Hello all! I am trying to rent a car at the airport in Belfast and then drive the car into the Republic and return it to Belfast. From what I can see on the insurance forms, the car rental does not allow travel to the Republic. It says you need their written permission. Appreciate any advice.
Posted by
Land of La
9572 posts
Which rental car company are you dealing with?
I did this exact thing ages ago via Hertz. Belfast to Dingle and back.
Is there a rep you can chat with for clarity?
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3128 posts
Have never heard of a complete restriction from driving across the border. Most providers allow it but may charge a nominal fee for doing so.
Per Claudia, either speak to someone knowledgeable from the rental car company to get things sorted ... or maybe look for another provider.
You'll want to ensure that the company is aware of your intention to cross the border in order to preclude inadvertantly voiding your insurance.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
936 posts
I also suggest searching this site, as this is a frequent topic here.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1753 posts
Hertz website
From 1 January 2021, customers renting in the United Kingdom will not be allowed to drive into any other European country and vice versa.
Driving between the United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales) into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and vice versa are not affected by this change and will still be allowed, subject to the express permission of Hertz and subject to conditions.
If you wish to take a UK registered vehicle into the Republic of Ireland, you are required by law to be in possession of a VE103B certificate which is proof Hertz has permitted the vehicle to travel outside of the United Kingdom.
The VE103B certificate is not required for travelling to Northern Ireland.
Charges for issuing a VE103B are as follows:
Number of days into the Republic of Ireland
Standard Cover (including taxes)
1-7 days £ 171.99
14 days £ 209.90
15-21 days £ 226.51
22-28 days £ 301.73
The cover can only be purchased at time of pick-up.
Should these restrictions be ignored, all insurance (Third Party Liability, CDW, TP, PI, Super Cover), if accepted, shall be null and void. The driver will be held fully responsible in case of accidents and will bear all consequences, including the cost of repatriation of the damaged vehicle.
Posted by
Lake District, England
9446 posts
Enterprise only charge £25.53 - https://www.enterprise.co.uk/en/car-hire/deals/EuropeanTravel.html
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3128 posts
Per AutoEurope, cross-border fees vary by individual company, but most only charge somewhere in the vicinity of USD $30 for the privilege.
All the more reason to speak to your provider directly in order to sort things out in advance.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1753 posts
Some difference. The cost of those certificates appears to be around £15?
Posted by
Cornwall
725 posts
Driving between the United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales) into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
It seems Hertz does not understand the difference between “Britain” (which includes England, Scotland and Wales) and “The United Kingdom” which comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You cannot travel from The United Kingdom to Northern Ireland, any more than you can travel from the United Kingdom to England. That would be the equivalent of travelling from Arkansas to the United States of America.