Osa

Hi, wondering what other traveller experiences are with Car Insurance. My Visa covers the CDW, but then I have to pay the third party insurance. If I pay for the CDW is the third party included, or do you still have to pay for third party? What is the benefit to paying the CDW when Visa covers it? All very confusing, makes my head spin!

Arenalbotanical

These idiots change laws more often than I change socks.
Call the embassy closest to you and see what tomorrows surprise will bring.
Here's the basics(or was). http://www.4x4rentacar.com/insurance.html

qwovadis

www.mapache.com #1 local can detail the latest but LDW(CR liability) is mandatory CDW is covered by my Biz credit card
If you get CDW(collision) CC dows not cover only is backup.
I just get liability mandatory and use my CC for the other.
To make matters more complex check specifically on CC cover
4WD and off road are not usually covered on mine so I rent a 2WD with a lockable trunk to save works great for me.

Agree VERY confusing reputable agents will suss it out though

mlgb

Also be aware that some rental agencies will make you believe that you can use your credit card for the CDW but then renege when you get there, adding another $15 or more per day to your charges.

The whole car rental/ traffic ticket/ tire slashing/ car breakin scene in CR is so screwed that not only would I hesitate to rent a car again, I hesitate to ever return to Costa Rica!

xelas

Well, you are too harsh. Renting a car in Costa Rica is not much different then renting the car elsewhere in this world. What might be a difference for US clients is the third party liability insurance that is a mandatory one (i.e. everybody has to pay it and no C/C is covering it). Other than that there is always the usual CDW insurance and usual rental car agency job to try to push it to the client (it happened to me in Ireland, Malta, U.S.A. to name just a few). If you are confident that your C/C is covering the CDW (I.e. the damage that is done to the rental car caused by you) then just decline it. They will ask for a deposit in the amount of the deductible (i.e. the amount that is not covered by CDW). Re. tyre slashing and car breaking there were no reports on forums lately (but they surely happens). Car ticket for speeding is another issue, could be easily avoided by driving according to the posted speed limits. Anyway majority of the roads does not allows you to drive not even at the limited speeds.
The answers to the OP: TPL (mandatory) and CDW are two different insurances. CDW does not include TPL. If your VISA covers the CDW then you do not need to get another CDW from rental agency.

Osa

Thanks, Avis says it includes the third party in the CDW, and has given me the best price...and if I decline the DDW third party on its own isn't much cheaper??? It seams if I decline the CDW , & I need the Third Party liability , the deductable is very large ... after reading all these forums, that most people seam to suggest getting all the insurance even if your covered by you visa...