Car Rentals with Credit Card Insurance/4×4

[deboto]

Good morning,

I am coming there during mid July and have been reading and gathering mixed responses about renting cars. first issue is insurance, some people indicate it is paramount to use your credit card coverage and accept full coverage, others have said they used credit card with no problems. second is type of car, is it imperative to get 4×4, will be traveling SJ to orosi, arenal, dominical, and perhaps liberia. any input appreciated

Thanks

David

[DavidCMurray]

Use your Platinum VISA and you’ll get a break on the insurance. Your VISA company and the car rental agency can give you the details.

A 4×4 is rarely needed if you’re planning to stick to paved roads. And if you have visions of going off-road, know that most rental agencies will make you sign an agreement not to do so in their 4×4 vehicle, so what’s the point?

Bear in mind, too, that fuel is expensive here. Rent what you need to get your party around.

[lisle55]

Hi. I use my Amex and my Mastercard and they cover the insurance and I have had things stolen and cars broken into and no problems with my credit cards or the rental companies. As for a car the Begos handle very well in 4X4 and do good on gas. And by not using Costa Rica insurance you will have extra money to have GPS while you are traveling witch is a great feature here in Costa Rica as there isn’t many road signs. 🙂 Have a great time.

Edited on Jun 16, 2009 21:41

[delucajmj]

Are you saying that we can decline the insurance? I was told that it was a law in CR that we had to purchase the insurance which is $950? If there is no damage, we get it back. Can someone set me straight? We’re arriving in one week and renting a car for 5 weeks. Thanks.

[*Lotus]

You have to take the basic liability insurance at Dollar it is included in the price they post on their site. You can decline “collision” and pay with your credit card that offers it, quite a savings. Actually you can decline it even if you don’t have a card that offers it, but then of course if something happens you will be 100% on the hook.
Because of the big savings we always decline and use a card that offers collision, in 5 years so far no problems.

Keep in mind that if the car is stolen or totaled or has other damage not covered by the basic insurance,; they will charge your credit card. Then you must present a police report, damage estimate etc..to your card company to be reimbursed. You can request a copy of the policy from your card company and read it over, there are limitations such as no coverage if an accident occurs on a dirt road…

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