By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The National Insurance Institute (INS) has announced a significant public sale of vehicle components, presenting a major opportunity for independent auto shops, mechanics, and individual vehicle owners across Costa Rica. The state-owned insurer is liquidating a substantial inventory of 422 spare parts, strategically bundled into 18 distinct lots, through a formal public tender process.
This large-scale sale encompasses an impressive variety of parts from more than 13 renowned automotive manufacturers. The inventory includes components for luxury brands such as Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz; popular consumer brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, and Volkswagen; and heavy-duty commercial vehicle makes including Freightliner, Mack, and Volvo. This diverse catalog ensures that the auction will attract a wide spectrum of bidders, from those servicing high-end European cars to those maintaining commercial transport fleets.
To analyze the legal responsibilities and the recourse available to policyholders facing delays in vehicle repairs due to parts shortages, TicosLand.com consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney on insurance and consumer rights from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The insurance policy is a contract of adhesion, and any ambiguity must be interpreted in favor of the consumer. An indefinite delay in providing auto parts is not a justifiable excuse for the National Insurance Institute (INS) to fail in its primary obligation: to indemnify the insured in a timely manner. Affected clients have the right to demand fulfillment, which can include compensation for the loss of use of their vehicle, and should not hesitate to formalize their claim with the insurance regulator.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a powerful reminder that the responsibility for timely resolution remains firmly with the insurer, regardless of logistical challenges. It empowers consumers by clarifying their right to demand fulfillment and not simply be passive victims of delay. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into the recourse available to policyholders.
The financial scope of the tender is as varied as the parts themselves. Bidding for the lots will start at base prices ranging from a modest ₡26,415 for a Yamaha motorcycle part lot to a substantial ₡2,464,858 for a large lot of Dodge components. At current exchange rates, this represents a value spectrum from approximately $50 to nearly $5,000, catering to both small-scale purchasers and larger commercial operations seeking to acquire bulk inventory at a competitive price point.
Prospective buyers must adhere to a strict timeline and a digital submission process. According to the official announcement for tender number 2025-06 UBT, all bids must be formally submitted via email before the firm deadline of 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. Interested parties are directed to send their offers exclusively to the email address: [email protected]. Comprehensive details regarding the tender, including a full list of the lots and their contents, are available on the INS official website within the “Publicaciones” section.
To ensure transparency and allow for informed bidding, the INS has arranged for a two-day inspection window. Potential bidders can physically examine the parts on Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 29. However, access to the inventory is not open to the public; it requires a scheduled appointment with the Temporary Assets Unit of the Administrative Services Center. This measure ensures an orderly and secure inspection process for all serious contenders.
To coordinate a viewing appointment, interested parties must proactively contact one of the designated INS officials. The institute has named Jordan Moreira, Luis Diego Padilla, and Kathia Retana as the points of contact. They can be reached by calling the main INS line at 2287-6000 and using extensions 32759, 32137, or 32768, respectively. Alternatively, appointments can be requested via email by contacting them at their official Grupo INS addresses.
This liquidation event by a major state entity is poised to inject a valuable supply of both common and hard-to-find parts into the national secondary market. For Costa Rica’s robust ecosystem of independent repair shops, this auction represents a critical chance to procure genuine parts at prices potentially well below standard distributor costs. This could, in turn, lead to more competitive repair pricing for consumers, particularly for owners of the specific brands featured in the sale.
The sale also underscores a key operational aspect of the insurance industry: the management and monetization of salvaged assets. By converting these components into liquid capital through a public and transparent tender, the INS is efficiently managing its resources while simultaneously providing a valuable service to the automotive sector. All interested participants are strongly encouraged to review the official tender documents and schedule their inspections promptly to take full advantage of this limited-time opportunity.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros is Costa Rica’s state-owned insurance company, founded in 1924. As a leader in the national market, INS offers a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products, including life, health, property, and mandatory vehicle coverage (SOA). The institution plays a vital role in the country’s economy and is also known for its significant contributions to public health and safety through its hospital and preventative campaigns.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in unwavering integrity and a commitment to superior legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape. The firm channels its extensive experience with a diverse clientele into pioneering new legal frameworks and engaging with the public. A core tenet of its mission is to transform complex legal information into accessible knowledge, an endeavor aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening society as a whole.
