First time travelling to Costa Rica? First time renting a car with Poas? It sure can be challenging if you're uninformed: insurance, deposits, directions, cheap online quotes, but we are here to help you out. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers. If your questions aren't answered here, ask us in the comments box and we'll get back to you asap!
What do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
Is there a minimum or maximum age to rent a car?
Which credit cards do you accept?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you offer long term rentals discounts?
Is Poas located at the international airports?
Would you deliver / pick up the car to a hotel, home or vacation rental?
What is the child seat legislation in Costa Rica?
Is it possible to drive to Panama or Nicaragua?
Do you offer road side assistance?
For tourists: valid passport, valid driver’s license, credit card. Car rental must be within the legally permitted time period that the tourist is allowed to remain in Costa Rica.
For residents: valid Passport or ID, driver’s license and credit card.
Underage drivers from 18 to 21 years of age are charged a daily rate of USD12.
The rental deposit for younger and senior drivers (aged over 70) is USD2,000 for sedans and compact, intermediate, standard SUVs and full size. The deposit for the Mini Van and premium categories is USD2,500.
We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Discover.
Your vehicle choice depends on your itinerary. Many of the country's roads are paved, but an SUV is usually a more comfortable ride and has higher clearance than a sedan.
No charge is made if the reservation if cancelled more than 48 hours before the rental start time. Cancellations may result in the following charges:
Cancelation made less than 48 hours before pickup time: USD20 fee
Cancellation made less than 24 hours before pickup time: USD50 fee
No show for pickup: USD100 fee
The deposit is held on the credit card for the duration of the rental period. The amount held is between USD100 to USD2,500 depending on the type of vehicle and insurance selected.
For further information, please see: Poas Insurance Page
Only credit cards can be used for deposit hold.
Third Party Liability (TPL) covers other people and property. It is mandatory, and cannot be waived by credit card coverage. Deductible 20%.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers the rental vehicle if damage occurs to the vehicle. It is a necessary coverage that can be waived if your credit card covers it, and written proof is provided. Deductible USD950 to USD2,000.
Different credit card providers offer different CDW terms. For example, American Express documentation states that in order to apply CDW coverage deposit and final bill will appear on the same credit card. Please check with your credit card provider for benefit terms and conditions.
Full Coverage Insurance (FCI) covers the rental vehicle if damage occurs. It is optional, but is frequently chosen by our customers for complete peace of mind. Deductible ZERO.
It is divided into two options:
For more detailed information on coverage options see: Poas Insurance Page
Yes, we do. If you are planning a long stay in Costa Rica, house hunting or relocating; we have special deals for long term rentals that will make your stay cheaper. Please contact us directly at reservations@poasrentacar.com to find out how we help you to save on your car rental.
Yes. We have a No Hidden Fees policy. Additional extras, such as car seats, phone and additional drivers will be charged accordingly.
Poas operates from offices near San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, and the Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport. We are constantly checking all of our customers flights, so if your flight is delayed or rerouted, we'll know. Once your flight arrives, our representative will meet and greet you at the airport. Please let us know if you missed your flight or connection, so we can work with you to make other arrangements for your vehicle pick up.
Yes. We'll deliver the car to where you are free of charge if you are within the airport area — typically within 5kms from our offices. We also deliver for free to downtown San Jose. We can deliver and pick up the car to your hotel, home or vacation rental. You can even have different location for pick up or drop off. Please let us know and we'll provide a quote for the service.
Children below the age or twelve or under 1.45 meters in height must be in appropriate seating on public roads. Exceptions are made for public transportation. A fine of 199,000 colones (approximately USD400) can be issued for road users that do not comply with these legal restrictions.
We will gladly provide you with a child seat for USD5 per day.
No. Our fleet can only be driven within Costa Rica borders. Crossing borders is considered negligence and will void all insurance. Crossing borders has serious economic repercussions, as the customer is responsible for paying traffic fines, border fees, and administrative fees to bring the car back to Costa Rica.
Yes. We'll assist you anywhere in the country. We can't always promise instant attendance in more remote areas, but we'll get to you as fast as we can. Contact us at our 24/7 phone number and we will dispatch a rental replacement or a mechanic to resolve the issue. Please be aware that road side assistance does not include changing a punctured tire.
Do not move the car. A police officer and insurance inspector will need to take pictures and measurements to assess how the accident occurred. Move away from the vehicle to safety, and call 911 to report the accident. A police officer will be sent. Call the insurance company on 800-800-8000, and an inspector will be sent to the scene. Give us a call at 506-2442-6178, and if necessary, we'll also send a representative.
We are a pet-friendly rental company and understand that fur babies are part of the family vacation – so bring them along for the ride! While we do not insist on pet carriers being used within the vehicle, it is the customer’s responsibility to remove any hair, paw prints or other pet-related dirt or marks before returning the vehicle. Please be aware that any damage caused by pets chewing or scratching the interior will be charged for and a cost for any excessive cleaning required will be the responsibility of the client. Pet damage is not included in any coverage option offered by Poas or a credit card provider.
