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The Hidden Fee Trap: Why You Shouldn’t Book Your Costa Rica Car Through Third-Party Sites

The Setup: A Familiar Story

You find a car rental on Expedia or Kayak that looks too good to be true.
You click Book Now, print your confirmation, and land in Costa Rica feeling organized.
Then the counter clerk smiles and says:

“That price doesn’t include the mandatory insurance.”
And just like that, your “deal” doubles.

It happens every single day.


Why It Happens

Global travel sites don’t own or manage local fleets. They act as middlemen, showing low base rates but leaving out mandatory fees like insurance, taxes, and local surcharges.
When you arrive, the local agency must add them, and if they’re overbooked, you may not even get a car.

So you end up tired, frustrated, and facing an unexpected bill.


How Ventu Is Different

Ventu isn’t a car rental company or a third-party aggregator.
It’s a community platform built in Costa Rica to connect travelers directly with verified local Hosts and small family-owned rental companies, the ones who care about fairness and service.

Everything happens 100% online:

  • You see the final price upfront, including insurance.
  • You verify your driver’s license through Veriff before your trip.
  • You pay securely with Stripe, never handing your card or cash to a stranger.
  • You choose airport or hotel delivery and meet your Host on arrival.

Ventu acts as a neutral intermediary – vouching for both sides, staying in touch with Hosts, and stepping in fast if there’s ever an issue.

If a car needs a replacement or a question pops up, our team is there to help you get driving quickly and safely.


Why This Matters

When you book through Ventu, you’re not just protecting your wallet – you’re supporting local families and helping small businesses thrive.
It’s travel with transparency, heart, and purpose.

Your vacation shouldn’t start with a surprise fee or an argument at the counter.
It should start with a smile, keys in hand, and the open road waiting.


Ready to Travel Smarter?

Plan your Costa Rica car rental from your couch.
Skip the counter. Start exploring.

👉 Book securely at ventucr.com

Ventu: Rent Smarter. Travel Freely.


Legal Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and is based on general driving guidelines and traveler experiences in Costa Rica. Laws, regulations, and enforcement may change. Always confirm requirements with official sources and your rental provider before driving.


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