I asked this question a couple of months ago, and recieved some helpful comments. I just thought I'd post again to see if there have been any recent users of Dan Dooley car rentals (Dublin airport) who might be willing to share their experiences or thoughts? I've arranged for rental in Sept (directly with the company) and secured every insurance that is available (CDW, super CDW, extra driver) proir to arrival. I have been told there are additional options available at the desk/pick-up only (tire, glass, wheels, others)? Any feedback from recent (2013) rental is especially appreciated!!
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Ed, You may want to ditch the "super CDW" provided by the auto rental agency and buy supplemental insurance that will cover all of your possibilities. Most Super CDW does not cover tires, wheels, windshield, underbody, re-schedule of your car if you damage it, towing, locking the keys in the car, putting in the wrong fuel, etc. I bought an on-line supplemental policy thru an EU broker that covered all of the above, and more, and had to use it because I put the wrong fuel in my car a few weeks ago in Ireland. Today I received a notice that they are sending me a check to cover my expense for that stupid mistake. I only paid $35 US for that policy. I saved lots of $$$ over super CDW, and had tons of extra coverage. I bought my policy thru the EU broker Moneymaxim.co.uk. You can also find policies at Thomas Cook Travel, Travel Guard. etc. Read the auto rental primer put together by Gemut;
http://www.gemut.com/images/stories/report/carrentalspecialreport.pdf PS Leaving the Dublin airport is easy, but you will run into your first roundabout as you enter the freeway. My friend lost his car there,(it has multiple lanes) but my navigator (Better Half) used our GPS to safely guide me in the right direction. Go slow and pay attention. If you have to drive around a roundabout a few times don't be afraid to do it.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Nancy, the third party insurers do the same as VISA, etc. they reimburse you for the damage you caused. Yes, your credit card is charged, and then you are reimbursed, after the fact. Again, this is the same procedure you must follow if you use your VISA to cover the "Excess". In my case I had an Email from the insurer asking where they should deposit my reimbursement three weeks after I submitted my claim documents. Can't do better than that. And the third party insurers cover many more things than the hi-priced "Excess" CDW provided by the auto rental companies. It is nice to know that your windshield, tires, wheels, roof, are fully covered, and that you are insured if you locking your key in your car, put in the wrong fuel, etc.
Posted by
Gilbert, Az
32 posts
I've used Dan Dooley at the Dublin airport twice (2010 & 2013). Both times I've purchaced the super CDW. The first time we brought the car back with 1 less hubcap and the second time it was missing a sideview mirror (not our fault). Both times they barely looked at the car when we returned them and we've never heard one word about the damage.
Hope this helps and have a great trip!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
The downside of using third party insurance is that, in the case of a mishap, YOU are responsible for paying the damage until the insurance company reimburses you. That can take weeks, and you are out that money in the meantime. And what's to say they won't deny your claim? I like knowing I can just turn the car in at the end of my trip with no problems.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Yes, Steve, I am aware of how it works. I don't use credit card coverage, either, and that is part of the reason why. What I said was true - that is the downside of third party coverage of any type.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
When you get to Dooley's ask if Tom is still there. He'll be a big help.