Hello,
I think I have an idea of how much used cars cost but I have no idea how much is to own and drive one.
How much is the minimum mandatory insurance for driving a car? What does that cover?
I can answer some of your questions. The minimum mandatory insurance is covered with your car registration each year which is called "marchamo".
My "marchamo" registration including the min. insurance runs around $150 a year for an old car (98). I believe like in the USA it runs more for newer cars but not sure how the costs are figured.
The marchamo insurance is nowhere near "full coverage" and in my opinion it's crazy not to have something close to full coverage, because I am told car theft is not uncommon and the way some people drive here, I think it's best to have your investment covered should you get in a wreck. Especially given the outrageous cost of automobiles here which run about double what they cost in the USA because of exorbitant import taxes.
My more or less full coverage for my car (in addition to marchamo which you have to pay even if you have your own private insurance which covers more) runs me about $55 a month.
I'm not 100% sure what marchamo covers, someone else will answer that hopefully.
My private insurance for $55 a month covers my car being stolen and replacement for a wreck and like the US you can choose your deductible. I think mine is around $500. This also includes a towing service should you need it.
One thing about private insurance: i hear the payment for reimbursement on theft or collision is super slow.
One example: I have a friend who had his truck stolen and it's now 8 months that he's trying to get the reimbursement. He went in to INS the insurance office and raised holy hell about it the other day. Does no good to do so I don't think but he'd had it and had to blow off some steam and at least TRY to light a fire under them. I've heard some say it takes a year.
MORAL OF THE STORY: DRIVE DEFENSIVELY AND DO NOT GET IN A WRECK!
Oh, and forget rental car coverage unless you're rich. It's super expensive here as are renting cars, especially 4 wheel drives. So if you get in a wreck and don't get your car back for months, and have no other car, count on using a bus and/or taxi for a long time because renting a 4x4 costs like $500 a week with full coverage. It's not the car rental itself that is expensive, it's the insurance for the car rental.
Do you pay per driver or per vehicle? Do you pay more for an additional (spouse) driver? Do you pay the same for a second car?
With private (additional to marchamo) insurance mine covers whoever is driving the car. I would ASSUME therefore I would not have to pay extra for my spouse to drive it. If so that would make no sense. But then again...? (check to be sure)
Not sure about a 2nd car, I don't have one.
Do you pay a road tax and tolls? Can you buy a car, drive and get an insurance before getting a resident status (while being on tourist visa)?
Thank you.
Yes there are tolls, not sure what road tax is. If there is one I guess it's included in registration or gas purchase? Someone else can answer that hopefully.
Tolls are cheap around where I live west of San Jose: about 150 colones or 30 cents for one, I think the other is a little more.
Yes you can buy a car, drive and get car insurance while not yet being a legal resident. You will have to leave every 3 months to get your ability to drive on a foreign license "renewed" even if you are applying for residency. STUPID but true. Once you are a resident you can get a Costa Rica license.
