Planning a trip to Ireland this summer and will (other than when in Dublin) travel via rental car. It seems that every CC company that offers CDW coverage excludes Ireland. Does anyone know of a CC that 1)has decent international fees and 2)provides CDW coverage for Ireland? Twenty bucks a day for CDW isn't going to break the budget, but I'd like to avoid the cost if possible.
Thanks,
Andy
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/carrental_cdw.htm
This topic has been asked often so check the archives.
http://www.irelandyes.com/cars.html
Might answer you question.
The only credit card that I am aware of that covers CDW in Ireland is a World Mastercard. Those master card numbers begin with the numbers 5466.
You can call 1-800-MC-ASSIST (Mastercard customer service) and confirm.
I have a World Mastercard and it does not start with any numbers different than what I had before. Per Mastercard, it does cover all countries and I specifically asked about Ireland.
I would not trust any credit card, including World Mastercard, to cover me in Ireland, even if they say they do (in writing). I was in such a situation. I checked and verified that I had insurance before my trip, and I turned down the rental CDW as I was instructed. When I had my little accident, though, Mastercard refused to pay, and I was stuck with the bill. Obviously it wasn't worth the time or expense to pursue legally, since the accident cost less than $500. But it was Mastercard who verified my coverage, and Mastercard who refused payment after I followed all of their rules to access the coverage they told me I had.
This is from Rick's website: "Car-rental companies in the Republic of Ireland are less amenable to letting renters waive CDW insurance in favor of credit-card coverage. As of this writing, the only credit-card companies that were allowed to provide CDW coverage in Ireland were MasterCard Platinum and Diner's Club — so if you have a Visa or American Express, you're forced to buy CDW. Also unique to Ireland is that you sometimes have the option of buying down the deductible on your CDW at the time of booking (for about $15/day), rather than when you pick up the car." More info here http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/carrental_cdw.htm
I got a Diner's Club specifically for the Ireland coverage, and then the rental agencies would not rent to me unless diner's club specifically wrote to say that they would provide coverage in Ireland. Which, of course, they refused to do, even though they claimed orally that I would be covered. So in the end I bought the CDW, and super CDW, to cover me. And I was glad I did when I got into a minor fender bender and got a new car from the rental agency and walked away paying nothing.
Andy, I would strongly recommend paying the CDW and super CDW. Best of luck.
FYI World MasterCard did not cover me in Ireland. Glad I called before the trip.
After driving in Ireland I would recommend to anyone planning on driving there to purchase the insurance coverage offered, the peace of mind is worth it.
not sure now, but in 06' my AmEx convered me. Called and verified it 1st, got names etc, and it was in my rider
We have a Platinum Visa through Delta Community Credit Union. They specifically tell you that you are covered anywhere in the world, including Ireland. The international fee is only 1%, which is very low. Good luck to you. We are planning a similar trip to Ireland this summer as well.
