Before to rent a car in Costa Rica, consider these rental car regulations:
Age: In Costa Rica the minimum age to rent or drive a rented vehicle is 21 years of age.
Documents: The lessee and additional drivers have to present valid Driver License and Passport from his/her country. Also the credit card holder (the owner of the credit card) has to sign paper works as rental agreement and other documents.
Driver License: Valid drivers licenses issued in your State or Country are acceptable as well as International licenses.
Deposit: In Costa Rica all the car rental companies require a deposit to cover the deductibles imposed by the insurance policies or optional coverage’s. Also it would be used to cover any violation to the conditions and rules present on the vehicle rental contract.
This deposit amount depends of the car’s size, type and driver’s age (it starts in $800) and it is returned at the end of the rental period.
Credit Card: A major credit card is required to rent a car. The credit card holder must be 18 years old and his/her credit card must be in the renters name. We require that an advance credit approval be obtained in an amount not less than $750.00 as deposit plus the estimated rental charges.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and JCB cards. Cash and Debit Cards are accepted to process the rental car charge, Debit or Check Cards are not acceptable to cover the deposit.
Payment Options: Renter must present a major credit card at time of rental. Rental charges have to be paid at the beginning in cash or on the Renter’s credit card or any authorized additional driver.
For quality service you can provide us all your personal information on the reservation form. Service car rental do not charge any amount for rental service or deposit to your credit card until you have received the vehicle.
If you require our express service (drop off) to other place or locations we have to verify your credit card 24 hours before your rental date.
During high season (November to April) we receive many reservations and these payment options may change.. but you will be notified in advance about any special requirement.
Car Rental Insurances and Optional Coverages: The TPL “Third Party Liability” is mandatory and it will cover damages caused to some one else’s property in Costa Rica. Optional coverages as CDW, Theft, Vandalism, Bodily Injury Liability are available, in addition the API protection that reduces some deductibles in case of collision of the rented car.
Taxes: On July 1st. 2019. The State of Costa Rica imposed a 13% sales tax to services in general, including the automobile rental or if you are billed for any damages, parts or other additonal services.
Drop Off and Pick Up Service: Service car rental offers free drop off and pick up service at the main metropolitan area of Costa Rica and SJO Airport.
Vehicles rented in one Service location and returned to another place located more than 12 kilometers may be subject to a drop off/intercity fee. If a drop charge applies to your booking your confirmation will contain information on the drop charge.
Road Assistance: Our company has a road assistance program in order to support our customers in case of any situation as mechanical problems or accidents, for example; if the car breaks down we will provide you a second car at the place where you are.
Additional Drivers: Additional drivers may be added to the vehicle rental agreement at a daily charge starts in $2.99 per driver. The additional driver must meet the same requirements as the Renter.
Fuel: Vehicles should be returned with the same amount of fuel as rented, to avoid a refueling fee per gallon.
Geographic Driving Restrictions: Due to insurance restrictions Service car rental does not allow its vehicles to leave Costa Rica area.
Child Restraint Seats: Baby Seats and Booster Seats are available at all locations at a cost of starts in $3.5 per day.
Maps: Costa Rica maps are available free of charge at rental counter.
Note: Feel free to e-mail us if you need more information, has questions or concerns. [email protected]
