FAQ – Returning Your Car and Getting Your Deposit Back in Costa Rica
End of your car rental in Costa Rica
This section provides helpful info about what happens after you return your rental car in Costa Rica.
At the end of your trip, you might have questions about return procedures or possible extra charges. This section is here to answer all your post-rental concerns.
1. Questions regarding the return of the vehicle
Can I return my vehicle outside of business hours?
Yes, but under certain conditions.
Conditions for after-hours return:
You must coordinate with our agency in advance.
The vehicle will remain under your responsibility until Jumbo Car staff completes the return inspection.
Do I have to return the vehicle with a full tank?
Yes. The vehicle is delivered with a full tank and must be returned in the same condition.
Available options:
If you prefer not to worry about refueling, you can select the FTO (Full Tank Option) at the start of your rental.
With this option, you can return the vehicle with any fuel level, without additional charges.
If you do not refuel before returning the vehicle and have not purchased the FTO, the missing fuel will be charged at the rate indicated by the agency.
How long before my flight should I return the vehicle?
We recommend arriving at the agency between 3.5 to 4 hours before your flight departure. Traffic in Costa Rica, especially in the afternoon and evening, can delay your arrival at the airport.
I have had an accident, what happens to my deposit?
In case of an accident with or without a third party:
You must obtain reports from the insurance company and traffic police.
You must notify Jumbo Car Costa Rica immediately at +506 8885 8626.
The deposit will be charged partially or fully based on the level of damage, at the time of the vehicle return.
Different scenarios: Accident without third parties:
If the cost of the damage is less than the deductible charged, the difference will be refunded to the credit card used for the deposit.
Accident with third parties:
You must provide the insurance and police reports to our agency.
The security deposit will be charged until the insurance determines the level of responsibility.
If you are found to be 100% or 50% responsible, the deductible will be at your expense.
If you are found not responsible (0%), the full deductible will be refunded.
For more information, contact us at +506 8885 8626.
Do I need to clean the vehicle before returning it?
The vehicle must be returned in an acceptable clean condition. If the car is returned excessively dirty (animal hair, mud, sand, stained upholstery, etc.), a charge starting from 75 USD will apply, depending on the level of cleaning required.
Available option: If you prefer not to worry about cleaning, you can purchase the and return the vehicle without needing to wash it.
What happens if I return the vehicle later than scheduled?
A late return may result in an additional charge.
Up to 29 minutes late: No additional charge will apply.
After 29 minutes: An additional rental day will be charged.
Insurance and coverages are only valid for the period stated in your contract.
Should I inspect the vehicle before returning it?
It is highly recommended. Before returning the vehicle, we suggest:
Conducting a joint inspection with a Jumbo Car Costa Rica agent.
Verifying that the vehicle's condition is the same as when it was delivered.
Our agents are available for inspections 7 days a week during the agency's opening hours.
Will I have to pay any additional charges when returning the vehicle?
Service payments are made at the time of vehicle delivery. However, additional charges may apply in the following cases:
Refueling: If the vehicle is not returned with a full tank (unless you have purchased the FTO - Full Tank Option).
Office change: If the vehicle is returned to a different location from where it was picked up.
Return outside the agency: If the vehicle is delivered at a location other than a Jumbo Car office.
Additional days: If the contract was not extended in advance.
Damages or deterioration: If the vehicle or its accessories suffered any damage during use.
2. Questions regarding the return of the deposit
When will my deposit be released?
If there are no incidents, delays, fuel shortages, or other pending charges, the deposit will be released by our team on the same day.
If there were additional charges (fuel, extra days, etc.):
You can pay directly at the counter, and the deposit will be released the same day.
If you do not go to the agency, the corresponding amount will be automatically deducted from your deposit, and the remaining difference will be released within 24 to 48 hours.
My deposit has been released by Jumbo Car, but my bank has not processed it. What should I do?
Some banks may hold the amount for up to 30 days, even if Jumbo Car Costa Rica has already released the pre-authorization.
In this case, we recommend contacting your bank directly to expedite the process.
I didn’t have an incident, but I still have extra charges. What happens to my deposit?
If you have additional charges to pay (e.g. fuel, late return, late arrival, etc.), there are two possible scenarios:
You stop by the counter to settle the balance — in this case, your deposit is released the same day.
If you don’t go to the agency, the missing amount will be charged directly from your deposit. The remaining balance will be released within 24 to 48 hours.
I had an incident, what will happen to my deposit?
If you had an accident, the deposit will be held until the insurance company evaluates the damage and repair costs. Once responsibility and total costs are determined, Jumbo Car Costa Rica will refund the corresponding difference.
Will I receive a document when my deposit is released?
No automatic email will be sent upon releasing your deposit. However, the vehicle return invoice will include the deposit release as confirmation.