting anything else but an AWD 4×4 in Costa Rica. Partly for the traction capabilities, but also for the elevated clearance, and ability to navigate around (or sometimes through) potholes.

Motorcycles & Scooters

Motorcycles can be a hazard too, if for no other reason than there are so many of them. But also because lane splitting and riding up the shoulder is common and accepted in Costa Rica. As a driver you need to be mindful or motorcycles and scooters, being vigilant checking mirrors, and anticipating the unexpected.

You’ve got this!

But don’t let these cautions put you off driving in Costa Rica. Driving safely in Costa Rica will become second nature in no time, and there is no better way to see and experience the country and experience its spectacular hidden gems, than by having your own personal vehicle. Simply use these tips to avoid a costly Costa Rica car rental – on multiple levels.

For more information to help you plan your trip, be sure to read “Driving in Costa Rica: What to know before you go”. And for a deep dive into Costa Rica as a destination, be sure to check out “Things to Do in Costa Rica: Guanacaste Region“

Car rental

Vamos is my preferred car rental company in Costa Rica. They are reasonably priced, straight up honest about how they handle third party insurance, and include so many extras with their rentals – free local android phone with data for navigation and local calls, the Wise navigation app, and a cooler to keep your snacks and drinks cool. The free data on the android Wazephone, which Vamos includes with every rental, also comes in handy to hot spot your home cell phone where WIFI isn’t available. Vamos offers fair prices, no hidden costs, and professional support from staff. The company has locations very close to both San Jose and Liberia airports, and will arrange to pick you up outside the arrivals area.

A Costa Rica Car Rental gives you freedom!

A Costa Rica car rental gives you the freedom to explore and discover beaches that few tourists will find. Be smart and prudent, and you will love the experience!