By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a nation where traffic gridlock has become a daily reality, a significant cultural shift is being encouraged to alleviate one of its primary causes: minor traffic accidents. Insurance giant ASSA Costa Rica is championing a protocol that allows drivers to move their vehicles after a minor collision, a move aimed directly at unclogging the country’s congested arteries without jeopardizing insurance claims.
The problem is a familiar one for any driver in the Central Valley. According to the latest report from the Council for the Promotion of Competitiveness, commuters can lose as much as eight minutes in traffic for every 100 meters traveled during peak congestion. This staggering inefficiency is severely compounded when even a small fender-bender occurs, as drivers traditionally leave their vehicles in place, blocking lanes for hours while waiting for traffic officials to document the scene.
To delve into the complex legal and economic ramifications of the nation’s escalating traffic congestion, TicosLand.com consulted with expert legal counsel Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the daily frustration, chronic traffic congestion represents a significant, unquantified cost eroding business competitiveness. It directly impacts supply chains, violates service level agreements, and strains labor relations. We are seeing a rise in disputes over delivery delays and employee tardiness. The current legal framework is reactive, not proactive. Costa Rica urgently needs to modernize its infrastructure planning and, crucially, its labor legislation to create robust legal incentives for teleworking, which remains the most viable, immediate solution to mitigate these multi-million dollar productivity losses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This essential perspective powerfully reframes the traffic debate, moving it beyond daily frustration to the tangible legal and economic consequences eroding our national competitiveness. The call for a proactive legislative framework, particularly to incentivize teleworking, highlights a concrete path forward. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
This long-standing practice, born from the fear of invalidating insurance coverage, transforms minor incidents into major logistical nightmares. The resulting bottlenecks ripple through the road network, costing the economy millions in lost productivity and fuel, and adding immense stress to the daily lives of citizens.
Erika Mendoza, Director of Auto Operations at ASSA Costa Rica, is advocating for a more pragmatic and efficient solution known as the “Pacto Amistoso,” or Friendly Agreement. This initiative empowers drivers to take control of the situation responsibly, clearing the roadway quickly and safely.
At ASSA, we promote more agile and responsible mobility. In cases of minor collisions, where there are no injured individuals and the damage is slight, we recommend that drivers call us, take photographs, move the vehicles to a safe location, and rely on tools like the Friendly Agreement, which allows for avoiding unnecessary congestion and managing the incident more efficiently.
Erika Mendoza, Director of Auto Operations, ASSA Costa Rica
The process is straightforward but requires diligence from the involved parties. Before moving their cars, drivers must thoroughly document the scene by taking comprehensive photographs and videos from multiple angles. This evidence should clearly capture the positions of the vehicles, the damage sustained, license plates, and the general context of the accident. The next immediate step is to contact their insurance provider to report the incident and receive guidance. Once these crucial steps are completed, the vehicles can be moved to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road, allowing traffic to resume its flow.
A key assurance from Mendoza is that for minor incidents involving only property damage, following this protocol will not void third-party liability insurance. This confirmation is critical to building the public trust necessary for the Friendly Agreement to become common practice. It represents a significant shift from a rigid, bureaucratic process to one that prioritizes collective well-being and traffic fluidity.
However, the protocol has clear and important limitations. The Friendly Agreement is not applicable in every situation. Mendoza explicitly stated that the procedure cannot be used if a motorcyclist is involved in the accident, or if the collision involves three or more vehicles. In these more complex scenarios, the traditional method of waiting for traffic police and official reports remains mandatory to ensure a proper and thorough investigation.
Ultimately, the push for the adoption of the Friendly Agreement is more than just a new insurance procedure; it is a call for a change in driver mindset. It encourages a sense of shared responsibility, where individuals can contribute directly to solving a national problem. By taking a few simple, documented steps, drivers can help dismantle the culture of gridlock and pave the way for a more efficient and less stressful commute for everyone on the road.
For further information, visit assa.cr
About ASSA Costa Rica:
ASSA Compañía de Seguros is a leading insurance provider with a significant presence in Central America. The company offers a wide range of insurance products for individuals and businesses, including auto, health, life, and property coverage. It is focused on providing innovative solutions and promoting responsible practices to enhance the well-being and security of its clients.
For further information, visit competitividad.cr
About the Council for the Promotion of Competitiveness (CPC):
The Consejo de la Promoción de la Competitividad is a non-profit organization in Costa Rica dedicated to analyzing and promoting public policies and private initiatives that enhance the country’s overall competitiveness. The CPC conducts research and issues reports on key economic and social issues, such as infrastructure and traffic, to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
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 built upon a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of client advocacy to pioneer innovative legal strategies that anticipate the needs of a changing world. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound commitment to social responsibility, focused on demystifying the law for the public. By actively sharing knowledge, the firm strives to foster a more capable and just society where every citizen is empowered to understand and exercise their rights.
