Before you rent
Rental terms
Minimum rental and rental days
The minimum rental is 2 days.
Each rental day counts as 24 hours from the pick-up time. There is a 2-hour grace period when you return the vehicle; after those 2 hours, one extra day is charged. For example: if you pick it up on Monday at 8:30 a.m., you can return it at no extra cost until Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
What do I need to rent a vehicle?
To rent a vehicle you need to:
- Be over 23 years old.
- Show a valid national ID card or passport.
- Show a valid driver's license, from any country.
- Leave the security deposit that corresponds to the vehicle category.
Is there a deposit, and when do I get it back?
Yes. The amount depends on the category:
- Economy cars and sedans: US$300.
- SUVs (Raize, Rush), pickups and minibuses: US$400.
- Premium SUVs (Toyota Prado or similar, Fortuner): US$600.
The deposit can be made with a credit or debit card. After receiving and inspecting the vehicle, LAGO releases the deposit, as long as there is no damage, missing fuel, fines, extra days or other charges set out in the contract.
Estimated release times:
- Credit card: 2 to 7 days.
- Debit card: 15 to 30 days.
The final time also depends on the issuing bank.
Deposit per vehicle
- Toyota AgyaUS$300
- Toyota YarisUS$300
- Kia RioUS$300
- Nissan VersaUS$300
- Kia K3US$300
- Toyota RaizeUS$400
- Toyota RushUS$400
- Toyota HiluxUS$400
- Mitsubishi L200US$400
- Toyota PradoUS$600
- Toyota FortunerUS$600
- Toyota HiaceUS$400
What coverage or insurance do you offer?
Basic coverage included
Every rental includes Mandatory Third-Party Liability Insurance. This coverage applies when the competent authority declares the driver of the rented vehicle responsible for the accident. Its limits are:
- Death, disability or injury to one person: up to US$2,500.
- Death, disability or injury to two or more people: up to US$5,000 in total.
- Property damage to third parties: up to US$2,500.
Basic coverage does not protect damage to the rented vehicle. It also does not cover theft, total loss, glass, tires, or medical expenses of the driver or passengers, unless expressly stated in another coverage you purchase. If damage to third parties exceeds the limits above, the difference is not covered by the mandatory insurance.
Gold coverage — US$15 per day
Protects against damage caused by:
- Collisions with other vehicles.
- Collisions with posts, houses or other fixed objects.
- Collisions with animals.
For covered damage, LAGO pays 80% and the customer pays 20%. The customer's minimum share or deductible is US$600, regardless of the vehicle category. Gold does not cover damage from misuse, negligence, breach of contract or any damage that is not a covered event. In case of theft or total loss, the customer pays 30% of the vehicle's replacement value. LAGO does not offer 100% protection, US$0 liability or zero-deductible coverage.
Monthly Gold protection — US$250 per month
Same conditions as daily Gold: LAGO pays 80% of covered damage, the customer pays 20%, with a minimum share of US$600; in case of theft or total loss, the customer pays 30% of the replacement value.
Glass protection — US$3 per day
Covers damage to or breakage of all glass installed in the vehicle: windshield, rear window, side windows and other original glass. Subject to the terms and exclusions of the contract.
Tire protection — US$5 per day
Covers punctures, blowouts, tire repair, and replacement when the tire cannot be repaired. It does not cover damage to the rims.
Can you deliver and pick up the vehicle somewhere else?
Yes, subject to availability:
- Home delivery within Managua: US$8.
- Airport: free.
- Hotels: free.
- Peñas Blancas border: US$70.
- Bus terminals: free.
- Other destinations: quoted based on the location.
Is there a mileage limit?
Regular rentals include unlimited mileage within Nicaragua. Monthly rentals include up to 5,500 kilometers per month; additional kilometers are charged at the rate set in the contract.
Can I extend my rental?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is still available and LAGO approves the extension. You must request it at least 24 hours in advance. The extra time must be paid before the current contract ends, using the payment method agreed with LAGO. The extension is only confirmed once LAGO approves it.
What happens if I get a traffic fine?
Fines received during the rental are the driver's responsibility. The fine must be paid at Banco de la Producción (Banpro) or at the corresponding police station; keep the receipt and send it to LAGO. For drivers with a Nicaraguan license, about five days after the payment is registered, Correos de Nicaragua mails the license to the driver's home. Foreign drivers must pick up their license in person at the Dirección de Seguridad de Tránsito Nacional. If an authority holds your license or any other document, let LAGO know right away and send a copy of the ticket.
These terms summarize the answers in our FAQ. The binding terms are those in the contract you sign when you receive the vehicle.