Costa Rica Story Car Rental Central

The biggest question I get is about Insurance. This bears repeating and you will find it in this list of questions several times.

You are required by Costa Rican law to purchase Third Party Liability(TPL), your credit card won't cover this so you need to add that by checking the box for it.

The car rental company requires you to have coverage for damage to the vehicle (CDW or LDW), your credit card could possibly cover that, please check with your bank to verify what you are covered for. The car rental company may require documentation proof of coverage.

🇨🇷 Required Car Rental Insurance

1. Mandatory Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL or SLI)

• What it is: This coverage protects you against damage you cause to third-party property (like other cars, buildings, etc.) and covers injuries or death to third parties (people outside your rental vehicle) in the event of an accident.

• Mandatory Status: Required by Costa Rican law. You must purchase this from the rental company, regardless of any existing insurance you have at home or on your credit card.

• Cost: This is a daily fee (often around $15–$25 per day) that is in addition to the base rental rate and is often not included in initial online quotes, but on this form it is

2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW or LDW)

• What it is: This coverage (technically a waiver) limits your financial responsibility for damage to or theft of the rental car itself. It usually comes with a deductible (your out-of-pocket maximum) if you purchase it through the rental company.

• Mandatory Status: While not mandatory by law, rental companies typically require you to have this coverage.This is the one you may be able to cover with your credit card.

Your credit card's rental car insurance benefit might cover the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW), but it will NOT cover the Mandatory Third-Party Liability (TPL/SLI).

Key Details for Using Your Credit Card Coverage (CDW/LDW)

1. Mandatory TPL/SLI Still Applies: You must still purchase the mandatory Third-Party Liability insurance from the rental company. Your credit card only provides coverage for damage to the rental car itself (CDW/LDW).

2. Verify Coverage in Costa Rica: Call your credit card company (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express) before your trip to confirm that their rental car insurance benefit specifically applies to rentals in Costa Rica. Some cards exclude certain countries, vehicle types (like 4x4s), or rental lengths.

3. Get Written Proof: You will almost certainly need to present a formal letter from your credit card issuer at the rental counter, clearly stating your name, card number, and that you have CDW coverage in Costa Rica. Without this letter, the rental company will likely force you to purchase their full CDW.

4. Credit Card Hold/Deposit: When you use your credit card's CDW, the rental company will typically place a very large security deposit (often $500 plus the rental charges) hold on your credit card. This hold is released after you return the car undamaged, but it ties up a significant amount of your available credit during your trip.

5. Claim Process (Upfront Payment): If the rental car is damaged while you are using your credit card's CDW coverage, you will be required to pay the full cost of the repairs upfront to the rental company before leaving the country. You then have to submit a claim to your credit card company for reimbursement, which can take time and paperwork.

6. 
   

Many travelers opt to purchase the rental company's CDW/LDW, despite the extra cost, simply to lower the security deposit and avoid the hassle and upfront expense of filing a claim with their credit card company in case of an accident.

I. Mandatory Coverage (Must be Purchased)

II. Collision Coverage (Can be Waived with Credit Card)

III. Optional/Supplemental Coverages (Increases Peace of Mind)

These products can be purchased to reduce or eliminate deductibles and cover excluded items.

🚨 Important Note on Bundles

Alamo sells a combined package, the Alamo Protection Package (APP),

Alamo Protection Package

Alamo Protection Package (APP) is a package product which includes Collision Damage Waiver - Theft Protection (CDW-TP), Tire and Windshield Protection (TWP), Deductible Protection (DP) and Third Party Liability (TPL) at a discounted price. APP is not insurance. If you purchase APP, the rental company contractually waives your responsibility for the cost of damage to, loss or theft of the vehicle, and up to the policy limits for damages and injuries to third parties during the rental period in Costa Rica, subject to the actions listed on the rental agreement that invalidate the coverage as described in the rental agreement. No deductible applies.

If you are aiming for maximum peace of mind with a $0 deductible and minimal hassle, this type of comprehensive package is generally the simplest option.

Many vehicles (even SUVs) are available in both 4x4 and 4x2. When selecting your vehicle make sure that if you want a 4x4 that it states 4x4 in the title or details of your car. The example of a Suzuki Vitara below illustrates this point. I always recommend going with a 4x4, especially if you plan on exploring!

Yes

You are free to drive anywhere within Costa Rica. Travel outside of Costa Rica with the rental car is prohibited.

Simply fill out the form on this page to let us know what type of vehicle you need, your desired options, insurance coverage selections, and for how many days. The form will display the current rate based on your choices. If you would like to book your car simply select "continue" and you can reserve your car.

- Minimum age 25 years old (from 21 - 24 years old an Underage fee will apply). - Passport

(It is very important to verify that the passport has the stamp with the date of entry to the country.) - Valid up to date driver's license. - Credit card.

Current and physical license from your country of residence or an international license. Please make sure your license is up to date during your rental period, Expired licenses or copies will NOT be accepted.

The vehicle may only be rented by a person with a valid driver's license who is 21 years of age or older. Between 21 and 25 years of age there is an "underage" fee of US$10 per day.

To rent a vehicle it is mandatory to have coverage for Damage to Vehicle and Theft (CDW-TP) and Third Party Protection (TPL).

Both can be purchased at the counter when picking up the vehicle.

Yes, of course.

Yes, you just have to come to one of our offices to make the change.

- Full to full. - Prepay the tank. - Pay for the shortfall at the return (the price will be higher than at the gas station).

Yes, as long as you take care of the smell and upholstery of the car, because if you return the vehicle with smell or dirty upholstery you may be charged an additional $100.

The fleet consists of small to large sedans, SUV's, pick ups and VAN's with no more than 2 years of being in our fleet.

There is no external car wash charge, however, if the car is returned with heavy soiling of upholstery, seats, wet smell, cigarette, pet or pet hairs an additional fee of $100 will be charged.

The car will be delivered to you with a full gas tank and the car must be returned to our office with a full gas tank, unless you have purchased the Prepaid Gasoline option at the start of your reservation, in which case you may return the car with the gas tank at any level.

You must call the assistance service or contact the agency where you rented the vehicle.

An additional charge will be made for their replacement.

No, tolls must be paid directly by the driver in cash. It can be in local currency or in dollars with bills equal to or less than US$20.

This is the amount that Alamo Rent a Car will block in your credit card as a backup for the rented vehicle. At the end of the rental, if there are no damages, this amount will be returned within 3-5 business days. It is required to be made with credit card, debit card is not allowed.

No, the security deposit is only allowed with the main driver's credit card.

$500 plus the estimated rental cost. This is taken only once at the beginning of the rental period.

A credit card is required to make a hold or security deposit corresponding to the value of the rent plus a $500 deposit. Credit or debit cards are accepted for payment of the rent at the end of the rental period.

You can return the vehicle at any of our offices for an additional charge. If you wish to return the vehicle elsewhere, please contact us to verify if it is possible and to give you the corresponding amount.

The maximum period of a contract is 30 days, however, it can be extended or renewed for another 30 days.

The contract gives you 2 hours of grace after the third hour there may be additional charges. ‍ If you are running late please contact the office where you made the contract to advise of any potential delay.

The exchange rate of the bank to which your credit card belongs.

Once the car is delivered the security deposit is released. However, it may take 3 to 10 business days for the bank to release the amount back into the account. If by mistake the charge was made to a debit card the refund may take up to 30 days.

You must stay on site and call the customer service line for assistance.

Call the insurance company and wait for the inspector to arrive. This service is free and available 24/7 year-round. Call 911 and report the accident for a traffic officer to arrive. Call Alamo Rent a Car and report the accident.

No, the car cannot leave the country.

You can write to customer service: customer.service@alamo.cr or send us a WhatsApp message.

You should contact Customer Service or the office where you rented the vehicle.

If you have any additional questions, please log in to our customer service chat to contact us or write to us at reservations@alamo.crwith your inquiry.