| Driving in Costa Rica is not for everyone. So make | | | | leaving for Costa Rica and ask him or her if your |
| sure you know what you're getting into before | | | | insurance policy covers you for damages in Costa |
| getting behind the wheel of a car in Costa Rica. The | | | | Rica. You might also want to call your credit card |
| following are the 7 most frequently asked questions | | | | issuer and ask them the same question. If your own |
| about driving in Costa Rica. These questions come in | | | | policy covers you in Costa Rica you're set and you |
| from my popular podcast about Costa Rica from | | | | don't need the supplemental coverage. If they do not |
| folks from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. | | | | cover you, then I suggest taking out a supplemental |
| 1. What type of cars are available for rent? | | | | policy offered by car rental agencies. |
| Renting a car in Costa Rica is more expensive than in | | | | Optional-CDW or LDW - collision damage waiver |
| the U.S. so most people rent the smaller more | | | | which covers the cost of the car's deductible amount |
| compact cars that are a little cheaper. | | | | which varies depending on the type of car and |
| Prices vary and during the high season you will pay | | | | agency. The cost will range between $10-20 USD per |
| more. Around $20 or more per day. Renting during | | | | day. |
| Christmas/New Years will add another $50 or more | | | | |
| per week. I looked at five car rental company cars in | | | | Optional-Zero Liability - This will reduce your liability to |
| Costa Rica and the average for renting a small car | | | | zero against theft and vandalism, for example, the |
| like a Toyota Yaris will cost around $205 per week. | | | | cost for this insurance is between $5-20 USD per day |
| Please note this doesn't include the required by law | | | | depending on the agency and car. |
| insurance which will add at least $10-20 per day. So | | | | As you can see the supplemental insurance cost can |
| you're looking at $250-300 to rent a small car per | | | | add up fast so it's important that you check with |
| week. | | | | your insurance agent and your credit card company |
| You will find all the major car rental agencies in Costa | | | | since you might not even need the optional |
| Rica such as Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Budget, and others. | | | | supplemental coverage. |
| 2. Is driving a good idea? | | | | If your insurance agent gives you the thumbs up do |
| It depends. Driving in Costa Rica compared to other | | | | me a favor and get it in writing! You don't want any |
| countries can be a very scary proposition for most. | | | | surprises. |
| Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident | | | | 4. What are car rental requirements in Costa Rica? |
| rates in the world. Traffic laws and speed limits are | | | | Requirements may vary depending on the car |
| often ignored. Crazy and illegal turns across lanes of | | | | agency you use so check with them. Most require a |
| traffic are common. Turn signals are rarely used and | | | | valid driver's license (one from your home state or |
| dangerous passing is common. So you might driving | | | | country is fine), a valid passport with your entry |
| on your lane when all of a sudden here comes a car | | | | stamp, the Costa Rica mandated liability insurance, |
| in your lane going the wrong way because they're | | | | and you must be at least 21 years of age. |
| passing on a blind spot. The roads are in poor | | | | 5. Is it safe to drive at night? |
| condition, and large potholes which could cause | | | | The problem driving at night is not crime, it's just the |
| serious damage to your car is common. | | | | unsafe driving and poor road conditions which are |
| Although the road conditions in the beach areas are | | | | compounded even worse when you have poor |
| worse the actual driving isn't as scary since there is | | | | visibility. The roads are not lit up well and it gets pitch |
| less traffic and since the roads aren't the best people | | | | dark after 6:00 PM making it unsafe to drive for an |
| tend to drive a little slower. | | | | inexperienced driver. |
| I like to have my own transportation so renting a car | | | | 6. What are road conditions like? |
| is something I like to do but it all depends on your | | | | The road conditions are very poor compared to the |
| comfort level. I've had friends and family who had | | | | super highways of the United States or the |
| never driven outside of the U.S. they found driving to | | | | Autobahn in Germany. Drivers have to contend with |
| be scary but a fun adventure. So just take it easy | | | | unsafe driving habits of motorists, huge potholes, and |
| and slow and you will be fine. Don't worry about the | | | | even the highway is a two-lane road. The roads get |
| other drivers, just do your thing. | | | | worse during the rainy season since road washouts |
| 3. Do I need car rental insurance? | | | | from the mudslides from the mountains are common. |
| By law you will need the INS (Instituto Nacional de | | | | 7. What side of the road do they drive on in Costa |
| Seguros) liability insurance regardless of your own car | | | | Rica? |
| insurance coverage or credit card coverage. The | | | | On the right hand side, like in the U.S. and Canada. |
| insurance required by law is known as TPL, SLI, SLC | | | | One final tip |
| or API. The cost ranges from $10-20 USD per day | | | | Make a copy of the profile page of your passport |
| depending on the vehicle. This insurance only covers | | | | and your entry stamp and carry that with you along |
| damages to other people, cars, or property. You will | | | | with your car rental papers. You might get stopped |
| need to buy supplemental coverage to cover | | | | by police and you will need to show this to them. Do |
| damages to the rental car or yourself. However your | | | | no carry your passport with you just make copies. |
| own car insurance policy or credit card might cover | | | | The Costa Rican government now allows you to |
| that so call your insurance agent at home before | | | | carry copies instead of your actual passport. |