I need advice from people who RECENTLY rented an auto in the Republic of Ireland (I will not travel to N. Ireland).
I will be in Ireland in early May and plan to rent an automobile. After reading numerous articles I am confused.
It appears that most credit card companies do not offer insurance CDW coverage in Ireland. The rental company insurance for CDW appears to not be very comprehensive such as glass, mirrors, undercarriage, windshield etc .. plus the deductible is a very high.
Are there any auto rental companies that are both reputable and offer reasonable price CDW insurance with zero deductibles? I prefer to use a cc for CDW but it seems that my current cards do not offer such coverage. Which credit cards have been used by any travelers to Ireland that provide such coverage. I only need a car for two adults, thus nothing large or exotic is in our plans. In advance, I Thank you
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6849 posts
I don't know specifically to Ireland, but my AAA Visa covers countries that other credit cards do not, like Iceland for one. Have you tried Autoeurope? You can call them on the phone and discuss the rental and insurance and they can suggest options.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8458 posts
Very few, if any, CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance from a rental company includes glass and tires, that is sometime offered as a separate policy (like coverage for occupants of the car, and liability, which is mandatory)
Yes, it is true that many cards exclude Ireland, as well as a number of other countries, usually you have to call to get the current list, it changes (For the last several years, nearly every card has excluded Ukraine, for obvious reasons), or they may base the list on State Department travel warnings.
If you find a card that allows Ireland, make sure to contact them for a statement declaring coverage, the rental agency may request it as a condition of rental. I probably would only use a credit card for coverage if they offer a premium insurance package (usually at a small fee), but if you feel coverage is sufficient, then fine, I do suggest getting information on the claims process, once you get home, to get a police report, paperwork from the rental agency, or other information can be difficult.
Other than that, many just get the full coverage, you may not like the price, but the peace of mind is worth it, and just a cost of your trip.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3116 posts
We use AutoEurope expressly because of their affordable zero deductible insurance coverage which, when combined with competitive pricing for the rental itself, makes for a zero stress transaction.
Note that some of the premium credit cards (like my Venture X) do provide coverage, but you'd be well advised to look into the claims settlement process before you commit.