Has anyone had experience in purchasing third party liability insurance for car rentals in Ireland?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7548 posts
No, only in purchasing what the rental company offers. Do keep in mind that Liability is entirely separate from the typical Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), liabilty covers damage to others, CDW to the car you are renting.
Also realize that many Credit Card CDW programs do not cover Ireland, so if you want CDW, you will either need to buy it from the agency, or buy that as well from a third party.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Don't know if you're still in need of an answer. Here's what I know from close conversations with Budget:
When you book through "rental cars.com" or some other booking site, the insurance is third party. So when you get to the rental car counter, they STILL need to take your credit card hold of 1500-2000 euros (depending on the car). YOU have to pay for any damage on third party insurance, then the company reimburses you. So Budget, Avis, etc aren't guaranteed that you WILL pay so they take the hold on the credit card. I find it much less hassle to 1) book the car through the car hire company and 2) get their insurance!
Hope this helps.....
Susan
Waterville, County Kerry
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Third party insurance is a legal requirement in all European countries. It comes automatically and is included in the price.
Third party insurance covers any damage or injury you cause to other persons or property. It does not cover damage or loss to the hire car (that is what the optional CDW covers).
And it also does not cover injury to yourself, your passengers or damage to their property in the car, that is your problem.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Just correcting Chris' comment above. Third Party insurance is NOT a requirement. He means Collision Damage Waver is a requirement.
Third Party is that - third party. So NOT the insurance offered by the car rental company.
When you are travelling and you rent a car, the hire price normally includes insurance covering you for accidents (usually listed as Collision Damage Waiver) and theft (usually listed as Loss Damage Waiver). Unfortunately you may also have to pay a large excess if the hired car is damaged or stolen. Often when you pick up the car you've hired the car rental company will offer you the option of upgrading your insurance to minimise or remove the excess cost but this is usually expensive and is normally an unexpected extra cost.
Susan