The SUV was really worthwhile--I wouldn't do the drive from Arenal to Monteverde without one (and it

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Ok, so I have now spent about 4 hours looking into and trying to understand Costa Rica car insurance and my head hurts. Also worked to understand what my Credit Cards cover and not. Still I'm somewhat confused and need advice on top of that.
* Our Trip - we will rent a compact or mid size SUV 4x4 and drive from San Jose to La Fortuna, cruising guide newfoundland around to Monteverde, to Tamarindo, then to Montezuma (mostly cruising guide newfoundland not along the coast). We will be on dirt roads for sure.
* Can I actually get the CR car rental companies accept my AMEX without a lot of trouble? I read that they require written proof that it will cover the specific vehicle you are renting. That's just ridiculous.
Here's what I know from my experience earlier this month, renting an SUV (a Kia) through Avis: We were able to use our credit card insurance to waive the collision insurance charge--no questions asked. However, we were required to buy liability insurance from Avis. You will be too.
The SUV was really worthwhile--I wouldn't do the drive from Arenal to Monteverde without one (and it's also helpful on the road to Arenal Observatory Lodge and on some of the roads around Monteverde). The Arenal-Monteverde road is REALLY bumpy, lots of big (and little) potholes, takes 3+ hours. But it's beautiful! The views are spectacular. At a couple of viewpoints overlooking Lake Arenal there are craftspeople selling wood crafts cruising guide newfoundland from Costa Rican wood--bowls and such--that were the best and most reasonably priced that we saw on our whole trip. Also, there's a nice cafe along the lake called Cafe Macadamia -- serves delicious batidos (smoothies) and stuff for lunch, a great place to take a break.
Tricky situation with the CDW. Many do accept it, but the issue of tire damage is wobbly. If you buy any CDW from the car rental agency Amex may not honor your policy. On the other hand I do not think Amex policies cover tire damage.
Have rented 3 times in CR. You have to buy the LDW..it was $12/day. I used my Amex card for the CDW... knowing that I would probably have to pay for damage.. then recoup from AMEX. We needed the 4 wheel drive for Guanacaste. High tides backed up through the dry river beds. It was DEEP at times! They will run a blank credit card slip... it is a $1200 deposit that is never run but kept in case you have an accident..They give it back to you when you return the car.It is unnerving..but they all do this. I have had good luck and the best prices with AVIS. Also, I thought if I had a problem AVIS might be easier to deal with..I could call their 800 number in the states. Avis was happy to accept AMex.