You cannot rent a car without insurance in Costa Rica. That’s why at Adobe, we offer customers a range of car rental insurance options to meet their needs and budgets. They include Costa Rica’s mandatory third-party insurance, an LDW Car Protection Plan (CDW), and our unbeatable Extended Protection Coverage. Some credit card carriers’ CDWs also apply when authorized in Costa Rica.
Table of contents
- Car rental insurance coverage to meet your travel and business needs
- Is car rental insurance mandatory in Costa Rica?
- How does Costa Rica Car rental insurance work?
- Your Credit Card’s LDW
- Third party waiver (TPW)
- Extended Protection Coverage (SPP)
- What car rental insurance should I purchase?
- What are the rules I must follow to ensure my Adobe rental car coverage?
- Can I rent a car without insurance?
Car rental insurance coverage to meet your travel and business needs
Rental Car insurance requirements in Costa Rica
At Adobe Rent a Car, we offer the perfect insurance coverage to meet your travel and business needs.
We’re not like other rental car companies! We take pride in being the largest and most comprehensive rental car agency in all of Costa Rica.
Choose from a wide range of options. From one-day rentals to long-term vehicle renting and simple sedans to commercial vans or pickups.
What’s more? We work directly with you to determine what type of vehicle and insurance coverage best fits your vacation or business needs. We promise no hidden fees. We also guarantee that each step of the rental process will be straightforward and hassle-free.
Is car rental insurance mandatory in Costa Rica?
Mandatory insurance, Costa Rica
Liability Protection Insurance (PLI): PLI car rental insurance, Costa Rica, is mandatory for all rentals and rental car agencies. It provides limited liability coverage and financial responsibility for incidents involving third parties. The Costa Rica car rental liability insurance daily rate is included in your rental agreement.
What happens when there are damages to a third party? Our Adobe PLI liability insurance covers up to $20,000. It has a 20 percent deductible or a minimum fee of US$1130 with tax.
Note that the PLI does not cover any damages to the rental car itself. Personal injury protection is not included in the PLI either.
What happens in the event of the injury or death of a third party not traveling in the rental car? Your Adobe PLI will cover up to US $100,000 per accident with no deductible.
What if you decide to add Adobe’s full coverage Extended Protection (SPP)? Your liability coverage will increase to $5 million. In case of an accident, all damages to third parties (vehicles and people) will be waived and you pay nothing.
We also offer additional coverage options to ensure your peace of mind. Clients can choose from three different plans:
- Adobe Loss and Damage Coverage (LDW)
- The LDW provided by the renter’s major credit card coverage
- Extended Protection Coverage (SPP) – recommended
A $1,000 guarantee deposit is required for all vehicle rental agreements. Clients can make the deposit with their valid Visa, Mastercard, Discovery, or American Express credit card. Debit cards are accepted with some restrictions. Cash is not accepted.
Upon return of the vehicle. We’ll submit an electronic request to release the $1,000 deposit. The funds will be available depending on your bank’s processing time.
How does Costa Rica Car rental insurance work?
At Adobe, we offer our clients professional coverage at reasonable and competitive rates with no hidden fees. When renting a car, you’ll be given the option of choosing the coverage that best fits your needs. Choose from the following insurance option:
Adobe Car Protection Plan (LDW). This coverage is also known as a loss and damage waiver, CDW insurance Costa Rica, or collision damage waiver (CDW coverage).
Our LDW coverage provides basic rental car coverage during the duration of your rental, including:
- LDW coverage waives the client’s financial responsibility. This is in the event of a collision, roll-over, or other damages to the rental car.
Note that vandalism and tire damages are not covered under the LDW. According to Adobe’s terms and conditions.
- LDW provides coverage for partial or total theft of the vehicle.
- The LDW deductible or excess amount is US$1130 with tax.
Note that third-party damages are not covered under the LDW.
- What happens in the event of a collision, rollover, or damage to the vehicle? An Adobe representative will help you with filing a claim. Incident processing will include the vehicle appraisal, damage and downtime reports, repair reports, and others.
Your Credit Card’s LDW
Primary coverage options: Several conditions apply if you wish to decline Adobe’s LDW coverage. Some clients choose to use the secondary coverage offered by their major credit card’s LDW coverage. We accept Mastercard, Discover, VISA, and Amex credit card companies.
Important. What happens If you decline our Adobe LDW? You assume 100% responsibility for any and all damages incurred to the car during the rental.
You will first have to pay for the repairs and related fees while in Costa Rica. Only then can you file a claim to be reimbursed by your card carrier. Even though your credit card may cover damages to your car in Costa Rica.
Important. You must pay the total cost of the rental service with the same credit card used to decline the LDW insurance. Debit cards are only accepted under certain circumstances.
American Express rental car insurance coverage. The following conditions apply if you want to use your Amex travel insurance as your car rental coverage. You have to enroll for the service ahead of time and pay the indicated flat rate. The rate varies per country, per rental period, and the coverage you choose.
What happens if I have an accident?
In the event you have an accident in Costa Rica, make sure you follow these important steps:
- Call 911 and report the incident. The emergency contact number for police, ambulance, fire, or any other emergency in Costa Rica is 911.
Explain to the dispatcher that you’ve had an accident. Then a traffic police officer or “traffico” will be dispatched to your location. Make sure to let them know if you require medical assistance.
- Do not move the vehicle: You should not change any aspect of the accident scene until authorized by the traffic police. This is for insurance purposes under Costa Rican law. Do not move your car out of the flow of traffic. Most rent a car insurance, Costa Rica, agents will need to photograph the scene to determine who is responsible.
- Call our ADOBE hotline IMMEDIATELY: Report the incident to the attending agent. Call +(506) 2542-4800 during office hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Costa Rica time. After office hours call +(506) 2542-4888.
- Alert other drivers of any danger. Place the red emergency triangle on the road about 15 feet before the scene of the accident. This will alert other drivers of possible danger.
If you opted to use your credit card’s LDW coverage and complied with the required conditions:
- Work with your Adobe agent during the claim process. We will provide you with the necessary documents for your insurance carrier when you make a claim. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully beforehand to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
- Make sure to sign the claim so that we at Adobe can assist with the credit card provider’s processing requirements.
What happens if I have an accident and need to leave the country?
To leave the country while an accident claim is being processed, you must provide Adobe with:
- A current accident report in the preset format
- Complete the procedures requested by Adobe and required by Costa Rican law.
- Grant Adobe Rent a Car power of attorney so we can continue the claim after you leave.
Feel free to contact one of our bilingual Adobe agents at reservas@adobecar.com. Or call 1 (855) 861-1250 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). We’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about the insurance process.
Some important facts to consider if you decline the Adobe LDW
In order to make an LDW car rental insurance decline you must:
- Ensure that your major credit card is current. And make sure it provides LDW coverage in Costa Rica for the vehicle you are renting.
- Remember that the owner of the card must also be the driver of the rental car.
- Be aware of the terms and conditions of your credit card’s LDW.
- You can NOT waive the Adobe LDW if you pay with a debit card.
- Present a document that proves your credit card insurance covers the rental conditions.
Third party waiver (TPW)
Our TPW coverage is available to customers who decline LDW using their credit card protection. With the TPW, coverage for third-party property damage can be increased to $2 million and the deductible reduced to $0. This coverage will be offered by our agents at the time of the rental only to clients who present all the documentation required to decline the LDW.
Extended Protection Coverage (SPP)
With our Supplemental Protection Plan (SPP) your concerns for safety and security are covered. Our SPP is a comprehensive coverage that ensures our client’s needs are taken care of. Be it an accident in Guanacaste or a fender-bender in downtown San José.
A rental agreement with extended protection waives the deductibles from your LDW and PLI. With a ZERO deductible you will be fully covered If anything happens to the car. It also covers damages to a third party.
This applies both for both third party damages as well as for damages to the vehicle.
Our SPP ensures that your time in Costa Rica will be spent with peace of mind. For vacation or business! No matter what happens on the road.
Adobe SPP coverage includes:
- Nation-wide 24/7 roadside assistance, including tow truck service.
- No deductible. The PLI’s 20% deductible for third-party damages is waived.
- Insurance coverage is extended up to $2 million per event.
- Vandalism damages to the car are covered. This includes the tires and windows.
What car rental insurance should I purchase?
How much is rental car insurance in Costa Rica?
We at Adobe want your rental experience to be safe, positive, and hassle-free. We know that driving in a foreign country can be difficult.
Unfortunately accidents do happen. For these reasons we offer Extended Protection Coverage (SPP) for a low daily rate and no hidden fees. Rest assured that we at Adobe have you covered!
What happens If you do not purchase the SPP coverage? We highly recommend you choose our Adobe LDW. It is less complicated than the credit card providers.
Why? Because you’ll only need to pay the US$1130 with tax deductible and nothing more with the LDW. Your credit card’s insurance means you pay the total amount of the damages upfront. Then you can file a claim and wait to be reimbursed.
What are the rules I must follow to ensure my Adobe rental car coverage?
Clients who do not follow the Adobe rules and regulations regarding car rental coverage will lose their coverage benefits. Be aware that the PLI, LDW (from Adobe or another provider), or the SPP will not apply under the following circumstances:
- Failure to report an incident (collision or damages) to Adobe Rent a Car Company immediately after the event occurs.
- If the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the event.
- If the driver is not authorized or inscribed as an additional driver in the Adobe rental agreement and damages occur.
- Any damages incurred while driving on unauthorized terrain or not officially recognized roads. This includes rivers, lakes, beaches, mangroves, flooded roads, or “off-road” conditions.
- Failure to comply with the legal claim process with the corresponding insurance company. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Failure to report the incident to the Transit Police.
- Failure to report the incident or claim to the insurance company.
- Failure to comply with all legal process requirements.
Can I rent a car without insurance?
No. You cannot rent a car without insurance in Costa Rica. Even if you purchase private international insurance coverage for you and your family in your home country. Costa Rican law does not recognize such plans for vehicle rentals.
Can I use my personal auto insurance?
Your personal car insurance back home is not valid in Costa Rica.
Most international travel insurance packages include personal effects coverage. We recommend you purchase travel insurance. You will be covered if any of your goods or valuables are lost, damaged, or stolen while visiting.
Does full coverage insurance cover rental cars?
Most personal accident insurance providers cover rentals in their home country. Some do so abroad. However, Costa Rican law does not recognize such plans.
For your ultimate peace of mind, we recommend you opt for Adobe’s LDW or SPP coverage.
Traveling in a foreign country is exciting. But accidents can and sometimes do happen. Enjoy the beauty and excitement of road travel without worrying about the worst-case scenario. Rest assured, at Adobe Rent a Car, we’ve got you covered!
Contact your Adobe Rent a Car representative if you have questions or concerns about your car rental coverage.
We want your vacation or business trip to be as positive and as worry-free as possible. Feel free to contact one of our bilingual representatives with any questions or concerns you might have.
E-mail reservas@adobecar.com. Or call: +(506) 2542-4800; toll-free from the U.S. and Canada: +1 (855) 861-1250. Office hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
TOP FAQ Costa Rica Insurance Coverage
No, only third party liability coverage is mandatory in Costa Rica. Other coverage options like the Collision and Damage Waiver (CDW) can be provided by a major credit card carrier or purchased from Adobe.
Supplemental Liability coverage (SLI), also known as Third Party Liability coverage (PLI) in Costa Rica, is required by national law.
At Adobe you must be at least 23 years old to rent a car.
Make sure to ask about Costa Rica’s mandatory coverage fees or other charges that may come as a surprise at checkout. At Adobe, all of our costs are clearly indicated in the rental agreement with no hidden fees.
Many renters choose Adobe’s LDW coverage over their credit card’s CDW because of the convenient deductible, which waives their financial responsibility in country.
At Adobe, Costa Rica’s mandatory Third Party Protection is PLI, Car Protection is LDW or CDW with a deductible of US$1130 with tax, Protection to third parties without a deductible is TPW, and Extended Protection Coverage is SPP.
In Costa Rica all rentals must include Costa Rica’s Third-Party Liability Coverage (PLI).
In the event of a collision or damage to the rental car, the renter that declines Adobe’s LDW will be required to pay for the damages in country then file for reimbursement with their credit card company.
At Adobe, we strongly believe that in the event of a collision, our clients will be happier if they went with our LDW or SPP car coverage options.
Yes, third-party liability coverage is required by law for all rentals. Renters must also have CDW coverage provided by their credit card or purchase Adobe’s LDW coverage.
Adobe’s Loss and Damage Waiver (LDW) covers damages to the rental car with a US$1130 with tax deductible. Otherwise, renters must use the Collision and Damage Waiver coverage provided by their major credit card.
Third-Party Liability coverage costs between $15 and $30 USD and is charged as a daily fee. Other coverage types are charged depending on the type of car rented.
Yes, Third-Party Liability coverage is mandatory in Costa Rica for all vehicle rentals.
Yes, all rentals must pay the mandatoryThird-Party Liability coverage.
Yes, American Express provides CDW rental coverage in Costa Rica.
To pursue a claim with my mastercard insurance, I need a Fleet Utilization Log from Adobe. Can you direct me to that document or supply it for me? Thank you,
Cris Harris
Hello, please write to our Customer Service Dpt. to: servicioalcliente@adobecar.com
RE: Rental car Insurance VISA Card owner.
I read your rental car insurance coverages PLI, LDW (CDW) and your Extended SPP. Sounds like to me that ONLY the Extended SPP is needed to cover everything! That is what I would want to purchase. I would not need to purchase ALL of the others also. Is this correct? If this is not correct then perhaps you need one more category showing the PRICE for COMPLETE COVERAGE NEEDED!! I’ve read that rental car break-ins in Costa Rica are a real problem
SPP is like buying the WHOLE cake when each of the others are 2 cake layers and then frosting each separately.
Hello Carol: if you wish to have full coverage with no deductible, it is require that your purchase the liability, car protection and extended protection insurance all together.
my family and I will be arriving on may 28, 2022 at SJO airport around noon time. I am looking to rent a SUV 4 wheel drive car for 3 adults and room for luggage. I am looking to rent this car from 5/28 and return it on 6/4 early in the morning for a 11;00 flight at SJO airport. I have contacted my CC company and do not have LDW insurance. I have read that if you purchase the full coverage Extended SPP that the deposit hold will be much lower (not a $1,000.00) but that if you only purchase the TPW that the deposit is $1,000.00. Is this correct? and can you give me a quote for this type of vehicle, for the time i have mentioned with the Extended SPP . In the quote , please tell me also what the deposit hold will be. Thank you so much
Hi Kerri. Sure we can help you. Our Reservations department will be contacting you and giving you all the information for this rental.
we are planning a trip to San Jose, Costa Rica from May 5TH thru May 10 th. What will be the insurance cost for full coverage on a mid size vehicle as well as the car rental ?
Hi Mr. Miller: we are passing your information to our Reservations department, so they can give you a personalized quote. Thank you for choosing Adobe Rent a car
Is there a secure place that a private vehicle could be left in your parking lot?
Hi: our parking lot is only for our cars.
If we have purchased travel insurance which includes rental car coverage does the count the same way credit card coverage would and we would be able to decline the additional required insurance coverage?
Hello Heather: you can decline only the car protection coverage by showing a letter issued by the bank of the credit card, which confirm your CDW insurance coverage is valid worldwide.
If we have insurance through our credit card and insurance from the US can we decline all insurance through Adobe?
Also, we plan on picking car up at SJO. We will return a week later, can we drop the car off and be taken to hotel for our last night then picked up to go back to the airport the next day? Thank you
Hello Lynn: the car protection coverage can be declined if your credit card covers the CDW. A letter from the bank is required to decline. Regarding the return of the car, we can pick it up from your hotel or you can come to our office and we provide the shuttle to the airport terminal.
Hi There-
We are renting a car from your facility and I am wondering if we need the LDW coverage if we are planning on getting the SPP coverage? Do you need both or is it redundant?
Hello Monique: yes, to have full coverage you must purchase the liability coverage, car protection and extended protection insurances.
Hi,
I am Parvathy. My family(2 adults and 1 kid) is planning to visit Costa rica for 2 months. We need rental car (probably a sedan) including the insurance plan. What kind of insurance will be included? How much would it be to rent a car for a month in Costa Rica with you?
Thanks