Vehicle Rental General Terms and Conditions – Rainforest Car Rental
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Rainforest Car Rental – Costa Rica
1. Company Identification
Rainforest Car Rental (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) is a vehicle rental company operating in the Republic of Costa Rica. These Terms and Conditions govern the contractual relationship between the Company and the renter (hereinafter referred to as the “Customer”).
2. Rental Requirements
The Customer and the primary driver must be at least 18 years of age. There is no maximum age limit for renting.
Drivers between 18 and 23 years old are subject to a mandatory Young Driver Fee according to the Company’s current rates.
All drivers must present a valid driver’s license and a valid identification document at the time of rental.
3. Reservation
Reservations guarantee only a vehicle category, not a specific make, model, or color, and are subject to express confirmation by the rental car company.
During periods of high or peak demand, including December, March, and any other periods determined by the rental car company, full or partial prepayment may be required to guarantee the reservation. Until then, the reservation remains subject to availability.
The reservation confirmation must be presented at the time of vehicle pickup.
4. Rates and Payments
Rental rates include only those services expressly indicated in the reservation. Any additional services will be charged according to the Company’s official price list.
5. Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit ranging from USD $500 to USD $1,600 is required. This deposit may be used to cover fines, damages, missing fuel, tolls, or any other outstanding charges.
Refunds, when applicable, will be processed between 1 and 24 hours after the vehicle is returned.
6. Insurance and Coverage
6.1 Third Party Liability Insurance (TPL / INS – Mandatory Coverage)
All rentals include mandatory Third Party Liability Insurance (TPL), required by Costa Rican law and provided by the National Insurance Institute (INS).
This coverage applies only to damages or injuries caused to third parties and carries a deductible equal to 20% of the damage caused by the Customer.
This coverage does not include:
- Damage to the rental vehicle
- Injuries to the driver
- Injuries to passengers in the vehicle
6.2 CDW – Collision Damage Waiver
CDW limits the Customer’s liability for damage to the vehicle resulting from collision, rollover, or accident, provided the rental agreement is complied with.
Unless additional coverage is purchased, CDW includes a deductible of USD $1,800.
CDW does NOT cover:
- Tires, wheels, glass, mirrors, interior, chassis, or undercarriage
- Damage resulting from negligence, misuse, or violation of the rental agreement
- Intentional damage or gross negligence
6.3 Premium Package / Full Coverage
The Premium Package / Full Coverage is an optional protection product that eliminates the deductible and significantly reduces the Customer’s financial responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of the vehicle, subject to the terms of the rental agreement.
This product is NOT insurance.
Exclusions:
- Tires, wheels, glass, mirrors, interior, chassis, or undercarriage
- Damage resulting from negligence, misuse, or violation of the rental agreement
- Intentional damage or gross negligence
- Traffic fines, penalties, or citations
- Vehicle or license plate impoundment by authorities
- Loss or theft of license plates
6.4 Prohibited Use of the Vehicle
The following activities are strictly prohibited:
- Driving through rivers, streams, beaches, sand, mud, or flooded areas
- Using unauthorized or high-risk roads
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Allowing unauthorized persons to drive the vehicle
Water damage is not covered under any circumstances.
Any violation of these provisions voids all coverage.
6.5 Procedure in Case of Accident, Damage, or Theft
The Customer must:
- Contact the authorities and request an official report
- Notify the Company immediately
- Not move the vehicle unless required for safety reasons or authorized to do so
- Obtain an official report (including INS report when applicable)
- Take photographs of the incident
- Obtain information from third parties and witnesses
Failure to obtain a police report or INS report may invalidate any coverage.
7. General Exclusions
No coverage applies in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal use of the vehicle, unauthorized drivers, racing or competitions, driving on unauthorized roads, unauthorized commercial use, intentional damage, or negligence.
Damage to tires, wheels, rims, and the vehicle’s undercarriage is always excluded.
8. Vehicle Use
The vehicle is for personal use only. Subleasing, using the vehicle for compensated transportation, or taking the vehicle outside Costa Rica is strictly prohibited.
9. Rental Period and Vehicle Recovery
The rental period is calculated in 24-hour blocks. The vehicle must be returned at the agreed time and in the same condition in which it was received, except for normal wear and tear.
The Company reserves the right to recover the vehicle without prior notice in the event of breach of contract or unauthorized extension of the rental period.
10. Loss, Theft, or Impoundment of License Plates
In the event of loss, theft, or impoundment of license plates by authorities, the Customer must immediately notify the Company.
The Customer acknowledges that the Traffic Police may remove license plates in situations such as parking on yellow lines, dangerous curves, or similar traffic violations.
The vehicle may not be driven under any circumstances without license plates. The Customer shall be responsible for all towing expenses.
The Customer must pay:
- All fines and traffic violations
- License plate recovery costs
- Administrative and legal expenses
- Daily immobilization charges while the vehicle is unavailable
No insurance or protection product covers these expenses.
If a replacement vehicle is required, a new rental agreement must be signed and will be subject to availability.
11. Fuel Policy
Full-to-Full policy. The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level as when received.
12. No-Smoking Policy
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the vehicle.
Violation of this policy will result in a cleaning and deodorizing fee of USD $200.
13. Grace Period and Additional Charges
A grace period of 60 minutes is granted. After this period, hourly or full-day rental charges may apply.
Additional charges include:
- Lost or damaged vehicle key: USD $300 to USD $600
- Any roadside assistance service not covered
- Administrative costs arising from incidents or traffic violations
- Cleaning fee for excessive dirt or special cleaning requirements: USD $100 to USD $250
14. Cancellations and No-Shows
Late cancellations or no-shows may result in partial or full reservation charges.
15. Claims
Any claim must be submitted within 30 days following the return of the vehicle.
16. Data Protection
Personal information will be used solely for contractual and operational purposes.
17. Customer Responsibility
The Customer assumes full civil, administrative, and criminal responsibility during the use of the vehicle.