Planning to rent a car in Costa Rica? Here’s the real deal on what insurance is required — and what’s already included when you book with Sun Valley Rent A Car.
Introduction: Insurance in Costa Rica Isn’t Like Home
If you’re a U.S. traveler renting a car in Costa Rica, you might assume your credit card insurance has you covered — or that you can decline coverage like you would back home.
Spoiler alert: You can’t.
Car rental insurance in Costa Rica is mandatory by law, and it works differently than in the U.S. That’s why it’s important to know what’s required, what’s optional, and what’s included when you rent a 4×4 SUV with Sun Valley Rent A Car.
Let’s break it down clearly so you can hit the road with total confidence.
1. Is Car Rental Insurance Mandatory in Costa Rica?
Yes — and this is often the biggest surprise for travelers.
In Costa Rica, all car rental companies are legally required to include third-party liability insurance (also known as PLI or SLI). This coverage protects you in case you damage another person’s property or injure someone in an accident.
Even if your credit card offers insurance, you cannot decline this mandatory coverage.
2. Types of Insurance You’ll Encounter
Here’s what most rental companies will try to sell (and why you need to know the difference):
✅ 1. Liability Insurance (Mandatory)
- Covers damage to third parties — people, property, or vehicles
- Cannot be waived — required by Costa Rican law
- Already included in Sun Valley’s rates
✅ 2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Limits your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle
- Often includes a deductible ($1,000 is standard)
- Included in all Sun Valley SUV rentals
➕ 3. Optional Full Coverage
- Lowers your deductible or eliminates it altogether
- May include theft protection or roadside assistance
- Offered by most rental agencies at an extra cost
⚠️ 4. Credit Card Coverage (Read Carefully)
- Some U.S. credit cards offer CDW-style protection
- However, most do not cover liability insurance
- You’ll still be required to purchase the legally mandated liability insurance
- When using your Credit Card Coverge, rental deposits are usually higher.
3. What’s Included When You Book with Sun Valley Rent A Car
We keep it simple — no hidden fees, no surprises.
When you rent an SUV from Sun Valley, your rate includes:
- ✅ Mandatory third-party liability insurance
- ✅ Basic CDW with a $1,000 deductible
- ✅ Second driver at no extra cost
- ✅ Cooler and one booster seat
- ✅ Free airport delivery and return
You don’t need to do mental gymnastics at the counter — we make it easy so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
4. Should You Add More Coverage?
It depends on your travel style and comfort level.
You might want to upgrade to full coverage if:
- You plan to do a lot of off-road driving
- You want zero deductible in case of damage
- You prefer total peace of mind while exploring
Still unsure? We’re happy to walk you through the options when you book. Just ask — no pressure, no upselling.
✅ Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Paying For
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries to road trip in — and having a reliable 4×4 SUV rental makes all the difference. But understanding car rental insurance in Costa Rica is key to avoiding surprises and starting your trip stress-free.
👉 Book your SUV with Sun Valley Rent A Car — where what you see is what you get: full transparency, no hidden fees, and the local support you deserve.