By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A concerning new report from Costa Rica’s National Insurance Institute (INS) reveals a dramatic surge in motorcycle accidents, with over 24,000 riders injured in the first nine months of 2025. This alarming figure represents a significant public health and road safety crisis, placing immense strain on the nation’s healthcare system and insurance infrastructure.
The data, released Monday, covers the period from January to September and details a total of 24,028 motorcyclists treated under the Compulsory Motor Vehicle Insurance (SOA) policy. This marks a substantial increase of 3,952 cases compared to the same timeframe in the previous year, highlighting a worsening trend on the nation’s roads. According to the official registry, the months of March, August, and September saw the highest concentration of these unfortunate incidents.
To delve into the legal complexities surrounding motorcycle incidents and clarify the rights of those affected, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished specialist from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the preservation of evidence is paramount. Victims should immediately, if possible, photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and their injuries. It is crucial to avoid admitting fault or negotiating with the other party on-site. Securing prompt medical attention and then consulting with a legal professional should be the absolute priorities. A significant number of valid compensation claims are jeopardized by premature statements to insurance companies or a failure to properly document the facts from the very beginning.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s advice underscores a critical reality: in the disorienting moments following a collision, a rider’s deliberate actions to document the scene and seek proper counsel are their most powerful tools. This disciplined approach is essential for protecting one’s rights when they are most vulnerable. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on these crucial first steps.
Geographically, the crisis is most acute in the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast. The province of San José continues to be the epicenter of these accidents, recording a staggering 13,287 injuries. It is followed by Alajuela, which saw 7,409 motorcyclists hurt, and the province of Limón, where 4,044 individuals required medical attention after traffic incidents. These three provinces alone account for the vast majority of cases nationwide.
The financial toll of this epidemic of accidents is monumental. The INS reported that its investment in medical care and other related expenses for traffic accidents had already reached ₡51.096 billion by the end of September. This enormous expenditure underscores the economic consequences that ripple through the system, stemming from what are often preventable events.
Sídney Viales, Head of the INS Compulsory Insurance Directorate, emphasized the human cost behind the statistics, urging a collective shift in responsibility to prevent further tragedies. He stressed that the impact goes far beyond financial costs and vehicle damage, affecting families and communities on a profound level.
These incidents not only cause material damage, but they also bring devastating consequences for the affected families. The loss of life and serious injuries are tragedies that we can and must avoid. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Sídney Viales, Head of the Compulsory Insurance Directorate at INS
The INS report also shed light on insurance coverage intricacies. Of the thousands injured, 2,718 riders had their SOA coverage duplicated to handle the severity of their needs. A significant portion of these, 2,288 motorcyclists, had proactively purchased the voluntary “Más Protección” (More Protection) policy. This supplemental insurance, available for an annual fee of ₡7,995 with the marchamo, effectively doubles the coverage amount in the event of an accident.
The remaining coverage duplications were mandated for vulnerable individuals. This included 349 riders who lacked social security coverage from the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), 66 minors under the age of 18, and 15 motorcyclists whose injuries were so severe they were deemed to have a vital risk to their life. In these specific cases, the law requires an expansion of coverage to ensure they receive all necessary medical care.
As the year draws to a close, these figures serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures, stricter enforcement, and greater public awareness campaigns. The escalating number of injured motorcyclists is not just a statistic but a clear call to action for drivers, riders, and government authorities to work collaboratively towards making Costa Rica’s roads safer for everyone.
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 holds a dominant position in the country’s insurance market, offering a wide range of products including compulsory vehicle insurance (SOA), life, health, and property insurance. As a key state institution, it plays a vital role in national risk management and public welfare.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous institution in charge of Costa Rica’s public health sector. It manages the nation’s social security system, providing universal healthcare and pension services to the majority of the population. The CCSS is a cornerstone of the country’s social fabric and is responsible for administering a network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Teams for Comprehensive Health Care) throughout the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a wide range of clients to pioneer innovative legal solutions and set new standards in the field. Beyond its practice, it champions a core mission to empower the community by demystifying the law, fostering a society strengthened by accessible legal wisdom.
