FAQ

What type of vehicle should I rent?

The type of vehicle should depend on what you are planning to do during your visit to Costa Rica. If you are driving to mountainous areas, rural roads, or some coastal areas, the best option is a four-wheel drive vehicle. Consider renting a 4WD if you are heading to any of the following areas: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Rincon de La Vieja Volcano, The Nicoya Peninsula, the Osa Peninsula, and many areas along the Caribbean coast. Many of the roads on the places just mentioned have rough unpaved roads, potholes and stream crossings and require vehicles with high clearance.

For how long is my driver’s license valid in Costa Rica?
A current foreign driver’s license is valid for the first 3 months you are in Costa Rica.

My credit card company offer Credit Card Insurance is there anything I need to know?
Yes! Some credit card companies indeed entitle their holders to a degree of cover for damage or loss of the rented vehicle. If you decide to use your Credit Card Insurance please know that our LDW coverage will become optional but the SLC will become MANDATORY.

Please be aware that the extent of the coverage provided by credit card companies varies and it is, in most cases subject to certain restrictions such as the area you are traveling to. I.e. Latin America, Asia, Europe, etc.

Brunca Rent a Car firmly advise you to contact your credit card company before making the rental and ask them to provide you with written details/proof of your coverage and whether your policy extends to all persons who will be driving the rental vehicle, how much liability is covered in case of an outside party is injured in an accident, and whether the type of vehicle you are renting is included under your contract. Brunca Rent a Car will not accept a Credit Card Insurance without written proof, and our company reserves the right to accept or decline any Credit Card Insurance plans.

I know coverages are not applicable in case of negligence. What does Brunca Rent a Car consider as negligence?

Negligence means acting in an irresponsible and deliberate manner that causes damages to the rental vehicle.

SOME COMMON NEGLIGENCE CASES:

• -Improper advances, which cause collisions or vehicle to flip over.
• -In case of an incident not providing Brunca Rent a Car with the ticket (accidents, traffic fines) by the local authorities or Insurance Company.
• -Running over red lights, or not obeying traffic signs which may result in collisions or vehicle flip over.
• -Driving at a higher speed than what is established by Law for the particular road the vehicle is on.
• -Driving under the influence of alcohol or drug consumption.
• -Driving through rivers that are higher than half the tires’ height, or right on the beach, into the ocean or an inlet.
• -Leaving keys on car doors or on the ignition while vehicle is unattended, leaving doors open or unlocked during absence.
• -When the vehicle is parked in a "no parking" zone or in a place where theft or damage of the vehicle is fomented.
• -Keeping the 4 wheel drive ON while driving on roads where it is not required. Doing so can damage the car’s manual or automatic transmission.

For more detailed information please visit our Terms & Conditions.

Are there any seat belt regulations in Costa Rica?
Yes! Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers whether they are sitting in front or the back seats. Infant, toddler and child safety seats are also mandatory.

What type of gasoline (Petrol) should I use?
Because our vehicles have less than 60,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) we kindly require our clients to buy “super” gasoline, or diesel is you rented vehicle requires this type of fuel.

Are gas stations easy to find in Costa Rica?
Yes they are, but if you are heading off to a remote location, we recommend leaving with a full tank since gas stations are harder to find in remote areas.

What should I do in case of an accident?
Above all please remain calm. You must not move the vehicle, not even to the side of the road, until the traffic police arrives and inspects the vehicle unless you have a reason to believe that the accident was caused in order for you to stop the car. In that case please keep driving and stop in an area where you feel safe like a gas station. Please remember that you must explain the situation why you moved the car to the traffic authorities as soon as possible. Make sure you receive all the proper documentation from the Traffic Police Officer and the Insurance Company Agent regarding the accident, since you must provide us with all documents.
Please call the following numbers:

• -Transit Police: 800-8726-7486
• -Qualitas Insurance: 800-8726-7486
• -INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) 800-800-8000
• -Brunca Rent a Car Local Emergency Number 7082-0997

Is it true that my brakes can fail if I use them excessively on long downgrades?
Yes it is! Always avoid excessive use of brakes on long downgrades, because overheated brakes are dangerously inefficient. Gear down to use engine compre­ssion as the principal means of controlling speed on long grades. You should use the same gear going down a long grade as you would to climb it. Choose the lower gear before you begin going downhill.

If your brakes fail on a level road, down-shift (manual or automatic) and use engine compression to slow the vehicle. In an emergency, it may be necessary to use the emergency brake. Do not drive the vehicle again until repairs have been made.

What are the speed limits in Costa Rica?

• -25 kilometers (15 miles) per hour near schools
• -45 kilometers (27 miles per hour in built up areas
• -90 kilometers (55 miles) per hour in most highways

Any driving laws and fines I should be aware of?

• -Drivers and passengers are required to wear a seat belt, not doing so has a fine of approximately $185.
• -Driving faster than 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles) or over 20 kilometers (12 miles) per hour over the speed limit is considered speeding. The fine is approximately $620. A speed over 150   kilometers per hour (93 miles) can send the driver to prison.
• -Talking or texting on a mobile device is not allowed while driving. The fine is approximately $550.
• -Driving under the influence of alcohol or drug is considered a major offense in Costa Rica Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.50 and 0.74 is considered under the influence. The fine is approximately $550. Driving with a BAC higher than 0.75 will result in prison.
• -Making a U-turn where is not permitted can result in a fine of approximately $550.
• -Running a red light or stop sign can result in a fine of approximately $372
• -Driving without a driver’s license (or with one for longer than three months) can result in a fine approximately of $93.
• -Infant, toddler and child seats are mandatory, not using them can result in a fine of approximately $372.
• -Exceeding the limit amount of passengers a car can handle can result in a fine of approximately $160.
• -Driving on the beach is not allowed. The fine is approximately $200.