www.CostaRicaTicas.com

For me, if I am going to be exploring CR or doing multiple destinations, a rental car is the way to go. I've done it before, and I will be doing it again for my upcoming trip. I was wondering if you can tell me what the average daily Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) rate is now. The last time I was there, it was about $20 per day on top of a $20 base rental rate.

Base rental of course is dependent on the size of the car. Cheap in the rainy season, $20 may get you a tiny 2 door 2 wheel drive with manual. I think they all have A/C nowadays in CR. Manuals drive me nuts in CR, auto's not that much more. 4 wheel? Alot more but your decision based on where you are going when it's raining daily. All the majors have very good websites on models, prices, and insurance.

I gather you know CR, but if you aren't sure of what it's like where you plan to tour, post and I'm sure Steve at PVT or someone will post about what they think about 2W or 4W.

The insurance is going to depend on a couple of things, #1, which agency, and if you are also paying for the SuppDamageWaiver. If you do, the combo price with SLI should be app $15 per day, YMMV. Best to contact several rentals 800#'s before hand and get that worked out and see what/how much if any your Credit Card insurance will help on the various other coverages. Although most of the local rental desks have someone who speaks english pretty good, if you speak good spanish, I'd also call their local desk and get their opinions. A couple of times I have got down there and there was a hassle about the printed confirmation I had in my hand from the internet reservation and what they said I needed to pay. And probably best to check with your CC company first about coverage details, or try these links.

VISA - http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/bene ... sonal.html

MasterCard - http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/e ... index.html

American Express - https://www.americanexpress.com/us/cont ... rance.html (Note: Alot of posters rave about this card's coverage--I think a little more per year for the rental coverage but then you are good to go)

I have had no problems with Budget waiving everything except the mandatory as long as you have plenty on your CC. And I have found they have the best prices of the majors, especially booking as far in advance as you can. And no problems on returns re little scratches and what not. Take alot of foto's of the outside and inside and make sure it every problem is noted on the inspection carbon you'll sign. Another poster said Budget tried the old flat tire trick on him.

A poster last month said Adobe? tried to double his confirmed price with insurance mumbo-jumbo at 10pm when he was there with his wife and baby. Another thing might be where your driver's license is from. I see you list SA, may affect the rate if that's where your current DL is from, not sure.

A few primer's on the confusing car rental insurance issues in CR:

http://www.ticotravel.com/costarica/inseuropcar.htm

http://costa-rica-guide.com/CarRentalInsurance.html

http://www.servicecarrental.com/insurances.htm

http://www.budget.co.cr/budget-car-rent ... a-faq.html

http://blog.costaricagroundtransfers.co ... costa-rica

Lastly, you may or not aware of the various recent major road problems in and around SJ, with various bridges failing on main drags. Here is a link to the Transito Police website which lists current traffic conditions on all the major roads which I have found to be accurate. Presuming you are going to the Pacific side, you'll want to keep an eye on Rt 27, the new Autopista del Sol.
http://www.transito.go.cr/estadorutas/index.html

And here is a very good mileage/travel time website for almost all CR destinations, to and from.
http://www.yourtravelmap.com/costarica/ ... width=1440

Please let us know how it went with the insurance.

I am around on Thursday and will drive you and whoever reserves first. Have 10 spots. Email Rudy or Carlos at Info@hotelamistad.com

If we have enough requests we will make multiple trips.


Matt
Hotel La Amistad

Thanks, for the info on car rentals in CR. I've rented cars in CR at least a dozen times in the past, and usually rent from Thrifty on Calle 3 near the old Clarion. My American Express premium car rental insurance takes care of everything except SLI. I was just wondering what the daily premium are now.

This is what you call a "bookmark Post". Thanks, Gersen!

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED