Child seats, second drivers, GPS, young/senior surcharges, delivery fees, and roadside assistance — what each add-on costs and what you actually need.
Updated
Aggregator “totals” rarely include options — yet they can add $100–250+ per week at the counter. Travel forums and French-language trip networks like Tout Costa Rica stress the same pattern: the base car is only part of the bill.
This guide lists every common add-on, typical Costa Rica pricing, and what to negotiate in your written quote before departure.
How options fit the real total
Industry breakdown (approximate, from public rental education content):
| Bucket | Share of final bill |
|---|---|
| Base vehicle rate | 25–35% |
| Mandatory liability (LI/TPL) | ~25% |
| Accessories & delivery | ~25% |
| Optional collision / franchise buybacks | 15–25% |
See our insurance guide for LI and CDW. This article covers the middle two rows.
Navigation: GPS vs your phone
- Rental GPS: often $10–15 USD/day (~$70–105/week)
- Waze / Google Maps: free with offline maps — see driving guide
- Malpractice: paying for GPS when your quote already said “included”
Download offline maps at the hotel or airport Wi-Fi before you leave the lot.
Second driver
- Typical counter fee: $5–15/day or flat weekly charge
- Some transparent quotes include one extra driver free
- Ask in email: “Is a second driver included? Name spelling for contract?”
Both drivers need license + passport at pickup.
Child seats and boosters
- $5–10 USD/day per seat is common
- Agencies may offer infant, toddler, or booster — specify age/weight when booking
- Airlines sometimes allow a car seat as checked baggage; verify fit with agency anchors
Family road-trip pacing: 7-day loop.
Surf racks and outdoor gear
- Roof racks: ~$35/week is a typical starting point
- Bring your own straps — racks often ship without tie-downs
- Secure boards inside the vehicle when possible to reduce wind noise and theft risk
Young drivers (21–25) and seniors (70+)
| Situation | What agencies do |
|---|---|
| Drivers 21–25 | Higher deposit, daily surcharge ($10–25), or CDW requirement |
| Drivers 70+ | Surcharge ($10–20/day) or refusal — confirm before booking |
| Under 21 | Often no rental at major counters |
Get age policy in the quote email, not at the counter.
Delivery, one-way, and hotel drop-off
- Airport pickup is standard at SJO/LIR
- Hotel delivery/return: $9–300+ depending on distance — confirm if “free shuttle” covers your hotel
- One-way (e.g. LIR → SJO): daily fee + drop charge — factor into Guanacaste vs central routes
Roadside assistance packages
Counters sell ~$40/week “roadside” bundles. Evaluate:
- Does your quote already include 24/7 number?
- Is cell coverage adequate on your route (4×4 routes)?
- Will you have WhatsApp/data for Waze anyway?
Skip duplicate coverage if your contract already lists towing and replacement vehicle policy.
Unlimited mileage
Most Costa Rica rentals include unlimited kilometers — verify in writing. Exotic one-way or island-style contracts sometimes cap mileage.
Email template: options checklist
Please confirm in USD for my dates:
- LI/TPL and taxes included?
- Second driver (name: ___): cost?
- Child seat type/age: cost?
- GPS: included or daily rate?
- Delivery to [hotel]: cost?
- Young/senior driver policy for age ___?
- Roadside assistance: included?
- Mileage cap?Compare answers with our SJO price table before you commit.
Bottom line
Options are where “$8 on Expedia” becomes a real vacation budget. Bundle what you need into a single emailed total, decline duplicate upsells at the counter, and use our 7 red flags if the screen math changes at pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is GPS worth paying for at the counter?
Waze and Google Maps work well with offline maps downloaded before pickup. Many travelers skip rental GPS (~$10–15/day) unless the company bundles it free in a quote.
How much does a second driver cost?
Often $5–15 USD per day or a flat weekly fee. Some all-inclusive quotes include a second driver — ask before you pay at pickup.
Are child seats mandatory in Costa Rica?
Yes for young children. Rental agencies charge ~$5–10/day per seat. Bring your own only if airline baggage allows and the seat fits local anchor systems.
Do rental companies charge more for drivers under 25 or over 70?
Frequently. Young-driver fees can add $10–25/day; some agencies refuse or surcharge senior drivers. Confirm age policy in writing before you fly.