Costa Rica: Watch Out — Well-Documented Surprises — typical deposit $500-1,500.
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Watch Out — Well-Documented Surprises — typical deposit $500-1,500. Costa Rica requires mandatory local third-party liability insurance (TPL) by law regardless of any other coverage you already have — this is one of the most commonly reported 'surprise' counter charges in Latin America since it's genuinely not optional, but isn't always disclosed clearly when you book online.
Costa Rica: Watch Out — Well-Documented Surprises — typical deposit $500-1,500. Costa Rica requires mandatory local third-party liability insurance (TPL) by law regardless of any other coverage you already have — this is one of the most commonly reported 'surprise' counter charges in Latin America since it's genuinely not optional, but isn't always disclosed clearly when you book online.
Costa Rica has a well-documented pattern of surprise charges, aggressive upselling, or risky practices — read the note above carefully and read your rental contract in full.
Check what your own credit card or home auto insurance already covers before buying extra coverage — you may already be covered for some or all of it. But confirm any legally mandatory local coverage separately, since that's not optional regardless of what else you have.
Photograph and video the entire car from every angle, including a timestamp — this is your best protection in any damage dispute, especially in destinations with a documented pattern of post-return charge disputes.