In short
Owner
David
On Curaçao since
2017
Home base
Jan Thiel, Willemstad
Vehicle fleet
Wide selection, multiple brands
Languages
Dutch, English, Papiamento
On the island since 2017
No chain. Just David.
I am David, and I have been renting cars on Curaçao since 2017. It didn't start as a business plan. I had just moved to the island, had a second car, and rented it out to Dutch friends who came on vacation. They told others about it, and before I knew it, my yard was full. By now, it is a full-fledged fleet with a wide selection of cars and brands, from compact city cars to real SUVs.
What struck me back then — and what is still the case — is how unnecessarily complicated car rental on an island can be. You land at Hato after a nine-hour flight, stand in line at a counter for half an hour, get a five-hundred-dollar deposit blocked on your credit card, and receive a sales pitch about insurance you don't actually need. And then, if something goes wrong along the way, you call a call center in another country that refers you to a partner.
I do it the other way around. You send me your flight number, I’ll be waiting outside the arrivals hall, we walk around the car once together, and you’ll be driving away within ten minutes. You pay upon pickup, not in advance, and nothing is blocked on your credit card — you don’t even need a credit card at all with me. Drop-off and pickup costs a one-time fee of US$ 30 for the entire rental period, regardless of whether that is at Hato or at your hotel. If you come to the office yourself, that fee is waived. And if anything happens, you call me — the same number you used to book.
Why we do not ask for a deposit
This is the question I get most often. The answer is simple: a deposit primarily protects against people you don't know and will never see again. Almost all my clients come through recommendations and returning visitors, and I speak to everyone personally before the keys are handed over. In all those years, I have hardly had any problems with that. The large rental companies work with reception desks and rotating staff — in that case, a deposit makes sense. Not with me.
Moreover, a blocked deposit of five hundred dollars during your vacation is not a theoretical problem. That is money you cannot spend for two to four weeks, precisely when you need it. I do not consider that a way to start a vacation. What does apply: in the event of damage, a deductible of US$ 500 applies, and you can reduce that to US$ 300 in advance. That is simply stated in the terms and conditions, not in the fine print.
How we determine our prices
Our prices are lower than those of international rental companies, but not because we have older cars or provide lower insurance. The difference lies in the cost structure: no counter at the airport, no international booking system, no marketing budget, and no commission to comparison sites. That saving goes directly into the daily rate.
That is why the lowest price guarantee is not a marketing trick. If you find the same car class for the same period cheaper elsewhere, with comparable comprehensive coverage and no deposit, I will beat that price. Send me a screenshot via WhatsApp and you will have an answer within a few hours.
Wat je van ons kunt verwachten
The fleet consists of well-maintained cars of multiple makes, with automatic transmission and air conditioning that still works at two in the afternoon — on Curaçao, that is no small detail. Every car is inspected and cleaned before rental; for this, we charge a one-time cleaning fee of US$ 25. In the event of a breakdown, I will come to the scene myself and, where necessary, provide a replacement car within an hour.
And if you ask which car you need, you get an honest answer. If you mainly drive between Jan Thiel, Mambo Beach, and the city, I simply say that an Economy class car is sufficient. That means less revenue for me and more holiday budget for you, and it is the reason people come back.
No deposit, no credit card
Other landlords block $500 on your credit card. We ask nothing in advance.
Comprehensive insurance
Full coverage included, with a deductible of $500 or a reduced $300.
We are bringing the car
To Hato or your accommodation address for a one-time fee of $30. Pickup at our office is free.
Wide selection of many cars
From compact city car to seven-seater bus and real 4x4.
Unlimited kilometers
Ride from Westpunt to Oostpunt as often as you like, without paying extra.
24/7 roadside assistance
One phone call to David, no call center in another time zone.