Costa rica: Vehicle choice & Extra insurances what to do?

Question

I'm traveling to Costa Rica later this month. I have reserved a vehicle. Is it highly recommended to purchase the collision damage/ theft insurance in addition to the deductible protection and the personal Liability? This is an additional cost of $45 a day or $260 to the rental. Anybody out there have any experience with or without to pass on? Also I understand the roads are horrid and we were looking for a vehicle that could carry 7 passengers..A Toyota HiAce Microbus is available. Will that give us the clearance we need to get around or would it be recommended to get the premium SUV that also seats 7 ? Any advice is appreciated both questions please!

Answer 1

What vehicle you need to take will depend upon where you go.  In general the clearance of a 4 wheel vehicle is desireable but you won't need 4 wheel drive itself.  

For most places a HiAce microbus has sufficient clearance to handle roads such as the road to Monteverde but you will have to drive carefully and slowly because it is easier for a microbus to slide.  

Roads in CR are bad, but they have improved somewhat over the past year.  

Don't know what to say about insurance.  Most car rental companies require a huge deposit that would probably be charged to your credit card in the case of an accident IF you did not have insurance.

Answer 2

It really depends where you're traveling... but the roads are around the coasts are very VERY bad ...and during the rainy season it gets worse, but you might not need 4x4. I've only used my 4x4 once and that was driving on the beach.  As far as insurance goes...I think it's mandatory at some rentals now, so you might want to check. I don't think you'll need more than the basics or you'll end up paying more for insurance than the car itself! And, if you surf...don't leave the car parked on the beach with things inside...NOTHING... or it will get broken in to.

Answer 3

We are also traveling to Costa Rica this month and I am going to decline the collision/damage insurance because my credit card with which I'm booking the car provides that for me.  It does not provide the liability insurance and my State Farm agent told me that that liability insurance is mandatory.  Have a great trip.

Answer 4

keep the van if you are going to drive around gravel or pave roads. suv in case you want to go off bumpy roads

Answer 5

My advice to you would be to cancel the reveseration and enlist the aid of a "Tour Guide" with the large type vehicle you feel you will need - when you need it, and let them do the driving!

Not only would it would be cheaper in the long run, but it will take a lot of worry about your trip out of your mind.

VIVA LA PURA VIDA!

y Buena Suerte!

Answer 6

It really depends on where you are planing to go.  The roads are terrible.  Terrible.... really bad.  There were times when we used the 4 wheel drive, but we were going places that the Tico's (Costa Ricans) were taking us, or told us about.  If your not doing a lot of exploring, you will probably be fine with the van.  I would take out the extra insurance.  The roads are that bad, and do not leave ANYTHING of value in the car.  Thieves target rental vehicles.  They also at times stage accident with tourists.  Be safe, get the insurance.

Answer 7

Renting a car in CR is more expensive than in the states but it is way better if you get the insurance to prevent any bad things, better safe than sorry.