I know some have said their rental company wouldn't let them take a car on the ferry to Mull. But...I have seen YouTube videos that suggest some tourists find a way to do it. I want to spend the night in Fionnsphort and spend the next morning/afternoon in Iona/Staffa. I don't want to take the "3 isles tour." Has anyone done this (taken a car to Mull)? If so, which car rental agency did you use.
Thanks in advance!!!!
All I can say is that I took my rental car on the ferry. It never occurred to me that you could rent a car in Scotland--the land of many ferries--and not take it on the ferry. So, if I broke the rules I got away with it. I can't remember which agency. It might have been National. It this is true the Scottish parliament need to take it up and VisitScotland needs to get on the case as this seriously diminishes one's ability to enjoy the islands.
Pam
When insurance does not cover transport by ferry, this is because during the crossing the car is under the insurance of the ferry operator.
I took my rental car on the ferry from Oban to Isle of Mull; it was either Hertz or Avis. I had no idea there was any rule against it. Mull is beautiful but you wouldn't get to see much without a car.
So, I have heard back from the folks at Rick Steves who dug into this a bit. AutoEurope is an aggregator and they have an up front policy of not allowing ferries that have not been planned for. So, if you are using AutoEurope you need to tell them that you want to take the ferry to Mull. They will then check with the company renting you the car to see if there are additional fees. Some companies have absolutely no problem with you taking your car on a ferry within the UK. But your best bet is to ASK about this. The odds are really good that there will be no additional expense. If there is additional expense, try another car rental company.
Pam
A bit of the problem with some international insurers is confusion about 'Great Britain'.
Great Britain is the jurisdiction for the insurance, and in this case refers to England, Scotland and Wales. Not just the island of Great Britain. By taking a ferry from Great Britain, they tend to be referring to taking a ferry to Ireland or continental Europe.
The isle of Mull is in Great Britain for insurance purposes.
Thanks everyone and to the folks at Rick Steves' if they did some digging on this. It has been my experience (in Croatia) that telling them ahead is a good idea and usually only incurs a minimal charge. So, that's what I will do.
I rented a car using Celtic Legend which basically set me up with a car through Arnold Clark. I got a very good price and I took my car on the ferry's with no problem. Also, I don't recall much for lodging in Fionnsphort - I stayed on Iona. You can park your car for free in Fionnsphort and it's an easy walk to the ferry. Took a tour from Iona to Staffa on a boat that St Columba hotel recommended and it was wonderful. The tour to Staffa took about 3 hours, I think. It was wonderful staying overnight on Iona because it is a beautiful place to walk around in the evening - relaxing and wonderful vistas. I already want to go back - missing Scotland so much (I went August 2016). Have a wonderful time.
I was a volunteer for Iona Community and would recommend more than just an afternoon on the Isle. Staffa is spectacular -- especially Fingal's Cave. Also would suggest that when you on Mull to drive to Tobormory. Quaint, colorful, close to monoliths and a castle or two. Worth the trip to see by car.
