Auto Insurance in Costa Rica
 

Is there mandatory auto insurance you must buy when renting in CR? I was planning to use my credit card insurance to cover collision damage, and my liability policy for that, but is something else required from the rental agent? Thank you

CR liability insurance(LDW) is MANADATORY

required not covered by CC

usually runs $8-12/da

use my Credit Card for collision(CDW) save a lot

www.tricolorcarrental.com

www.servicecarrental.com

good cost-effective providers

Have you checked with your insurance agent to see if the liability policy will apply? We did before we went, and our agent said nothing is covered while we were renting a car in a foreign country.

Ours said the same thing. It provided no coverage in CR. The liability insurance is mandatory in CR. If you have an accident they don't want a Costa Rican citizen having to deal with a foreign individual or insurance company to get restitution.

A big part of the issue is that the government is the only insurance company in Costa Rica. That will change as it opens up its insurance markets to private companies, but for now, that's the way it is. Your back-home policy has no standing at all. There is a minimum coverage for third-party liability that you have to get through the rental agency. The agency will offer supplements for CDW, which you either have to take, or demonstrate that your credit card covers.

I would contact the rental agency you plan to use and sort this out. I know of cases where renters have had something happen and are surprised at what is and isn't covered, and have found themselves stuck with a hefty bill.