My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in May to celebrate our 25th anniversary and after much reading and checking out info on line, I can 't find an answer to something that has been puzzling me. We intend to rental a car (stick) and was wondering if the pedals and the stick shift are the same, but you're just driving from the other side of the car? Are the gears on the shift knob like that found in an American car and the clutch, brake and gas or is EVERYTHING reversed? We are worried that we might have to go with an automatic, which is a larger and more expensive rental. Also, I've read that Ireland has a high rate of accidents, should I really be concerned about getting the standard CDW or getting the super CDW?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
The controls are as though you just moved everything from the left to the right. The shift lever and hand brake remain in the center console. The shift pattern is identical (not mirrored). None of it presents a problem. I've no reason to believe Ireland has any more accidents than any where else; it's just that some companies seem to make extra money by claiming (against the insurance) minor gravel dings, bush scratches, and grocery cart bumps that anybody else would ignore. For that reason, I'd get the super cdw (Irleand is the only place I do). Your credit card won't cover even basic cdw in Ireland.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
The shift pattern and the pedals are all the same, you are just shifting with your left hand. Get the super CDW. A simple ding on the door or other minor dent can end up costing you hundreds, if not more, or Euros. Considering the total cost of your trip I find the extra insurance is worth the peace of mind. I lost a wheel cover and the cost of replacing it was more than what the insurance cost. Be sure and check as to what exactly the insurance does cover. It appears that it is costing more with less coverage. Check with "insurance 4 hire" or something like that. I have never used them but they seem to have good reviews by people who have.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Absolutely get the super CDW! Although it costs more, I would recommend getting it through the rental company unless you are prepared to foot the cost and wait for reimbursement from a third party insurance in case of an accident. And don't worry - you will very quickly get the hang of driving on the other side.
Posted by
OP
Grafenwoehr, APO AE, Germany
43 posts
Thank you all - we will go with the super CDW and getting a stick and not the automatic rental. It's great to have this resolved early on. Any recommendation on which rental company gives great deals? We would like to have unlimited mileage - if that's possible? We are picking up and dropping off at the Dublin airport.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Patty - I like Dan Dooley, but they are all about the same.
Posted by
Temora, NSW, Australia
337 posts
Hi this is related to the topic. Could anyone care to comment on how much the additional crash insurance is per day to waive what the companies show as either a 1500 or 2000 deductible ( damage or theft) Can this be reduced to nil ? It seems this is paid locally, and that the credit card arrangement do not cover this.
Thanks in advance..
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
@Gerard - if you buy the Super CDW directly from the rental car company, you'll have no deductible. That's the difference between "Super" CDW and regular CDW.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Patty, I have always found good prices with Irish Car Rentals when I have been looking. But I would go with whichever company gives you the best deal. You can always book something, then keep watching to see if you see better deals until you leave on your trip. If you find something, just cancel the first reservation and book the better one. Be aware of the company's policy, but most rental car companies don't charge for cancellations.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Gerard, every company charges differently for the super CDW insurance, so you will just have to check with the companies you are looking at to find out the price.
Posted by
Temora, NSW, Australia
337 posts
Thanks for the replies, I was just trying to figure out how much extra to add to their listed rates... Regards Gerard
Posted by
Temora, NSW, Australia
337 posts
Further, it wasn't until I looked at this thread where Dan Dooley's name came up, that site was the only one that has an option to select excess waiver, several say only additional insurance cover is available. thanks again
Posted by
washington, DC
27 posts
Everything is in the same place except you. :-) I adjusted pretty easily to shifting with my left, except I missed 1st gear a few times when shifting from reverse (didn't push it far enough left), but once in 1st, the rest was easy. I got the super cdw and rented from Dan Dooley last June. I went with Dooley because they were the only company that gave the full price, including super cdw, upfront online. The rest gave a price for the rental and then said that super cdw was available and could be purchased at pick-up. Some of their rates were better than Dooley's but I was afraid when I got there, the price of the super cdw would be high (otherwise, why not just publish it) and it would end-up costing me more. At Dan Dooley, I paid the full price in advance online and there were no hidden fees. If you return the car to Dan Dooley after they close, you bring it to a hotel down the street, give the keys to the front desk staff, and take the hotel shuttle to the airport. Have fun!
Posted by
Jericho, Vermont, USA
143 posts
We are going to Ireland in April and will rent a car from Dan Dooley.I like that their rates are all upfront with no hidden fees to surprise us once there. Check out IrelandYes.com for much info on car rentals and also Dooley. It has a wealth of info on Ireland. As for the left hand shifting, it feels very strange the first day but after that is fine. Just be careful of where your passenger side wheel is - that is the hardest adjustment to make - sensing that. Julia