To Explore Costa Rica in a comfortable way, you can rent a car
Many international travelers dread the prospect of renting a car in a foreign country — mainly spurred on by the ‘horror stories’ that are posted on travel forums. Not only do language differences paint a bleak picture of potential lost-in-translation fiascos, navigating the paperwork and international legal requirements seems a daunting task.
Should I use a Local or International Rent a Car Agency ?
Many customers believe that the major international car rental companies have their own branches in Costa Rica and offer also US / Canada standards. Unfortunately this is not the case. They are licensees. They have to pay around 15% of fees and commissions to the parent company. This is not their own money, but your money. They have leasing agreements with banks and car financiers. This money, too, has to be paid by you, the customer.
As a family business, we work with lower overheads and can therefore offer cheaper rental prices.
But there are more than 10 Local operating Car Rental Companies in Costa Rica. We recommend to visit there HP, check their Google & TRIPADVISOR Reviews
If you compare their rates and services you will have a real impression about the car rental conditions and rates in Costa Rica.
If you do this comparing with big international Brands and Third Party Agency in the Internet you will see a big difference.
But why is WILD RIDER more expensive than these big companies?
We are never more expensive, but our offer is always honest with no hidden fees.
The big guys have the pressure to rent out their immense fleet. Only way to do this is to offer the cars with rates which are too good to be true, to attract the client more than the competitors.
When you are standing with your family on there counters, they tell you a story, about license plate fee, environmental charges, and airport taxes, extra insurance you need and on the end you have to pay double even triple.
There are horror Stories in the internet about Car Rental in Costa Rica. But we as a family company with our own standards to treat you fair. Our rental agents can speak English or Spanish or German and can guide you through the steps for renting your vacation vehicle in a clear and uncomplicated manner. You will be confident that you made the right choice from our prompt emails to our meet-and-greet shuttle service to our ‘quoted price is final price’ policy.
No Hidden Fees and free extras.
At WILD RIDER, obligatory fees are clearly explained and presented upfront.
But we offer you some extras/upgrades you can choose. These extras are show very transparent, and we will explain you the pros and cons, but we never will force you to buy these extras.
In our aim to provide a positive, hassle-free, vacation , we include needed extras at no cost; extras that other rental companies charge heavily for! These free extras include additional driver, a cell phone, a phone holder, different type of child seat, beach chairs and beverage cooler
So, you can skip the additional surcharges that many franchises slip onto the bill.
Roadside Assistance and Help
All WILD RIDER rentals include 24/7 nationwide road assistance, as well as general help for your vacation .
INSURANCE
Mandatory Third Party Liability Insurance ( TPL)
SPL is mandatory by law, and it covers third party claims.
This basic coverage includes:
- $2,000 deposit (hold) will be placed on the renter’s credit card.
- Approx. US$270.000.- maximum to cover personal injuries of individuals outside the rented vehicle.
- Approx. US$5.000.000.- maximum for damages to third party property
In case of damages to a third-party vehicle, there is a minimum deductible of US$200 up to a maximum deductible of US$900 according to the estimate of the damages caused to the third-party vehicle. There is a 100% coverage for damages to third party properties or physical injuries and there is no excess amount applies under these circumstances.
The TPL is included in WILD RIDER basic Car Rental Rate.
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) with excess
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) is available with a USD$700 – USD$900 deductible, and price is of USD$12 – USD$15 per day. CDW covers collision and theft of the vehicle. It does not cover rims, tires, rings, external and internal accessories (radio, mirrors, carpets, knobs, hubs, emblems, tools, keys, towing and rescue, etc.).
Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW for short) limits the liability due to vehicle damages and/or theft. Purchasing inhouse CDW coverage clears the renters from filing (and the follow-up of) a claim to recoup the upfront damages paid.
This extended coverage includes:
- US$ 700.- or US$ 900.- deposit (hold) will be placed on the renter’s credit card.
- US$ 700.- or US$ 900.- deductible for vehicle damages and/or theft, except in the case of negligence (see below).
- $1500 deductible if authorized drivers are between 21 to 24 years old, unless negligence (see below).
In order to decline CDW at time of pick up, customers need to submit a written statement from the credit card company confirming credit card’s cover for the rental. The written statement must be on the company’s letterhead and comply with the following information: letter must have been issued within the last 30 days from pick up date, confirm LDW coverage for destination Costa Rica, show the amount covered, contain the last four digits of the credit card number, show the dates for the rental period or the number of rental days covered. No digital versions or copies are accepted. In addition to the rental cost estimate, a US$2.000.- security deposit will be required at the time of rental if CDW is not purchased.
CDW ( Collision Damage Waiver) with Zero Deductible Package
Full Collision Damage Waiver (Full CDW for short) frees the renter from any financial responsibility caused by accident, theft, or total loss, except in the case of negligence (see below).
- $200 deposit (hold) will be placed on the renter’s credit card.
- Zero ($0) deductible for accident, theft, or total loss, except in the case of negligence (see below).
- Glass Protection Full coverage for windshield, windows, which incidentally are not covered under any other waiver option.
- Zero percent (0%) deductible for third party property damage to a maximum of US$ 5.000,000.
- Not available if authorized drivers are between 21 to 24 years old.
Reduces financial liability to zero, in case of accident or damage and protects you 100% in damages to third parties. This coverage is acquired as a complement to the CDW.
The renter and any additional drivers are fully liable for any loss or damage to the rental vehicle, even when the loss or damage is caused by a third party or in the event the cause is unknown, whether because of theft, collision, vandalism or any other cause. The financial responsibility for the Collision Damage Waiver is the maximum deductible (excess) amount according to the rental car category. In case of damages to a third party vehicle, there is a minimum deductible of US$200 up to a maximum deductible of US$900 according to the estimate of the damages caused to the third party vehicle. There is a 100% coverage for damages to third party properties or physical injuries and there is no excess amount applied under these circumstances.
Rental Car Insurance Invalidity
The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) will be void and the renter will be held 100% responsible for all damages (mechanical/electrical, interior, exterior and underside) towing caused to the vehicle if:
- The driver is not authorized by WILD RIDER Rent-A-Car to operate the vehicle.
- The driver is under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal substances.
- The driver operates the vehicle contrary to the laws of Costa Rica.
(Speeding/passing double yellow lane)
- The driver does not provide an accident report from the local authorities.
- The vehicle undergoes misuse or negligence, such as, but not limited to: driving with the parking brake on, operating the transmission in 4×4 mode over 40 km/h, hitting obstacles on the road, driving on roads in poor condition and/or driving in, through or over rivers, estuaries and/or beaches.
Coverages purchased on third party websites or sources are not accepted by WILD RIDER Rent a Car Costa Rica.
All coverages apply whenever the car is used under the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE REPORT, NON-SUBMISSION OF THE TRAFFIC TICKET, CORRESPONDING STATEMENT AND INSURANCE COMPANY REPORT TO OUR OFFICES AS WELL AS NOT CALLING US IMMEDIATELY WITH YOUR REPORT, INVALIDATES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANY COVERAGE.