1. Have a valid driver’s license and passport.
2. Be at least 21 years old.
3. Have a major credit card. Even if rental is prepaid they need the credit card to put down for the deductible (anywhere from 750$ to 1500$).

1. Clients with a gold or platinum credit card, which will often provide free insurance in many countries, will find that Costa Rican car rental companies won’t accept their insurance coverage. This is because 4wd rentals are often excluded from coverage and Costa Rican law has a mandatory Third Party Liability Insurance ($3 per day). Also in case of an accident the client would have to pay in full for all damages and then claim this amount from the credit card company.

2. Basic mandatory insurance runs $16 to $25 per day depending on the vehicle type. Under this insurance option client is still liable up to the deductible amount ($750 to $1500) plus 20% of third party damages. Insurance only protects you form paying.

3. Most agencies offer a Zero Deductible for an additional 10$-15$ per day to waive paying deductible. Like all insurance there are exceptions to the Zero deductible, which the client needs to be aware of. It is best to have car rental representative go over insurance options with the clients at the time of the rental.

4. Even with the basic Mandatory Insurance and the extra Zero Deductible Coverage clients are responsible to pay 20% of damages caused to a third Party. Insurance only cover 80%.

5. Like all insurance coverage there are exclusions. It is important that clients review and understand what these are at the time of signing the rental contract. Briefly Zero deductible does not cover for damages to tires; loss of keys, car jack and tools, radio; accidents caused due to negligent driving, traffic violation, car driven by an unauthorized person, and car theft due to negligence.

1- At the time of taking delivery of the car make sure that clients review what to do in case of an accident or if having car problems.
2- Importance of inspecting the car for minor dents and scratches, missing radio antennae of hubcaps, and anything else that makes the car look less than brand new. These damages must be noted on the rental agreement, otherwise you may be charged for them when you return the car.
3- The car must be returned with the amount of fuel specified in the contract, otherwise, the missing amount will be charged at a much higher price that if bought at the gas station.
4- Never leave valuables in sight when you are away from the car.
5- Remove all luggages from the trunk when checking into a hotel overnight.
6- It is better to park the car in a guarded parking lot than on the street.
7- The speed limit on highways is 50 mph and on secondary roads it is 35mph. Speed limits are vigorously enforced.
8- Gas stations are few and far between-keep tank topped up.
9- It is illegal to make a right turn on a red light in Costa Rica
10- Costa Ricans are appalling drivers. They drive fast, flaunt traffic laws and traffic light, and love to crawl up to your tailpipe and overtake you at the slightest chance.
11- Costa Rica has one of the world’s highest auto fatality rates.
12- We do not recommend night driving. Roads usually lack sidewalks so pedestrians are often on the road. Thick fog, floods or landslides often block mountain roads.
13- Check old wooden bridges before crossing- you may need to go around. Narrow bridges usually accommodate one vehicle at a time on a first-come, first-served basis.
14- Potholes are a big problem. It’s not unusual to damage a tire or destroy a wheel (not covered by insurance) or to have a driver suddenly swerve out to avoid hitting one.
15- There are additional charges if you return the vehicle in a different location from were you rented. Companies charge a fee for pick up and/or drop off outside the San Jose area.