Looking for recommendations for good Rental Car companies in Costa Rica. Renting for 4 weeks. I see there are some different names as well as some of the same ones we have in Canada. Can you trust the local ones or is it best to stick with the familiar names that we know? Also have read comments on making sure we take the insurance that they offer. Comments?

We've rented 2x and probably put on over 1000+ kms over 4+ weeks. Some bad roads, good roads, through rivers (shhhh ;-)), etc. - never a problem. We would never go without a car as adds so much freedom. Do your research on routes (http://www.yourtravelmap.com/), get an appropriate vehicle (we had a AWD 1 time and 4WD the other) and enjoy. We didn't even have GPS/cell 90% of the time (only really came in handy in San Jose going back to SJO). We used National both times (from LIB and SJO) and booked on the North American site (.ca or .com check both, can always confirm via https://www.natcar.com/ online chat if want to double check once have reservation # - you will likely find way cheaper than booking through the local website). We also declined the non-mandatory portion as covered under VISA - no issue at all. The mandatory portion is actually not that $ - just make sure use a company that doesn't hassle you to add stuff you don't need and make sure to check your home insurance and/or credit card coverage before you go to ensure you are covered. The second time we also upgraded to a full size 4WD once arrived for minimal $. Staff said that's the best way to do it - just make sure you book min what you need as no guarantees. All above only applies if you are a good/confident driver and don't mind a little adventure. If not, take a bus/cab/tour/etc. Pura Vida!

Thanks so much Darren!

You’re welcome.
If you’d like any location/accommodation suggestions send me a PM.

We are renting from Vamos. I did alot of research and think we will be happy with our choice. Every single company whether local or north american had good and bad reviews so you need to weed through and make a decision for your self. I rented for 10 days, a 4wd and with the manditory insurance and rental its $500 CND all in. No surprises. Most of the others were much higher priced and they also just said to bring a letter from my credit card company showing the additional coverage for insurance, as this only coverages the mandatory part but every company will try to force you to buy the other coverage, unless you can prove you have it. This particular company also includes a free phone, a free additional driver and a free cooler for our use. I emailed them directly right after the reservation and heard back right away so great communication so far. Just make sure like anywhere- you take video/pictures of the car before you leave. I personally wouldn't drive anywhere in central american without full coverage, just in case... but Costa Rica sounds 20 times better than Mexico, where my hubby and I both would rather take buses/uber/taxi's.

Thank you!

I’ve also heard good things about Vamos. We preferred to stick with the big company (although a franchise) though. They also appeared to have newer vehicles and better locations. I think both are
though. A tip on locations - don’t pick airport as will charge more and they’ll just drive you 5min to office. Pick office and take a cab or jump on the shuttle anyway. Vamos I think will pick you up.

We were there 2 years ago, and rented with a local company (can't remember the name). If I recall, their "mandatory" insurance must be partially optional -- because we WERE able to decline part of it, because we had insurance coverage with our credit card, AND we had brought a letter from our credit card company to confirm our coverage. You can call your credit card company in advance to get this letter, and they will email it to you same day, very easy. I remember the Costa Rica rental company didn't exactly like us choosing the option to decline, and it required another form that the clerk had to dig out of a folder...but we were all patient and friendly through the process, just insistent that we wouldn't pay the extra insurance. It was all fine.
The highways are very good. But some of the back roads are terrible - definitely you want 4WD to drive to Monteverde. BTW, there are two ways to access this area: DO take the south route to & from; you will think the road is awful (and you'll be right), but the north/west road is MUCH worse.

Thanks so much!

I've personally rented from Vamos with good experiences and have also heard that Sun Valley is very good. The Vamos site has lots of good info on it. https://vamosrentacar.com/car-rental-insurance-explained/