Best Rental Car in Costa Rica
At least for American tourists…
Familiar Rental Car Brands
All US branded rental cars are a few blocks from the airport with a free shuttle.
Must Have #1
Even though a few companies have a desk inside the airport the actual cars are in the offsite Rental Car Area.
I personally recommend Budget and Avis to friends. They are the most transparent car rental agencies because you can get a quote for the car AND the additional (essentially mandatory) insurance = Loss Damage Waiver, Supplemental Liability Insurance, and personal accident coverage (Budget only).
Hertz and other agencies only lock in the base rate and in fine print indicate you will need to arrange for these other costs in person at the desk.
The additional insurance can practically double the base rate of the rental pushing a 1 week rental for a 5-7 seater into the $1500 to $2,000+ range depending on the season.
Costa Rica does not honor credit card insurance or US insurance.
Many people have been screwed on this thinking they were covered. There are too many horror stories both online and on youtube from tourists who waived their coverage only to find out insurance from the US did not cover them in Costa Rica or the process became bogged down in red tape. All other companies QUOTE a much lower price then force you to buy the insurance at the desk before you leave - a bait and switch that leaves people frustrated. I prefer to know the true total cost upfront.
Because many of the roads are gravel and have pot holes, you will get scratches and minor damage to your vehicle. After one rental the return agent scanned the vehicle so meticulously for damage and was very accusatory when he found a tiny crack in the the left tail light. But we were fully covered and we made it to our flight without any delays.
MUST HAVE #2
Make sure you book an AUTOMATIC transmission.
I know you think you are a BOSS driving a stick and many of the rental cars are 1/2 the price for manual transmission. But with unpredictable road conditions, steep terrain, and unpaved roads it is safer to drive an automatic. See MUST HAVE #1 and avoid damaging your rental unnecessarily.
Must Have #3
Patience and Pura Vida. Depending on your agent the check-in process could be lengthy. Once they hand you the keys take the time to scan the car top to bottom and front to back for any scrapes, dents, paint blemishes, check all mirrors, lights and bumpers. Hopefully, you just purchased full coverage so you won’t have any hassles when you return the car. See MUST HAVE #1.