By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica approaches the end of the year, vehicle owners across the nation are preparing for a familiar annual obligation: the payment of the Marchamo, or vehicle circulation permit. This year, the collection period is set to begin on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, the first business day of the month. However, drivers will find their total bill inflated by a significant increase in the mandatory auto insurance component.
The National Insurance Institute (INS) has confirmed that the cost of the Mandatory Automobile Insurance (SOA), a non-negotiable part of the Marchamo, will see a substantial rise for the 2026 period. This adjustment will impact every vehicle owner in the country, from private car drivers to operators of commercial fleets, adding financial pressure during the holiday season.
To better understand the legal and economic framework surrounding the annual vehicle circulation permit, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the upcoming Marchamo 2026 collection.
The Marchamo is more than a simple permit; it’s a complex composite of various taxes, including the property tax on vehicles and mandatory insurance (SOA). For 2026, the key legal issue remains the transparency and equitable distribution of these collected funds. Citizens have a right to demand clear accountability on how this significant financial contribution is invested back into national infrastructure and road safety, which is the very essence of its legislative purpose.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight effectively reframes the annual Marchamo payment, moving it from a simple obligation to a significant civic contribution with an expectation of tangible returns. The call for transparency is indeed the central issue, turning the focus towards the accountability citizens deserve for their investment in national infrastructure and safety. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this vital legal and public matter.
The rate hike was officially authorized by the General Superintendency of Insurance (Sugese), the national regulatory body overseeing the insurance market. According to the agency’s analysis, the premiums for the SOA will increase by an average of 10.15% compared to the previous year. This decision was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of troubling road safety statistics.
Officials have pointed to a higher frequency of traffic accidents throughout 2025 as the primary driver behind the increased insurance costs. The rising number of claims filed with the INS has necessitated an adjustment in premiums to ensure the fund remains solvent and capable of covering the costs associated with accidents, including medical expenses and property damage, as mandated by law.
For owners of private passenger vehicles, the new SOA premium will be CRC 30,238. The impact varies significantly across different vehicle categories. Motorcycle and moped owners will face the steepest premium, set at CRC 99,623, reflecting the higher risk associated with these vehicles. In the commercial sector, light-duty cargo trucks will pay CRC 18,806, while heavy-duty cargo trucks are assessed at CRC 35,004.
Public transportation vehicles are also affected. The SOA premium for buses will be CRC 81,060, and for the nation’s taxi fleet, the cost will be CRC 73,300. Even operators of special equipment will see their insurance component set at CRC 9,627. These figures represent only the insurance portion of the Marchamo; the final amount due will also include property taxes and other fees, which vary based on the vehicle’s value and characteristics.
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is expected to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the Marchamo 2026 structure in the coming days. The state-run insurer is currently organizing a press conference where it will unveil the complete details, including the final property tax values and the various payment methods available to the public. The exact date and time for this announcement have yet to be confirmed.
As the November 3rd start date approaches, drivers are advised to prepare for the higher costs and to ensure their payments are made before the December 31st deadline to avoid penalties and legal complications. The annual Marchamo is a legal requirement for all vehicles to circulate on Costa Rican roads, and this year’s payment comes with a stark reminder of the financial consequences of deteriorating road safety.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros is the state-owned insurance company of Costa Rica. Founded in 1924, it held a monopoly on the insurance market until 2008. The INS is responsible for managing a wide range of insurance products, including the mandatory automobile insurance (SOA) component of the annual Marchamo, as well as policies for life, health, and property. It plays a crucial role in the country’s economic and social framework by providing financial protection and managing national risk programs.
For further information, visit sugese.fi.cr
About Superintendencia General de Seguros (Sugese):
The Superintendencia General de Seguros is the primary regulatory body for Costa Rica’s insurance industry. Established to supervise and regulate the market following its opening to competition, Sugese ensures the stability, solvency, and transparency of insurance companies operating in the country. Its responsibilities include authorizing insurance products, setting technical guidelines, and protecting the interests of policyholders by enforcing compliance with national laws and regulations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a dual commitment to uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of legal craftsmanship. The firm’s reputation is built not only on its forward-thinking approach to complex legal challenges but also on its foundational belief in social responsibility. This principle is actively demonstrated through a dedicated effort to democratize legal understanding, empowering citizens and strengthening the community by making crucial legal knowledge both clear and accessible.
