Frequently asked questions about rentals in Costa Rica

Frequently Asked Questions
Prerequisites
What are the requirements to rent a vehicle with Alamo Rent a Car?

- Be at least 25 years old (from 21 - 24 years old an Underage fee will apply).
- Passport
- Driver's license up to date and at least 1 year old.
- Credit card.

What type of license do I need to rent?

Current and physical license.

What if I have a driver's license, but I am under 25 years old?

The vehicle may only be rented by a person with a valid driver's license who is 21 years of age or older. Between 21 and 25 years of age there is an "underage" fee of US$10 per day.

Vehicle
What fuel options do I have?

- Full to full.
- Prepay the tank.
- Pay for the shortfall at the return (the price will be higher than at the gas station).

Can I take my pet with me in the vehicle?

Yes, as long as you take care of the smell and upholstery of the car, because if you return the vehicle with smell or dirty upholstery you may be charged an additional $100.

What vehicle models does Alamo have? 

The fleet consists of small to large sedans, SUV's, pick ups and VAN's with no more than 2 years of being in our fleet.

Is there a charge for bringing in a dirty car?

There is no external car wash charge, however, if the car is returned with heavy soiling of upholstery, seats, wet smell, cigarette, pet or pet hairs an additional fee of $100 will be charged.

Should I return the car washed and cleaned?

The car will be delivered with full gas and must be returned with full coverage except if you purchase the Prepaid Gasoline product. You may return the car with the gas tank at any level.

What happens if I lose my car keys or papers?

You must call the assistance service or contact the agency where you rented the vehicle.

An additional charge will be made for their replacement.

Are the cars equipped with a toll payment system?

No, tolls must be paid directly by the driver in cash. It can be in local currency or in dollars with bills equal to or less than US$20.

Reservation policies
What is the security deposit?

This is the amount that Alamo Rent a Car will block in your credit card as a backup for the rented vehicle.

At the end of the rental, if there are no damages, this amount will be returned within 3-5 business days.

It is required to be made with credit card, debit card is not allowed.

Can I leave a security deposit by debit card?

No, the security deposit is only allowed with the main driver's credit card.

How much is the amount of the security deposit? 

$500 + the estimated rental cost. This is taken only once at the beginning of the rental period.

Can I pay with cash or debit card?

A credit card is required to make a hold or security deposit corresponding to the value of the rent plus a $500 deposit.

Credit or debit cards are accepted for payment of the rent at the end of the rental period.

Are there mandatory coverages?

To rent a vehicle it is mandatory to have coverage for Damage to Vehicle and Theft (CDW-TP) and Third Party Protection (TPL).

Both can be purchased at the counter when picking up the vehicle.

Can I use my credit card insurance to decline the rent a car coverage?

Yes, you can use card or third party coverage. However, you must first verify with your insurance company that you are indeed covered for the country where you are renting and for the car you wish to rent. You must bring written proof of your coverage.

In case you decline the coverages in the Counter and incur in an accident you will be charged the full cost of the incident and the third party claim should be submitted by the client.

Can I return the car at another office or at the hotel where I am staying?

You can return the vehicle at any of our offices for an additional charge. If you wish to return the vehicle elsewhere, please contact us to verify if it is possible and to give you the corresponding amount.

Can I purchase coverages days after the car has been picked up?

Yes, you just have to come to one of our offices to make the change.

What is the maximum period I can rent a car?

The maximum period of a contract is 30 days, however, it can be extended or renewed for another 30 days.

What are the vehicle rates?

We would like to know what type of vehicle you need and for how many days so we can give you a quote.

What happens if I do not return the car at the exact time stated in the contract?

The contract gives you 2 hours of grace after the third hour there may be additional charges.

Dzze anyway contact the office where you made the contract to advise if there is any delay.

What is the dollar exchange rate you handle?

The exchange rate of the bank to which your credit card belongs.

How long does it take for the security deposit to be returned?

Once the car is delivered the security deposit is released. However, it may take 3 to 10 business days for the bank to release the amount back into the account.

If by mistake the charge was made to a debit card the refund may take up to 30 days.

What happens if I have a traffic accident?

You must stay on site and call the customer service line for assistance.

Can I return the car in another country?

No, the car cannot leave the country.

Customer Service
Where can I call if I have a problem with my car?

You can write to customer service at:
reservations@alamo.cr or send us a WhatsApp message.

What to do in case of a traffic accident?

Call the insurance company and wait for the inspector to arrive. This service is free and available 24/7 year-round. Call 911 and report the accident for a traffic officer to arrive. Call Alamo Rent a Car and report the accident.

What happens if I lose my car keys or papers?

You must call the assistance service or contact the agency where you rented the vehicle, an additional charge will be made for the replacement of these.

I left a forgotten item in the car, what should I do?

You should contact Customer Service or the office where you rented the vehicle.

Contact us

If you have any additional questions, please log in to our customer service chat to contact us or write to us at reservations@alamo.cr with your inquiry.