Renting a car in Republic of Ireland

I am worried about this as well. I do know that you can't have both...the credit card's coverage and the rentals all inclusive, etc. According to the rep from my credit card, in order for the credit card co. to be the primary, you must waive the CDW offered by the rental company. I am buying every option they have and waiving the cc co.'s coverage. I know too many people with stories.
We are also getting the road-side assistance. I know 2 different people that ended up with flat tires due to the roads. One of them had to eat the cost of a new tire. I know I am paranoid, but I would rather have piece of mind. If it were any where else, I wouldn't be be getting so nervous.

I was also told to take pics of of any scratches or dings when picking up car.

For what it's worth, we decided not to rent the car in Dublin. We are taking a day tour to Glendalough and Kilkenny and just remaining in Kilkenny and will pick up car there the next day. The four of us thought that sounded less frightening than dealing with Dublin traffic on our maiden voyage driving on the left.

Thanks Cindy. I also learned that my American Express and Visa credit cards do not cover specific countries - Ireland being one of them.

What card covers the rental car
insurance in Ireland

"The last item is use of credit cards for covering CDW in Ireland."

It has generally been the case that you cannot use Card coverage in Ireland, though I really don't know if that is still true. You may find that if it is possible that the car rental company will want to place a significant hold against your card, which for some could impact their ability to use the same card for purchases while said hold is on. At the very least, if your rental suffers damage while you have it, you will quite possibly be assessed and charged on return of the vehicle, and then have to "fight it out" with your card issuer.

Ireland can be hard on cars. Small roads, the desire to get off the beaten path, and locals who know the roads can all serve to increase the chance of a mishap. Oh, and then there's the drive on the left thing.

We took the opportunity to pay the deductible down to zero; got sideswiped while parked in Tralee by a hit and run driver, turned the car in a few days later and answered a few questions, that was it. An extra $80 US, and it saved me $1350. Forget the Card, pay the tariff and relax.

Thanks Dave!
That validates my decision to purchase any extra coverage to just "walk away"

BTW...I have 2 CC (United and British Air, both Chase), and they both claimed to provide coverage In Ireland if I waive the CDW with rental car co. (which I am not).

Hi, Cindy. What rental car company did you go with?

"BTW...I have 2 CC (United and British Air, both Chase), and they both claimed to provide coverage In Ireland if I waive the CDW with rental car co. (which I am not)."

Interesting, thanks Cindy.

And Jeff, don't know if you've looked but I have heard good things about Dan Dooley. We rented from Budget, on our last day in Dublin, and thought we had the escape route down pat to head West. Took a wrong turn and got lost immediately in horrible Dublin rush hour traffic.

My advice covers several items discussed:

First, be careful about taking someones word about a credit card covering Ireland for CDW, even a representative of the card. Even customer service reps go off a basic script, they may assure you that all you need to do is decline coverage, but if you read the fine print, it is a no go. I would talk to the carrier that the credit card uses and get the details of if they are covered and what the claims process would be (often it is your CC will be charged then you deal with the claim)

Second, there are many reports of people determining that they may be able to use CC coverage, but when they show up, even with a letter from the cc company, they are still refused and left to buy CDW or find another rental company.

My last advice is to, for Ireland, just buck up and get the CDW, if you can swing it a 0 deductible, even better. Just the piece of mind will make your trip much more enjoyable.