I have been pricing car rentals in Ireland. I know everyone recommends getting the super cdw insurance but I have a question. When I spoke to Auto Europe they told me that losing a hubcab, getting a flat tire or knocking off the rear view mirror is NOT covered by the super cdw insurance. Since those 3 things seem to be what most people say happen on their car rentals I wondered if anyone had experienced it and if so did you pay out of pocket and how much was it?
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
Hi Kathy, It may not be the same now but last June I lost a wheel cover and there was no charge. This was a car from Avis through Auto Europe. Without the insurance it would of cost me 85 euro. At the time there was no 100 euro deductible as most of the policies appear to be now. The cost of the insurance for the week was 98 euro.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I had a horrible time with Autoeurope when my car was sideswiped by a truck which ripped off the side window. He, of course kept right on driving. I lost at least two days of my trip to this accident and ended up paying for the mirror. Unlike the US there was no replacement car. None was available anywhere in the entire south of France. I had drive to Aix to the only VW dealership that had a replacement mirror. And when I got to the dealership they went in the back and handed my the mirror. It seemed that the part and the installation were separate. This was about 8 hours into the incedent and I have to confess that for the first time in my life, tears. It helped as they agreed to fix my mirror. On the positive side I like Aix and the policeman who reported the accident to was very understanding although he didn't speak a word of English. And, camion is truck in French. ; )
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
When I drove in Ireland I got the insurance thru my travel agent and then when in Ireland I took out a walkaway plan.I dont remember the charges but for peace of mind you cant beat it.No liability.
Posted by
westminster, md, usa
196 posts
When in doubt get the insurance. I have had many friends and family memebers who 'never' thought they would 'ever' need the insurance abroad. One of my first trips to Ireland my credit card (1998) covered the insurance on rentals in Ireland. However, one night my rental which was parked in front of the B&B we were staying was struck - hit & run. Damage was 'minimal' to the left rear. Vehicle was driveable & the Gardi were fantastic and took a police rpt and provided me w/a copy of same. I took photos of the vehicle - four points: right rear, left rear, right front and left front and submitted them to both the rental co & my credit card insurance and it took them 11 mths of aggravation and distress before the damages were paid for... My credit card continued to have this option until 2006, however, all rentals( and there were many) after my 1998 trip have been purchased with the insurance.
Posted by
westminster, md, usa
196 posts
Continued.... Unfortunately for the Irish & tourists there is an increase of auto accidents in Ireland during the summertime; which one would think would be normal as more people driving. My best advice is to take your time and be careful. If your lost stop at the next available area (lay-a-by, gravel driveway, public parking lot... ) to figure out where you are... and continue on. The roads in Ireland ARE narrow, however, they are very easy to negotiate.
I had one experience with a flat tire; which my brother was kind enough to change & then when we got back to Galway went to local tire centre and paid for replacement. It is definately cheaper to paying for the tire ourselves then being charged by dealer.
HAVE FUN & ENJOY THE RIDE!!!! :)
Posted by
Oak View
4 posts
Luckily, I have not had a problem with the rental cars in Ireland. However(as I posted for more info) there is a company called Cars4Hire that sells YEARLY super waiver damage that supposedly covers everything, includind flat tires. Cost is about $100.