Insuring Your Costa Rica Property
Property insurance in Costa Rica is provided primarily through the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), though private insurers have been allowed since 2008.
What's Available
- Fire and allied perils — covers fire, lightning, explosion
- Natural disasters — earthquake, flood, volcanic activity, hurricane
- Theft and burglary
- Liability — third-party injury on your property
- Equipment breakdown
Typical Costs
Expect to pay 0.2-0.5% of the insured value annually. A $300,000 home might cost $600-1,500/year to insure — much less than US homeowners insurance.
Important Notes
- Earthquake coverage is essential — Costa Rica is seismically active
- Flood insurance is important for lowland and river-adjacent properties
- Not all policies cover landslides (common in rainy season on hillsides)
- INS is the largest provider but private options exist (ASSA, Qualitas)