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Car Rental in Dublin

My mother and I will be traveling to Ireland in September. This week I booked an automatic compact car (VW Golf or similar) from Europcar. My Mastercard will cover the insurance so I know that I need to decline all CDW. And per Europcar's rules I need to bring proof of US residency (since it is only US and Canadian citizens that can use credit card insurance) and a dated later from Citibank stating that they cover rentals in Ireland.

I've read lots of the posts on this forum and other travel blogs regarding car rentals in Ireland, many of which relate very poor experiences! So now I feel like I'm being hyper-vigilant. I do plan on reading carefully the rental agreement and any boxes/lines to initial or sign, getting everything in writing, and doing a thorough job of checking the rental upon pick-up (and taking photos if I find so much as a scratch.)

Do any of you have experience with renting from Europcar at the Dublin airport? Does anyone have any other suggestions? I feel like I've dotted my i's and crossed my t's so far, but am I missing something that I should be aware of?

Posted by
1005 posts

I used Avis at Dublin airport, but they are all pretty equal. I wouldn't bother taking photos when picking up the car--just be sure every scratch is marked on the diagram provided with the rental agreement. I would take photos when I returned the car to document its condition. A few other things to remember--be sure you know if your car uses diesel or gas (petrol) and be vigilant at the gas station. I almost put the wrong fuel in, since it wasn't marked very well. Don't drive in Dublin if you can avoid it--traffic is really horrible everywhere--especially if you have to cross the Liffey. Enjoy your trip.

Posted by
9371 posts

It is your choice, of course, but having been burned once before by Mastercard's car rental insurance, I will never again trust it. Too many little details that could allow them to turn down a claim. And they most likely will put a hold on part of your credit line until the car is returned, so be aware of that. (And yes, I "had it in writing", too, but they are very aware that you aren't going to sue them over a $500 denied claim.)