Travel Tips

In most of the states of the country, the rental companies can not refuse to rent a car if the consumers do not purchase insurance.

However, many companies try to charge an insurance amount from the clients. This coverage is optional. One may not feel the need for a separate insurance cover due to other insurance policies, like the car or life insurance.

The insurance coverage that companies try to sell is of four types- collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, personal effect coverage and supplemental liability protection.

It is the need of the hour to have an insurance policy for the rented car. One may be trying to save on auto insurance and may not want to pay for the coverage.

However, insurance on rented cars is quite important. The most important reason of having insurance on a rented car is to reduce the accumulated cost and time with regard to the rented car. In case of breakdown, you might take it to a body shop for repairs and higher quality maintenance.

This process may turn out to be extremely time consuming and may cause a lot of inconvenience. The process of car repairing takes sometime as one cant predict the damage, just by looking at the car externally.

All these issues can be addressed, if one has an insurance cover that allows one to have a complete replacement if the car is damaged beyond repair.

In case of opting in for insurance, the rental companies provide coverage for any damage occurred or inefficiency encountered.

The reality bites of renting a car are not known to many. Misconceptions have prevailed for long and people find it a Herculean task to rent a car.

In most of the rental agencies that provide cars, there is a wide range of vehicles that you can hire for a certain period of time.

The cost varies as it depends on a variety of factors like the type of vehicle, time of booking and mileage. In addition to this, several companies offer special coupons and discounts online.

The majority of car rental companies try to provide better deals so that they can increase their profits. A small car rental company provides better deals to its clients and this is basically done in order to gain initial popularity.

The main reason for trying to provide a better deal is to keep the customers content. If the customer is satisfied, he will come back to the same car rental company repeatedly.

Moreover the word of mouth spreads fast and the company can certainly benefit from it.

In case of opting for a small car rental company, you should take the utmost care in selecting a car for rent. In most of the cases, the small car rental companies do not provide the same services as the major ones.

It is necessary to understand the terms and conditions that are offered to find the policy loopholes, if any.

If you take a car on rent during the peak season time, the chances of huge discounts are comparatively low. In some cases, discounts are provided on package tours.

Some car rental companies charge extra money if the car is damaged, therefore, you should be careful while driving a rented car to avoid extra burden on your pocket.

Costa Rica is a country that has had a comfortable democracy for quite some time. Even though her neighbors have been torn apart with political strife, Costa Rica has remained peaceful and with little or no political upheaval. It seems to have created a genuinely happy group of people. However, human nature being what it is, there is some amount of crime that does exist.

The usual warnings apply. Stay out of any red light districts there may be and always travel with groups in well-lit areas. Keep your money in a hidden pocket somewhere in your clothing but do not carry a wallet. It is advised that you keep a credit card or travelers checks. Both are insured and when you are on vacation if you are mugged you can get them replaced.

Don’t leave your drinks unattended and don’t make change or flash your cash. It’s not difficult just handle your transactions discreetly. Stifle the need to wear expensive jewelry it’s overdone in this environment anyway. It has been suggested that visitors keep photocopies of their return plane ticket and their passport. Keep an extra stash of cash in your hotel room just in case of an emergency.

If you drive your rented car out of a gas station, grocery store, your hotel, or just about anywhere and it ends up with a flat tire. Don’t let the inevitable Good Samaritan help you that comes right along as soon as you have broke down. In the past there have been tourists that allowed this nice guy that just happened along, to help them change the tire while he has you distracted his buddies sneak into the other side of the car and steal you belongings.

The roads are usually paved and easy to travel but occasionally you have to go down some rough dirt road. If you are unsure of the roads don’t drive them. As a matter of fact, it just isn’t good sense to rent a car. The cost of gas is terrible and you have to stress out about figuring out where you are going. It would be smart to set aside a bus/taxi fare when you plan your trip.

If someone spills food on you move quickly away from them as they try to help you. Wiping ketchup off of you is a way to grab you and pick your pockets. This is an old ploy that is used all too often in many ports of call, not just Costa Rica. Many people come to Costa Rica looking for photo opportunities. Shutterbugs just love their equipment and it is a big tragedy when their cameras get stolen. Get vacation or travelers insurance for your camera and equipment.

If you do get equipment stolen or your wallet stolen, call 911 and follow through with getting a police report. You will need a copy of the police report in order for your camera to be replaced. Chances are that you will never have to use any of this advice, but it never hurts to be safe.