Effective September 2026
These Terms and Conditions govern your use of the 4Drive Costa Rica booking platform and your rental of a vehicle through our service. By completing a booking, you accept these terms in full. Please read them carefully before proceeding.
4Drive Costa Rica operates a booking platform connecting customers with local rental companies in Costa Rica. We facilitate online reservations and payment processing. The actual rental agreement for the vehicle is signed directly with the local rental company at the time of vehicle collection.
Our role is to arrange your booking and provide pre-rental support. The rental company that supplies your vehicle is responsible for the vehicle condition, roadside assistance, and fulfilling the rental contract. Contact details for the rental company are provided in your booking voucher.
Vehicle availability, specifications, and rental conditions are subject to confirmation. We reserve the right to offer an alternative vehicle of equivalent or higher specification if the original selection becomes unavailable.
When you complete a booking through our platform, you receive a voucher containing reservation details, pick-up instructions, rental company contact information, and payment breakdown. This voucher must be presented when collecting the vehicle.
At the time of vehicle collection, you will sign a rental agreement directly with the local rental company. This agreement governs your use of the vehicle during the rental period. The rental company will conduct a vehicle inspection and note any existing damage on the agreement. Check the vehicle carefully and ensure all damage is documented before you drive away.
The rental agreement will specify terms including mileage allowances, fuel policy, permitted drivers, territorial restrictions, insurance coverage, excess amounts, and return conditions. These terms are binding for the duration of your rental.
When booking through 4Drive Costa Rica, you pay a booking advance online by credit card. This advance secures your reservation and is deducted from the total rental amount. The remaining balance is due when you collect the vehicle.
Payment methods for the balance depend on the specific vehicle you have booked. Accepted methods are detailed during the booking process and confirmed in your voucher. Options typically include credit card, debit card, or cash. The rental company collects this balance directly at pick-up.
If you do not hold a credit card, consider increasing the limit on your debit card before arrival. Payment requirements vary by vehicle, not by vehicle class. Confirm the requirements for your specific booking in advance to avoid collection delays.
The local rental company may place a temporary hold on your credit or debit card as a security deposit at the time of vehicle collection. This hold covers potential damage, traffic fines, fuel charges, or rental extensions. The deposit amount and method vary depending on the vehicle you have booked.
Deposit requirements are independent of insurance coverage or excess amounts. Even with comprehensive coverage, a deposit hold may still apply. The specific deposit amount and accepted card types for your vehicle are shown during booking and in your voucher.
The rental company releases the deposit hold after the vehicle is returned and inspected, provided there are no outstanding charges. Release times depend on your card issuer and typically range from several days to two weeks.
The primary driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence that has been issued for at least two years. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your domestic licence. Foreign licences are valid in Costa Rica for up to 90 days from entry.
All drivers must be listed on the rental agreement before driving the vehicle. Adding an additional driver is available for a fee payable at pick-up. Only authorised drivers may operate the vehicle. Permitting an unauthorised person to drive voids insurance coverage and makes you liable for all damages.
You must present your driving licence, passport, and booking voucher when collecting the vehicle. The rental company may request additional identification or proof of address.
You must use the vehicle in accordance with Costa Rican traffic laws and the rental agreement. Right-hand traffic applies. Urban speed limits range from 40 to 60 km/h, while rural highways allow 80 to 100 km/h. Route 27 from San Jose to the Pacific coast is a toll road.
The vehicle may only be driven on roads appropriate for its type. Mountain roads to areas such as Monteverde and Rincon de la Vieja can be rough gravel, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended for these routes. Standard sedans are not suitable for unpaved or poorly maintained roads.
Land borders with Nicaragua and Panama are not open for tourist rental cars without prior written permission from the rental company. Crossing these borders without authorisation violates the rental agreement and may result in criminal charges and loss of insurance coverage.
The vehicle must not be used for racing, driver instruction, commercial hire, or any illegal purpose. Smoking in the vehicle is typically prohibited and may incur cleaning charges.
If you need to modify your booking dates, pick-up location, or vehicle type, contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible. Changes are subject to availability and may result in price adjustments. Modifications made close to the pick-up date may not be possible.
Cancellation terms depend on the timing of your cancellation and the specific rental company handling your booking. Cancellation policies are provided during the booking process and confirmed in your voucher. Cancellations made well in advance typically incur lower penalties than last-minute cancellations.
If you fail to collect the vehicle without prior notice, the booking will be treated as a no-show and cancellation charges will apply. Contact us immediately if your travel plans change or if you anticipate a delayed arrival.
You are responsible for the vehicle throughout the rental period. This includes damage resulting from accidents, theft, misuse, driving on unsuitable roads, or violations of the rental agreement. The excess amount specified in your rental agreement is your maximum liability for insured damage, provided you have complied with all terms.
You are liable for all traffic fines, parking violations, toll charges, and administrative fees incurred during the rental. The rental company may charge these amounts to your card or deduct them from your deposit after you return the vehicle.
4Drive Costa Rica acts as a booking booking service and is not liable for vehicle defects, rental company service quality, accidents, personal injury, or delays. Your rental agreement with the local rental company governs all liability matters during the rental period.
If you experience issues during your rental, contact the rental company immediately using the contact information in your voucher. Most problems can be resolved quickly when reported promptly. The rental company is responsible for roadside assistance, vehicle replacement, and service issues during the rental period.
For complaints about the booking process, payment issues, or other matters related to 4Drive Costa Rica services, email us at [email protected]. We aim to respond to all enquiries within two business days during our operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT-6).
Our postal address is Barrio Dent, San Jose, Costa Rica. Include your booking reference number in all correspondence to help us locate your reservation and respond efficiently.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Costa Rica. Any disputes arising from your use of the 4Drive Costa Rica platform or your vehicle rental shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Costa Rica.
The rental agreement you sign with the local rental company is also governed by Costa Rican law. Costa Rican insurance regulations and vehicle liability laws apply throughout your rental period.
By completing a booking, you consent to jurisdiction in Costa Rica for all matters relating to your reservation and vehicle rental. These terms constitute the entire agreement between you and 4Drive Costa Rica regarding your booking.