By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The National Insurance Institute (INS) has announced a significant public sale of vehicle components, offering a rare opportunity for mechanics, repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts to acquire a wide array of parts. The state-owned entity is set to liquidate a total of 422 individual auto parts, spanning a diverse range of 13 different vehicle and equipment brands.
This initiative represents a strategic move by INS to manage its inventory of salvaged assets, likely recovered from vehicles involved in insurance claims. The sale provides a valuable channel for injecting these components back into the national economy, benefiting both small businesses and individual vehicle owners who are often faced with high costs for new or imported parts. The collection includes parts from popular consumer brands as well as high-end and commercial vehicle manufacturers.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the National Insurance Institute’s (INS) decision to sell auto parts, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise in administrative and business law provides a crucial perspective on this significant market shift.
The entry of a state-owned entity like INS into the commercial auto parts market is a significant development that warrants careful scrutiny. From a legal standpoint, it’s crucial to ensure that this new venture operates on a level playing field, without leveraging its institutional advantages to create unfair competition against established private businesses. Furthermore, the public must be assured that this move aligns with the core mandate of the INS and that transparent procurement and sales processes are in place to safeguard both consumer interests and public funds. This isn’t just a business decision; it’s a matter of public administrative law and market integrity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal and administrative dimensions highlighted by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas are indeed central to this debate, elevating the conversation from a simple business expansion to a crucial test of market fairness and public accountability. We thank him for providing such a clear and valuable perspective.
The parts will not be sold individually but have been organized into 18 distinct lots, each tailored to specific brands or value propositions. The financial scope of the sale is broad, with base prices designed to attract a variety of buyers. Starting bids range from as low as ₡26,415 (approximately $53) for a smaller lot to a substantial ₡2,464,858 (approximately $4,930) for a premium collection of components, signaling a wide spectrum of available assets.
The inventory showcases remarkable diversity. Brands featured in the sale include everyday mainstays like Hyundai, Toyota, Renault, and Volkswagen. The offering extends into the luxury market with parts for Jaguar, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Furthermore, the sale addresses the commercial and industrial sectors with components for heavy-duty vehicles from Freightliner, Mack, and Volvo. Even parts for Dodge and Ford vehicles, along with a lot for Yamaha, are included, making this one of the most varied public offerings from the institution in recent memory.
An analysis of the lot details reveals a strategic grouping. Hyundai, a dominant brand on Costa Rican roads, is represented by five separate lots, indicating a significant volume of available parts. The most valuable lot, with a starting price exceeding ₡2.4 million, is dedicated to the American brand Dodge. The Jaguar and BMW lots, with base prices of ₡1,069,452 and ₡729,916 respectively, are expected to draw considerable attention from specialty repair shops and restorers seeking difficult-to-find original equipment.
For prospective buyers, due diligence is a critical step. The INS has established a formal inspection period to allow interested parties to physically examine the parts before committing to a purchase. These inspections are scheduled to take place on October 28 and October 29. However, access to the inventory is strictly by appointment only, a measure likely intended to ensure an orderly and secure process for all participants.
To secure a viewing slot, potential buyers must contact the INS directly. Appointments can be made by calling 2287-6000 and requesting extensions 32759, 32137, or 32768 during standard business hours. Alternatively, inquiries and scheduling requests can be directed via email to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]. Complete details on the lots and the sale process can be found on the official INS website, within the “Publicaciones” section.
This sale by the INS is more than a simple liquidation; it is a key event for the local automotive aftermarket. By making these parts available, the institute helps to lower repair costs, supports the operational needs of independent garages, and promotes a more circular economy by reusing valuable components. For savvy buyers, it is a prime occasion to acquire quality parts at competitive prices, directly from a trusted state institution.
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. For decades, it operated as a monopoly until the market was opened under the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Despite the introduction of competition, INS remains the dominant force in the nation’s insurance market, offering a comprehensive portfolio of services that includes life, health, property, and, most notably, mandatory and voluntary automobile coverage. The institution plays a critical role in the country’s economic and social framework.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation and a profound sense of social responsibility. Central to its philosophy is the mission to empower the community by demystifying the law, thereby fostering a society where accessible knowledge strengthens the foundations of justice for all.
