Q COSTA RICA — Vehicle owners will face an average 4.03% increase in the cost of Mandatory Vehicle Insurance (SOA) for the 2027 vehicle registration renewal (Marchamo).
On Monday, the Superintendencia General de Seguros (Sugese)—General Superintendence of Insurance—announced that it had authorized the rates requested by the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS)—National Insurance Institute.
According to Sugese, the hike is due to a higher rate of traffic accidents and claims.
The increase would be 12.4% for buses, 5.4% for private vehicles, and 4.5% for motorcycles and mopeds. Conversely, rates are decreasing: -8.9% for light cargo vehicles (CL), -2.4% for heavy cargo vehicles (C), -7.5% for taxis (-7.5%), and -9.6% for special equipment.
The proposed premiums for 2027 are as follows:
- Private Vehicle (ie sedans, pickups, SUVs): ¢31,881 (+5.43%)
- Motorcycles and Mopeds: ¢104,110 (+4.50%)
- Buses: ¢91,108 (+12.40%)
- Taxis: ¢67,799 (-7.50%)
- Light Cargo (CL): ¢17,134 (-8.89%)
- Heavy Cargo (C): ¢34,170 (-2.38%)
- Special Equipment: ¢8,706 (-9.57%)
Note: These amounts apply solely to the SOA (Compulsory Vehicle Insurance) component. The total Marchamo amount includes other elements, such as the property tax administered by the Ministry of Finance and outstanding traffic fines.
Changes
Additionally, the INS announced a series of changes that will be implemented for the 2027 Marchamo.
The most significant change is the implementation of the digital Marchamo (vehicle registration sticker), which eliminates the need for users to pick up a new decal every year; moving forward, a single sticker will be issued that is designed to last 10 years.
This allows the registration fee to be paid online or through standard channels, while the same sticker remains affixed to the windshield for a decade.
This results in streamlined procedures, time savings, fewer in-person visits, and reduced use of paper and plastic.
It is important to clarify that this device does not include GPS tracking or monitor vehicle location.
The plan applies only to cars—not motorcycles—during the initial rollout phase.
Payment of the 2027 Marchamo will begin on November 2, 2026, as confirmed by the INS.
Collection (payment) for the 2027 registration sticker begins on November 2nd and incorporates technology and security features designed to prevent fraud, counterfeiting, or tampering.
“Proof of vehicle registration will remain a requirement that vehicle owners or drivers must be able to present when requested by authorities. From now on, the document will be digital and sent to the email address provided by the vehicle owner at the time of payment. If receipt via email is not possible, the INS will also provide alternative download options through its website or the INS Móvil app,” the INS stated.