Since Costa Rica is renowned for its natural tourist attractions, apart from letting you get around urban areas the convenient way, hiring a car rental service will make it easier for you to visit the country’s picturesque, remote beaches and alpine territories as well. Driving yourself around in a vehicle hired via a reputable rent a car Costa Rica agency allows you maximum freedom and control, as you can go anywhere you want at any time, without the drawback of depending on others to decide your schedule. Nowadays most rent a car Costa Rica companies advertise their services on the Internet, so finding and comparing suitable offers is relatively easy.
If you are interested in finding reliable, trustworthy dealers in San Jose, then you have to look no further than the city’s international airport. Although they aren’t always the cheapest options, car rental Costa Rica airport services present clients with a diversified offer of vehicles, offer good credibility and above all, enable you to seal a car rental deal on the spot as soon as your plane lands in San Jose. The average costs of car rental Costa Rica San Jose services can range between $350 and $700 per week for an econocar or mid-sized four-wheel-drive vehicle, with a large fraction of the overall rental cost representing car insurance (which is always mandatory).
Given the overall driving conditions in Costa Rica, it is strongly advisable to opt for a 4×4 vehicle if you are planning to do a lot of traveling, especially in the wet season. Four-wheel-drive will make it easier for you to negotiate otherwise problematic routes in and outside Central Valley, as well as near the Nicoya coast. Regardless of the size and type of your ride though, you should keep in mind that driving in Costa Rica can be dangerous, and therefore adapt your driving to local road and traffic conditions to minimize risks.
Due to the poor state of most driveways outside San Jose, most car insurance policies don’t cover tires and rims. The large majority of rent a car Costa Rica agencies, including car rental Costa Rica San Jose companies, require a security money deposit of around $750 over the duration of the rental period, which you should preferably settle via credit card. Insurance programs offered by certain types of gold or platinum credit cards come as a great advantage, because such credit cards cover both smaller damages like scratches or dents, and the entire car value in the event of theft or severe accidents.
To avoid a long series of potential inconveniences along the way, remember to check the state of the car before signing the damage sheet. Make sure you check the oil, brake fluid, fuel gauge, and look for the presence of a spare tire with proper air pressure and a jack. Moreover, ask the company to make a detailed list with all the minor damages (unless the vehicle is brand new) and keep a copy of this paper on you. Lastly, due to the high accident rate registered in Costa Rica, it is recommendable to stay on the side of safety and opt for the maximum insurance value.