Marchamo
The Costa Rica Vehicle insurance is managed by the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) that requires a mandatory circulation permit called the Seguro Obligatorio Automotor (SOA) for all vehicles. There will be an increase in the amount paid this year related to the increase in accidents this year. This adjustment to increase the rates was approved by the General Superintendence of Insurance (Sugese) as requested by the INS.
Link to Blog
https://www.larepublica.net/articulo/marchamo-costa-rica-todo-lo-que-necesita-saber
Road deaths due to traffic accidents went from 833 in 2022 to 922 in 2023. The increase in damaged vehicles and personal injuries including death with half being from motorcycle which has risen by 15.5% from 35,776 to 40,439. The number of injuries for light vehicles (cars, SUV’s) has risen from 8,225 to 9,412 in the last year. All vehicles will see an increase in their insurance by 3.12%, the rate will go from ¢25,031 for the 2024 registration fee, to ¢25,812 for 2025.
Fees
What the Fees are Used For
The fees collected are allocated to a number of services including:
- Providing medical care to thousands of people injured in road accidents each year.
- Road Maintenance of the National road network of over five (5) thousand kilometers.
- Paying Municipalities for the maintenance of parking meters and resource contributions.
- The Public Transport Council for transport fees to the Public Regulatory Authority, and a percentage for traffic violations.
- The Association of Guides and Scouts of Costa Rica.
- Stamp fees are collected to protect the flora and fauna.
- Covering finance expenses to the States Single Treasury for education, housing, and security.
Benefits Covered
- Coverage includes medical, surgical, hospital, pharmaceutical and rehabilitation care, prosthetics and medical devices, compensation and funeral costs, among other items.
- This service covers injuries and deaths of people who are victims of traffic accidents, whether or not the driver is at fault.
- Cash benefits to compensate for temporary or permanent disability, or for death, as detailed in this law.
- Payments for accommodation and food, when the injured party must move to a place other than his or her usual residence to receive medical services if their insurance company does not provide this service.
- Travel expenses.
- Costs for the funeral service and transfer of the body, according to the terms to be established in the regulations.
Paying for Marchamo – There is no Grace Period
The official collection of the 2025 Marchamo will begin on November 1 and will extend until December 31. And starting January 1, if drivers of a vehicle do not have the 2025 Marchamo insurance, they will receive a fine. It is now easier to pay for vehicle insurance at over 2,290 collections points including banks, shops, cooperatives, and online, etc. In recent years the only places that accepted payment were INS offices. Click Here to search the locations near you where you can make your payment.
Vehicle registration includes the above insurance as well as tax, fees, and stamps. Keep in mind that before you can pay for vehicle insurance your yearly approved technical inspection (Deckra) and sticker must be current. You must have your identification at time of payment – passport, residence card, the vehicle license plate number, and owner information of the vehicle.
How Much Do I Have To Pay?
You can determine the amount owed in many ways: by phone, online, at an INS office or by downloading the App.
- Toll-free number 800-MARCHAMO (800-6272-4266)
- Telephone consultation 2243-9999
- Website: www.ins-cr.com
- Mobile Site: www.insmovil.com
- Text message to 1467 with the word Marchamo, followed by the license plate number
- INS Headquarters and Service Points
- INS 24/7 App that you can download from Google Store and Apple Store
Steps For Paying Online:
Enter the site www.hacienda.go.cr .
2. Enter the license plate number and select search.
3. In the result you will be able to see the vehicle information.
4. To request a review, click the review icon (a sheet of paper with a pencil on it).
5. A window will open, where you can indicate the type of procedure, which may be the tax value, vehicle characteristics, tax amount, and others. In that same form you must add contact information and details of the procedure. The Treasury authorities will contact the user with the information provided in this form.
6. Additionally, you must provide documentation to support your disagreement. You may attach up to three files with a size of up to 1 MB. In the question icon (?) consult the document requirements, according to the type of procedure you will perform (see information in the table).
7. Once the information has been entered, select the OK button.
8. Notification of receipt of the application will be sent to the email address listed on the form.
9. The authorities will respond no later than 30 business days after the request.
Conclusion
The increase in vehicle insurance is due to the increase in accidents over the past two years and is due by December 31st. You must ensure that you have a current vehicle inspection, proof of ownership, license plate number and identification when paying at an institution and options to pay online. How much you pay and a step by step guide has been provided to assist you in staying current with your insurance and preventing being charged a late fee.
References
https://www.larepublica.net/articulo/marchamo-costa-rica-todo-lo-que-necesita-saber
Q Costa Rica
