FAQ – Insurance Coverage & Security Deposit in Costa Rica

The price difference is based on the level of coverage included.

The “third-party protection only” option is cheaper because it does not include coverage for the rental vehicle. It assumes that you already have external insurance (credit card or other) and therefore requires an insurance certificate.

The option that includes vehicle coverage (with deductible) is more expensive because it directly includes insurance (CDW / LDW) specifically designed for the rental.

In summary:

• lower price = less coverage + additional steps required

• higher price = more coverage + greater simplicity

The best choice depends on your situation, your existing insurance, and the level of peace of mind you are looking for.

Check out our full article on this topic.

Yes, only if you choose a plan without vehicle coverage (third-party protection only).

In that case, you must prove that you are covered through external insurance (credit card or other) by providing an official insurance certificate.

What must a valid insurance certificate include?

A compliant certificate must include:

• the name of the insurance provider

• the name of the main driver

• the last four digits of the credit card

• explicit mention of Costa Rica

• the type of vehicle covered (SUV, 4x4, etc.)

• the validity period

• the coverage amounts

What happens if I don’t have an insurance certificate at the counter?

You have two options:

• purchase the rental company’s insurance

• or accept a high deductible (large security deposit)

Check out our full article on this topic.

When renting a car in Costa Rica, insurance is not just an option, it's mandatory.

At Jumbo Car, we follow the typical American model: when you book online, the base price doesn't include full insurance coverage. But don't worry, it’s simple and transparent.

By law, all drivers must purchase Liability Insurance (PLI) when picking up their rental car in Costa Rica. This basic coverage protects you against damage caused to third parties (people or property) while driving.

Then, it's up to you to choose the level of protection you want for your rental car:

If you book on our website, your rental will automatically include Third-Party Damage Protection (LIA).

The basic protections do not include:

• Damage to the upper and lower parts of the vehicle.

• Damage to mechanical parts (oil pan, suspension).

• Damage due to improper use, off paved roads, or natural phenomena (water, rain, sea).

• Theft or deterioration of accessories (antenna, mirror, key, upholstery).

• Breakage of glass and tires.

• Loss or damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle.

• Towing and roadside assistance expenses.

For more information on additional coverage, please visit our "Protections and Insurance" page.

In Costa Rica, car rental insurance differs from the models used in France and North America. You have two options:

North American Model

When you pick up a vehicle under the North American model, it comes with no insurance included. You’ll be required to purchase mandatory legal liability insurance once on-site. Additionally, you can add optional coverage, such as those covering damage or theft of the rented vehicle.

If you choose not to purchase these optional insurances, you’ll be fully responsible for any potential damage or accidents, which could result in significant charges. While this model may appear attractive due to its lower initial price, it often results in additional costs to be settled locally.

European Model (default on our site in French)

This model automatically includes:

• Mandatory liability insurance: Covers material damage to third parties, with coverage of $10,000 USD.

• Collision and theft insurance (with deductible): Covers material damage and theft of the rented vehicle.

Optional add-ons include:

• Extended liability insurance: Also covers bodily injury and increases the coverage to $500,000 USD.

• Deductible waiver: Reduces or eliminates the deductible for collision and theft insurance.

• Young driver insurance (under 26) and senior driver insurance (over 75).

• Glass and tire protection: Covers specific damage to these elements.

Some bank cards offer their owners insurance cover when renting a vehicle: material damage, theft, cancellation, etc. As each card provider has its own specificities, we invite you to visit your card provider's website:Visa : https://www.visa-assurances.fr/Mastercard: https://www.mastercard.fr/fr-fr/particuliers/produits-cartes/toujours-une-carte-pour-vous/detail-des-gammes-de-carte.htmlAmerican Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/fr/voyages/foire-aux-questions/location-de-voiture/

Yes. You can add additional coverages in the following ways:

• During step 3 of the online reservation process.

• At the agency, when signing the contract.

Available options:

• Full or partial franchise reduction (SLI, PLDW, TLDW, ASSVE).

• Additional coverage for young drivers and additional drivers.

For more details, please refer to the "Protections and Insurance" section on our website.

By default, when you rent from Jumbo Car, you are covered for third-party road insurance. For maximum coverage, we offer optional cover when you sign the rental contract.

These optional coverages limit your liability in the event of a claim.

As Jumbo Car is not an insurance company but a car rental company, we do not offer insurance but rather a buy-back of the deductible linked to potential damage to the vehicle.

Steps to follow:

• Ensure the area is safe and do not move the vehicle.

• Call the traffic police (911) and the insurance company (800 7825 4827).

• Wait for the arrival of an insurance agent and a traffic police officer, who will prepare the reports.

• Present your passport, driver's license, and vehicle contract. In the case of a digital driver’s license, the customer must present the official version (PDF, image, or link) at the counter, including a code or QR code that allows its authenticity to be verified.

• Once the reports are received, you must send them to Jumbo Car Costa Rica.

You must contact us immediately at +506 22 55 86 26 (08:00 am - 09:00 pm).

Important:

• The cost of replacing the key and vehicle relocation will be at your expense.

• Insurance coverage does not include this type of incident.

A vehicle's deductible is the maximum amount that can be charged to you in the event of a claim.

Buying back this deductible allows you to reduce or eliminate your loss in the event of a claim.

You have the option of fully or partially waiving your deductible. Please note! Even if you buy back the excess, a deposit (the amount of which depends on the type of vehicle rented) is compulsory.

Even if you have purchased additional coverage, you remain responsible for the following:

• Loss of vehicle keys and associated costs.

• Locking the keys inside the vehicle and related unlocking expenses.

• Battery discharge due to misuse and replacement costs.

• Incorrect fuel usage and its mechanical consequences.

• Punctures or damage to tires.

• Damage to the upper and lower parts of the vehicle due to misjudging height or terrain.

No. Jumbo Car Costa Rica does not charge the deposit, but a mandatory pre-authorization is required on your credit card.

This pre-authorization covers:

• The rental contract amount.

• The deposit corresponding to the vehicle category.

For more information, please inquire at the time of your reservation or vehicle pick-up.

Yes. A pre-authorization will be made on your credit card at the time of contract signing.

Important details:

• Check or increase your credit limit before picking up the vehicle.

• The deposit amount corresponds to the deductible applicable in case of an incident (this varies depending on the vehicle category and the coverage purchased).

• This amount is not charged but is blocked on your account until the end of the rental period.

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.

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.

No automatic email will be sent upon releasing your deposit. However, the vehicle return invoice will include the deposit release as confirmation.

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.