Frequently Asked Questions: Thrifty Costa Rica
Reservations and modifications
What is the minimum rental period?
The minimum rental period is 2 days.
How do I modify my reservation?
You can do this in the Adjust Reservation section by entering your confirmation number.
How do I cancel my reservation?
From the reservation section, cancel your reservation with your confirmation number. Cancellation policies apply according to the Terms and Conditions.
What is the cancellation policy?
The amount due for no-shows/cancellations/reservation modifications will be calculated according to the following:
- 7 or more days before the start date: $15
- 3-6 days before the start date: 50%
- 2 days before the start date: 75%
- 0-1 days before the start date: 100%
For any reservation with a value less than $15, there will be no refund due to the time the cancellation request was made.
Last-minute bookings (booking and pick-up dates are the same) are not subject to any refund in case of cancellation.
What happens if I need to return the car after hours?
Please coordinate with our office in advance. Additional charges may apply.
Requirements for renting
What documents do I need to rent a vehicle?
- Valid and current driver's license
- Valid passport or identity card
- Digital driver's licenses are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to rent a vehicle?
- Minimum age: 21 years.
What insurance coverage is mandatory?
Security deposit: From $200 to $3.000, depending on the type of coverage and the vehicle selected.
Deductible:
• CDW: from $0 to 100% of the damages, depending on the coverage selected.
• TPL: from $0 to $800 (max. 20%), depending on the coverage selected.
Third Party Liability (TPL) coverage is included in all quoted prices, is mandatory and cannot be refused.
Payments and deposit
What payment methods do you accept?
- Credit cards accepted: Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners and Discover.
- Local bank debit cards and cash deposits are not accepted.
What is the security deposit?
The security deposit varies between US$200 and US$3,000, depending on the vehicle and the coverage purchased.
How is the security deposit made?
This is done only with a credit card, which must belong to the person who signs the rental agreement.
Can I use someone else's credit card to make the deposit and rent the car?
This is not possible, each rental is personal and only the card of the contracting party is accepted, who will be the only one authorized to drive the vehicle.
Can I use my credit card insurance in Costa Rica?
Yes, as long as the corresponding brand provides coverage in Costa Rica.
You can use your credit card or other coverage to decline CDW (damage to the vehicle) protection. In the event of damage to the rental vehicle, the full amount will be charged to the credit card initially provided. You can then request a refund from your credit card company or insurance provider. The security deposit amount may vary if you decline CDW protection.
Am I responsible for any traffic fines?
Any traffic violation is the sole responsibility of the person who signed the rental agreement. Remember that these must be paid at banks or authorized branches; never pay a fine to a traffic officer or a stranger.
Vehicle use
Is the mileage limited?
No. All our rates include unlimited mileage.
Can I take the vehicle out of the country?
No. Vehicles are restricted to Costa Rica and cannot leave the country.
Can a rented 4x4 vehicle be used to cross rivers or lakes?
It is strictly prohibited to drive in:
- Rivers, streams, beaches, ponds or other bodies of water.
- Unauthorized roads.
If this is not complied with, the coverage is void and the customer assumes all damages.
What is the fuel policy?
Full for full. The vehicle must be returned with a full tank; otherwise, the missing fuel will be charged at the agency rate.
What should I do in case of an accident?
- Do not move the vehicle.
- Keep calm.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance.
- Call QUALITAS to report the accident at 800-7825-4827
- Turn on the car's hazard lights, put on the reflective vest and place the first triangle 50 meters behind the car and the second triangle 20 meters in front of the car.
- Call us immediately at the toll-free number 800-123Rent (800-123-7368).
What should I do if the vehicle has a mechanical problem?
If possible, drive to a gas station or a public parking area. Immediately call toll-free 800-123 Rent (800-123-7368).
If the problem prevents you from continuing on your way, turn on your car's hazard lights, put on your reflective vest and place the warning triangles, the first one 50 meters behind the car and the second triangle 20 meters in front of the car.
What happens if I cause any damage to the rental vehicle?
The vehicle will be your responsibility for the entire rental period, and you will be liable for any damage caused to the vehicle, in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the rental agreement.
Can I travel with pets in the car?
To avoid potential damage to the vehicle, we recommend not traveling with pets.
Can there be an additional driver?
Only the person who signed the rental agreement is authorized to drive the vehicle. However, an additional driver is permitted, but they must be registered on the same contract to be covered by the corresponding insurance.
Delivery and return
Can you deliver or pick up my vehicle?
Yes. If service is requested outside of our offices, additional charges may apply for remote locations.
Can I return the vehicle to another location (one-way)?
For your convenience, you can return the vehicle to a different office; this will incur an additional cost depending on the station where you return it.
Do you offer transfer services to or from hotels?
No, only at Juan Santamaría (Alajuela Station) and Daniel Oduber (Liberia Station) airports.
Reservations and modifications
What is the minimum rental period?
The minimum rental period is 2 days.
How do I modify my reservation?
You can do this in the Adjust Reservation section by entering your confirmation number.
How do I cancel my reservation?
From the reservation section, cancel your reservation with your confirmation number. Cancellation policies apply according to the Terms and Conditions.
What is the cancellation policy?
The amount due for no-shows/cancellations/reservation modifications will be calculated according to the following:
- 7 or more days before the start date: $15
- 3-6 days before the start date: 50%
- 2 days before the start date: 75%
- 0-1 days before the start date: 100%
For any reservation with a value less than $15, there will be no refund due to the time the cancellation request was made.
Last-minute bookings (booking and pick-up dates are the same) are not subject to any refund in case of cancellation.
What happens if I need to return the car after hours?
Please coordinate with our office in advance. Additional charges may apply.
Requirements for renting
What documents do I need to rent a vehicle?
- Valid and current driver's license
- Valid passport or identity card
- Digital driver's licenses are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to rent a vehicle?
- Minimum age: 21 years.
What insurance coverage is mandatory?
Security deposit: From $200 to $3.000, depending on the type of coverage and the vehicle selected.
Deductible:
• CDW: from $0 to 100% of the damages, depending on the coverage selected.
• TPL: from $0 to $800 (max. 20%), depending on the coverage selected.
Third Party Liability (TPL) coverage is included in all quoted prices, is mandatory and cannot be refused.
Payments and deposit
What payment methods do you accept?
- Credit cards accepted: Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners and Discover.
- Local bank debit cards and cash deposits are not accepted.
What is the security deposit?
The security deposit varies between US$200 and US$3,000, depending on the vehicle and the coverage purchased.
How is the security deposit made?
This is done only with a credit card, which must belong to the person who signs the rental agreement.
Can I use someone else's credit card to make the deposit and rent the car?
This is not possible, each rental is personal and only the card of the contracting party is accepted, who will be the only one authorized to drive the vehicle.
Can I use my credit card insurance in Costa Rica?
Yes, as long as the corresponding brand provides coverage in Costa Rica.
You can use your credit card or other coverage to decline CDW (damage to the vehicle) protection. In the event of damage to the rental vehicle, the full amount will be charged to the credit card initially provided. You can then request a refund from your credit card company or insurance provider. The security deposit amount may vary if you decline CDW protection.
Am I responsible for any traffic fines?
Any traffic violation is the sole responsibility of the person who signed the rental agreement. Remember that these must be paid at banks or authorized branches; never pay a fine to a traffic officer or a stranger.
Vehicle use
Is the mileage limited?
No. All our rates include unlimited mileage.
Can I take the vehicle out of the country?
No. Vehicles are restricted to Costa Rica and cannot leave the country.
Can a rented 4x4 vehicle be used to cross rivers or lakes?
It is strictly prohibited to drive in:
- Rivers, streams, beaches, ponds or other bodies of water.
- Unauthorized roads.
If this is not complied with, the coverage is void and the customer assumes all damages.
What is the fuel policy?
Full for full. The vehicle must be returned with a full tank; otherwise, the missing fuel will be charged at the agency rate.
What should I do in case of an accident?
- Do not move the vehicle.
- Keep calm.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance.
- Call QUALITAS to report the accident at 800-7825-4827
- Turn on the car's hazard lights, put on the reflective vest and place the first triangle 50 meters behind the car and the second triangle 20 meters in front of the car.
- Call us immediately at the toll-free number 800-123Rent (800-123-7368).
What should I do if the vehicle has a mechanical problem?
If possible, drive to a gas station or a public parking area. Immediately call toll-free 800-123 Rent (800-123-7368).
If the problem prevents you from continuing on your way, turn on your car's hazard lights, put on your reflective vest and place the warning triangles, the first one 50 meters behind the car and the second triangle 20 meters in front of the car.
What happens if I cause any damage to the rental vehicle?
The vehicle will be your responsibility for the entire rental period, and you will be liable for any damage caused to the vehicle, in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the rental agreement.
Can I travel with pets in the car?
To avoid potential damage to the vehicle, we recommend not traveling with pets.
Can there be an additional driver?
Only the person who signed the rental agreement is authorized to drive the vehicle. However, an additional driver is permitted, but they must be registered on the same contract to be covered by the corresponding insurance.
Delivery and return
Can you deliver or pick up my vehicle?
Yes. If service is requested outside of our offices, additional charges may apply for remote locations.
Can I return the vehicle to another location (one-way)?
For your convenience, you can return the vehicle to a different office; this will incur an additional cost depending on the station where you return it.
Do you offer transfer services to or from hotels?
No, only at Juan Santamaría (Alajuela Station) and Daniel Oduber (Liberia Station) airports.
Reservations and modifications
What is the minimum rental period?
The minimum rental period is 2 days.
How do I modify my reservation?
You can do this in the Adjust Reservation section by entering your confirmation number.
How do I cancel my reservation?
From the reservation section, cancel your reservation with your confirmation number. Cancellation policies apply according to the Terms and Conditions.
What is the cancellation policy?
The amount due for no-shows/cancellations/reservation modifications will be calculated according to the following:
- 7 or more days before the start date: $15
- 3-6 days before the start date: 50%
- 2 days before the start date: 75%
- 0-1 days before the start date: 100%
For any reservation with a value less than $15, there will be no refund due to the time the cancellation request was made.
Last-minute bookings (booking and pick-up dates are the same) are not subject to any refund in case of cancellation.
What happens if I need to return the car after hours?
Please coordinate with our office in advance. Additional charges may apply.
Requirements for renting
What documents do I need to rent a vehicle?
- Valid and current driver's license
- Valid passport or identity card
- Digital driver's licenses are not accepted.
What is the minimum age to rent a vehicle?
- Minimum age: 21 years.
What insurance coverage is mandatory?
Security deposit: From $200 to $3.000, depending on the type of coverage and the vehicle selected.
Deductible:
• CDW: from $0 to 100% of the damages, depending on the coverage selected.
• TPL: from $0 to $800 (max. 20%), depending on the coverage selected.
Third Party Liability (TPL) coverage is included in all quoted prices, is mandatory and cannot be refused.
Payments and deposit
What payment methods do you accept?
- Credit cards accepted: Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners and Discover.
- Local bank debit cards and cash deposits are not accepted.
What is the security deposit?
The security deposit varies between US$200 and US$3,000, depending on the vehicle and the coverage purchased.
How is the security deposit made?
This is done only with a credit card, which must belong to the person who signs the rental agreement.
Can I use someone else's credit card to make the deposit and rent the car?
This is not possible, each rental is personal and only the card of the contracting party is accepted, who will be the only one authorized to drive the vehicle.
Can I use my credit card insurance in Costa Rica?
Yes, as long as the corresponding brand provides coverage in Costa Rica.
You can use your credit card or other coverage to decline CDW (damage to the vehicle) protection. In the event of damage to the rental vehicle, the full amount will be charged to the credit card initially provided. You can then request a refund from your credit card company or insurance provider. The security deposit amount may vary if you decline CDW protection.
Am I responsible for any traffic fines?
Any traffic violation is the sole responsibility of the person who signed the rental agreement. Remember that these must be paid at banks or authorized branches; never pay a fine to a traffic officer or a stranger.
Vehicle use
Is the mileage limited?
No. All our rates include unlimited mileage.
Can I take the vehicle out of the country?
No. Vehicles are restricted to Costa Rica and cannot leave the country.
Can a rented 4x4 vehicle be used to cross rivers or lakes?
It is strictly prohibited to drive in:
- Rivers, streams, beaches, ponds or other bodies of water.
- Unauthorized roads.
If this is not complied with, the coverage is void and the customer assumes all damages.
What is the fuel policy?
Full for full. The vehicle must be returned with a full tank; otherwise, the missing fuel will be charged at the agency rate.
What should I do in case of an accident?
- Do not move the vehicle.
- Keep calm.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance.
- Call QUALITAS to report the accident at 800-7825-4827
- Turn on the car's hazard lights, put on the reflective vest and place the first triangle 50 meters behind the car and the second triangle 20 meters in front of the car.
- Call us immediately at the toll-free number 800-123Rent (800-123-7368).
What should I do if the vehicle has a mechanical problem?
If possible, drive to a gas station or a public parking area. Immediately call toll-free 800-123 Rent (800-123-7368).
If the problem prevents you from continuing on your way, turn on your car's hazard lights, put on your reflective vest and place the warning triangles, the first one 50 meters behind the car and the second triangle 20 meters in front of the car.
What happens if I cause any damage to the rental vehicle?
The vehicle will be your responsibility for the entire rental period, and you will be liable for any damage caused to the vehicle, in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the rental agreement.
Can I travel with pets in the car?
To avoid potential damage to the vehicle, we recommend not traveling with pets.
Can there be an additional driver?
Only the person who signed the rental agreement is authorized to drive the vehicle. However, an additional driver is permitted, but they must be registered on the same contract to be covered by the corresponding insurance.
Delivery and return
Can you deliver or pick up my vehicle?
Yes. If service is requested outside of our offices, additional charges may apply for remote locations.
Can I return the vehicle to another location (one-way)?
For your convenience, you can return the vehicle to a different office; this will incur an additional cost depending on the station where you return it.
Do you offer transfer services to or from hotels?
No, only at Juan Santamaría (Alajuela Station) and Daniel Oduber (Liberia Station) airports.