Warning: Car Rental Rip-offs!! Some Require €2,000 - €15,000 Deposit to Decline CDW

CowboyCraic · Guru

RE: Warning: Car Rental Rip-offs!! Some Require €2,000 - €15,000 Deposit to Decline CDW

boomer · Veteran Member

I am glad that it is working out for you. With Hertz i am not prepaying. The prepay was actually higher for me.

Rosa_Mundi · Veteran Member

Hi!

The Hertz price was very competitive and they seemed to include everything in the price that I thought they should but I've never actually rented with them before so kept reading every last review and offhand comment that I could find for the last several months.

Really, the only 'sticking point' for me was the surprise charges that seemed to pop up for people. With Dan Dooley there seemed to be almost no charges that weren't expected so I just switched for a little more peace of mind.

And the basic charge was the same for me with Dooley as Hertz so since there was a better exchange rate than there was back when I made my original reservation with Hertz- then that helped sway me a bit, too. wink

I'm sure Hertz will be *absolutely fine* for you, especially since you are a Gold member. smile

I also have gone with insurance4carhire for the excess. Hoping I won't need to find out if the claim process is a simple one!

boomer · Veteran Member

I am confused. I feel that Hertz really was informative about all the fees. I do not understand why you cancelled your reservation. I did not prepay because the price quoted was higher.

I am comfortable with their information. I have read other reviews re Hertz on trip advisor and they had no problems.

Please advise. Thanks

Rosa_Mundi · Veteran Member

I have to admit that the more I read about Hertz, overall, the more nervous I became about my own prepaid reservation so...I cancelled it and went with Dan Dooley. (Cancelling and getting a refund was super simple- so that was a good thing!)

The exchange rate had gone down considerably so it saved me a bit of money (even with the conversion fee since I completely missed the thing about going through the New Jersey office! As Homer would say: "Doh!"). But the number of discouraging remarks on Dan Dooley were outshone by the encouraging ones so I feel at peace with that decision.

Since I will be returning the car at Dublin airport (which seems to be where the biggest problems have occurred?) it just made sense *to me* to make the switch...

I'm looking forward to hearing about your Hertz experience, though! smile

boomer · Veteran Member

Thanks I do not have a flight yet. I am waiting for things to settle down . The airline flights are very expensive now.

I think the business cards are very different. I know that a regular Visa or AMEX does not work in Ireland. For all my research the only card that works is a World Master Card.

I am not sure if Capitol One has a World Master Card that works in Ireland. I went on their site and the words...may suggest that perhaps not. I might check on that.

For 3% for my rental it is not a big deal. Maybe $7.

I am going to use my Merrill Lynch Visa Signature with 2% transaction for everything else. I get points and it is a debit card.

I really feel that i have pressed Hertz to give me the details. But as i mentioned my situation may be different for some users of Hertz unless they are a Gold Member. I also was given an airline discount- which you can ask for.

But the information is pretty representative of their general rental agreement. The major advantage of Hertz Gold- i do not have to pay deductible if i waive the CDW and the Theft. I am eligible for upgrade- quick pickup.

I am pretty sure that they are giving me the full details and no hidden fees. I am prepared and perhaps that will help- as you always say if you come prepared there is less chance of being taken- but no guarantee...

Michele Erdvig · Host

Boomer,

It sounds like you are fully informed and very prepared. You are correct that Capital One has no foreign transaction fee. I have a Cap One business card that covers a car in Ireland even though it is not a World MC. So every card and transaction is different.

The language is always "slippery". You have to be a lawyer ten times over to understand it. All the cc compaines use the word "may" in their language. It is entirely up to the car company as to whether they will accept your cc insurance coverage.

Good luck with your car rental. You will have to let us know how it goes once you get back from your trip.

Michele

boomer · Veteran Member

I have the all the info from Hertz. This information is based on my rental situation. It will vary depending on whether you are a Hertz Gold Member or higher.
I am picking up a car at Dublin Airport. I am waiving the CDW and using my World Master Credit Card.

I am a Hertz Gold member so no there will not be a deposit for declining the CDW. .However, Hertz and other rental companies sometimes charge you about 1,200 euro to waive it - even if you have zero deductible. It is in their terms page on their website.

They called Dublin Airport for me. Hertz in Ireland has no loss of use. In the US they do.

I can take car into N. Ireland with no extra charges.

With Hertz they will not charge me for a road tax.

They will hold/block one tank of gas- but will be refunded if i return with a full tank. I also need a receipt.

They might also hold/block one day of rental. Refunded if i bring the car back ontime.

My price for twelve days Compact car/manuel, no AC, VAT tax included, location fee included will be 195.41 euro. They said no additional charges except- hold-fuel and perhaps/hold-for one day of rental.

Please be advised this is my situation because i am a gold member. I am also eligible for a upgrade if available.

Also World Master Card/Bank of America charges a 3% transaction fee.

If i was allowed to use Visa it would only be 2% on my card- but can not use in Ireland for insurance.I will be using it throughtout Ireland.

I think Capitol ONe no transaction fee- not sure if they have World Card to be used in Ireland because when i pulled up the info they said might not be available in Ireland, Israel, Jamaica and listed a few others.

If anyone has additional info that they would like to share- that would be great.

I think this is accurate because i pressed them to call the actual location.

boomer · Veteran Member

I have to agree. Still waiting on Hertz response for questions that their international dept should have. They have to get their information from Dublin because i pressed their hand.

They were concerned about the theft part of the contract because in Ireland they separate it. I called World Mastercard yesterday and this is what they informed me. They cover theft of the car as well as accessories of the physical car. Hertz was not sure if they covered side mirros, bumpers etc. Which is kind of strange because World said the physical car- but not the contents inside.

World Mastercard said they do not cover liability at all. Hertz covers the passenger but not the driver- and other passengers in the other car if an accident occurs. They call it third party. Mastercard was not aware of that term. Again, all these terms, condidtions etc.....

World Mastercard told me that they are getting alot of requests for confirmation letters for Ireland. They said now it is not enough just to show them your card. They also suggested that you extend the days when you are travelling to cover your self.

For instance- if you are renting a car on July7th for 7 days you need to extend the days up until the day you are leaving or the prior day. That way you will be covered if you want to keep the car longer. This should be stated in the confirmation letter that they will send you. We also spoke about have the letter with your full name on the card. If a middle name or middle initial is on the card- include that.

They also gave me their toll free number. I requested a letter but the representative said if they email me and if there is a problem- they can pull up the email that i received and they will see that it was sent from their company. Any other problems they can call World Mastercard directly.

However, you must submit a hard copy to the rental company when you go to the counter. Keep multiple copies with you.

The rep also suggested that everyone check the car over and look under bumpers, above the tires and have them record it. Pictures also- but if it is not written on the forms- there could be a problem she said.

We talked about looking at the car in the rain. She said that she is suggesting taking a flashlight at directly into at the windshield and it would show if there are any cracks.

She said that with this confirmation letter and being prepared there have been less problems on their end.

Also for loss of use- it has to be documented with fleet utilization logs. However, they do not pay any administrative costs if their is an accident or other matters.

Their primary concern is the physical car- not other areas. For instance, lost keys, tires, mechanical failure of the car. She kept on stressing phsyical car. She was really informative.

Since i wrote to Auto Europe re the bad reviews that they have encountered - they will not respond to my call or to my email. They were supposed to give me another quote. I am probably going to rent with Hertz since they are trying to give me a more detailed info- road fees etc.

Will keep you informed.

murphy · Guru

Michele,

It's been said before here and other websights, what a shame it is that there has to be the one segment of the total Ireland experience that can turn out to be so dreadful. You have to be a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, of the do's and don'ts and the maybe's and the gotcha's that can and often do go with, what should be, a simple transaction like a car rental. I've rented cars numerous times in the US, and while it probably isn't fair to compare a rental situation here to one over there (wrong side of the road, narrow roads, rock walls, and all)with a car rental in the US. Renting a car here is almost as easy as going to the convenience store to buy a soda. Not so in Ireland, unfortunately. Maybe the down turn in tourism, volcano, etc will finally put enough pressure on the Country of Ireland, Tourism Council, and with the customer based complaints to get some positive changes in the works.
Thanks again for providing a venue to help the folks who want to travel to Ireland. Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Boomer,

Good for you. We will be interested to hear what he has to say.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

Very interesting observation. You may well be right. I usually don't mind a few scratches or a dent as long as it is documented on the form. The attendants do quick disappearing acts but I go and track them down again and make them document every chip and scratch. They love that when it's raining. I will not accept a car with a chip in the windscreen because it can easily spread and not be covered. I will not accept a car with bald tires (and yes they have tried it).

Once when I returned a car they tried to take the pink sheet on which the original damage was indicated when I picked it up. They told me they needed it. Yeah, right! They didn't get away with that fast one either. I keep all my documentation. If they need something they can make a copy. The originals are mine.

Michele

boomer · Veteran Member

I just wrote shaun quinn and a premond@simi.ie an email about the auto rental concerns.

Will update you when i receive info.

boomer · Veteran Member

Trip advisor had a bad review. I agree that one review is not a problem.

boomer · Veteran Member

AutoEurope is now working with Murray/Sixth. That might make a difference but not sure. I used them for all my european trips but i am now leaning towards Hertz. Waiting for them to give me more info.

Hertz told me that they would not charge for crossing the border. I am wondering if that charge is when you actually do it. Waiting on road fees- but they think i have to pay daily- we will see when the contact me. They are emailing or calling Dublin Airport. They also told me that at the the airport the cars are 2010 or low miles- we will see.

boomer · Veteran Member

Thanks I will give you an update on Hertz. They told me no fee for crossing over to northern ireland- but you are stating 45 euro. Is this for every car rental?

I will give you update when i hear from Hertz on the road fee. They think it is a separate charge.

World Card told me that loss of use was based on the circumstances- how vague is that.... I asked them about fleet utilization they said that loss of use and fleet utilization had to be properly documented...

I never had this problem in other countries. I am going to email the ministry soon and strongly suggest regulations.

murphy · Guru

After re-reading my above post, I got to thinking about the scenerio at the Rental Car Lot in Shannon. There were 5 total cars sitting side by side, one of which was ours, when we arrived to pick it up. I was initially surprised by the amount of damage on our particular car. (I don't recall seeing that on the cars in the Dublin lot, in 2006.) I did a close inspection of the car, and found that all of the half a dozen major blemishes were noted on the documents we were given. I took close up pictures of a couple of minor scratches that were not documented, since the lot attendant had vanished. I did a quick walk around of the the other 4 cars, all the same make, model and color. and it was very noticable that the other 4 cars were in much better shape....body-wise. I am now starting to wonder, if the rougher looking cars, are not intentionally given to those who decline CDL or have credit card insurance coverage....in hopes that they might get more damage repaired if and when a fender bender occures? Has anybody else had a similar experience? Just curious. Dan

murphy · Guru

As stated in a previous post, we had troubles with National/Europcar/IrishCarRentals. They charged us a POM fee (peace of mind) of 90 euros, after I initialed the box that suppose to show that I had declined ALL insurance. This fee still showed up on my final bill. It had been lumped in with all the other declined insurance, but they didn't give me the opportunity to initial that particular one. I should have crossed it off, and initialed that. But the agent's verbal instructions was to initial the 4-5 small lines to show that I wished to decline all insurance. At that time I wasn't sure what POM was, and should have asked. The other item was a Northern Ireland cross border fee. I did not cross the border, and never intended to. That 45 euro fee was not on the paperwork I signed at the booth at registration. However, it did show up on my final paperwork. The car rental company said they weren't able to take it off, and the credit card company denied the dispute of charges.

We did have a fender bender, and it showed up as an $1800 charge on my credit card 2 months later. After jumping thru lots of hoops, involving emails and phone calls to Ireland, I was finally reimbursed by Mastercard. I truly believe that the repairs for the scratch on the bumper and the broken tail light lens were far less than $1800, if the truth were know. However, thinking back....the car had 4-5 other serious blemishes, and I may be mistaken, but I surmise, that the $1800 dollars fixed all of them, especially since the 5-6 pictures that I had secured from Irish Car Rentals to submit to Master Card showed more damage than the scratch on the bumper and the tail light lens....an area that could have been coverd with 1 or 2 photos instead of a half dozen! World MC reimbursed every thing but 118 Euros for "loss of use" charges. Master card wanted documentation from the rental car people that proved "loss of use". The document they needed was fleet utilization documets. We have been unable to get this information so far. It will take more phone calls to try to get this done. Again, renter beware! Dan

boomer · Veteran Member

Thanks Hertz told me yesterday that if i was approved for the World Mastercard- i just got approved- my rate would be 195.31. That included the 13.5% vat and the location fee- in my case Dublin Airport of 22.91. It is the same rate for the Dublin City location.This rate is for 12 days with a compact car- i requested Opel Astra- diesel- manuel. I am a gold member so if available i can get an upgrade. No deductible.

They said i would have two options for fuel- bring back with full tank or pay extra for them to refuel.

They said that their rate included liability because it is mandatory in Ireland.

The rate if i did not have the World Master Card would have been 290.47. That included Vat, location fee, CDW, also theft protection fee.

World card said that they usually pay for loss of use- depending on circumstances.

Still waiting from Hertz- key deposit, loss of use, fleet utilization log, extra fee for driving into Northern Ireland if desire, administrative fees if accident occurs, road tax fee.

There is no cancellation fee- however if i change days subject to price change if the rate changes.

I have used Auto Europe with visa in other parts of europe and i have never had a problem. I am hearing so many complaints in other forums such as Trip Advisor re Ireland.

Will keep you posted when i get more info.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Boomer,

There is no car rental company on earth that has 100% customer satisfaction. Problems can and will occur. The best thing to do in a case like that is address it and try to fix it immediately. Don't ignore it.

I just had a look at www.hertz.ie There is an extra charge for:

Location
VAT (13.5%)

It looks like since you are a Gold Card member they will waive the hefty security deposit.

One forum member had tire insurance sneeked into her contract which she overlooked because she was so tired on arrival. I always ask about each inidvidual charge that must be initialed before signing.

Below are questions that I always want answered:

When declining CDW is there a "charge" or "hold" put on the credit card? If so, how much?

Is there an extra charge for declining CDW?

Are there any other charges for declining CDW or any other rules that you have about it?

Is there a charge for canceling a reservation?

Is there a charge for changing a reservation?

Is there an "airport surcharge"? If so, how much?

Is there a "road tax" fee per day? If so, how much?

Is the car to be returned with a full tank of petrol or empty?

Is there a charge for crossing into No. Ireland?

What other charges apply that are not included in the quoted price?

Michele

boomer · Veteran Member

Hi Thank you so much. On trip advisor some of the posters recently had problems with Dan Dooley. As you said it depends on your own experience.

I have contacted Hertz and they are getting in touch with Hertz at Dublin Airport re other fees.

Auto Europe is contacting Murray/Sixth in Dublin to findout other fees.

Can you please let me know what other charges are imposed.

This is what i have so far with Hertz-   a compact car- i requested opal astra(not guaranteed. Just got approved by World Card- the benefits dept told me that they would cover collision only on the rental car. That also includes undercarriage, windshield, roof. Does not include a flat tire, nail in tire etc. They do not cover liability. Hertz told me that liablity is covered in my rental- because mandatory in Ireland.

My rate is without insurance- since i am using Mastercard- for 12 days 196.47 euro which includes VAT and location fee.   They told me final price. Mastercard- no deductible.

Hertz said re fuel- you start with filled tank- and you have two options bring it back full or have them fill it but will cost more.

World Mastercard said in case of an accident they will cover loss of use - with proper documents- i think that is common.

The training dept is checking with Dublin about fleet utilization log, adminstrative costs, loss of use, keydeposit.

I am not sure about road fee.

Please explain to me what other charges i could incur if they are saying my price is final. Thanks

Monty · Senior Member

Boomer:

I've not seen any reviews where someone "doesn't like Dan Dooley at all." As Michele noted, its the only place that has no hidden costs, so if you see something at Hertz that says $350, and Dooley says $400, you think Hertz is the deal. Actually that $350 will soon jump to $500 range by the time you sign the papers.

I've used Dooley for more than ten years -- they are the best to deal with that I -- and many others on this forum -- have found. Do not toss them out of your plans until you look at this closer, or you might find yourself in a mess later on. There are some nasty stories on this forum regarding what some have been going through with other car rental firms recently.

Monty

boomer · Veteran Member

Hi Thank you so much. I spoke to Auto Europe and they told me that they would contact their Dublin supplier Murray/Sixth and find out any additional extras.

Hertz is contacting their training dept and letting me know in 48 hours any additional charges for the car. Hertz told me that my rate was 196.47 for a compact car- like an opal astra(5 door hatchback) which included liability insurance(mandatory for Ireland they said). This is for a 12 day rental. That rate is if i waive the collision if i get approved for the World Card.

The rate they said included Vat Tax and Location fee. They do not cover tires. The last person i spoke to told me that since World Card was 0 deductible i did not have to pay a deposit.

When the training dept gets back to me - i asked about administrative charges, loss of use, fleet login, key deposit- i will let you know.

I will also let everyone know re Auto Europe. Maybe it is different in Ireland but i have used Auto Europe before and never had any suprises.

Both companies said it is critical that you have a letter from World card stating that they cover you. Just using your card is not enough.

Please advise me as to what other charges i can be charged for. Other reviewers that i have seen do not like Dan Dooley at all. So i guess it depends on your experiences.

Thanks again

Michele Erdvig · Host

boomer,

Auto Europe will not charge you anything extra. It is the car company that they book you with that you will have to pay the "extras" to. And believe me, there are always extras. The only one that doesn't add them on is Dan Dooley. With them what you are quoted is what you get. Their rates may seem higher at first but once you start adding on all the extras they may be comparable to the other companies. You just have to shop around to find out.

Michele

boomer · Veteran Member

Thanks I called World Credit card and they said that CDW - includes theft. In 2007 you were able to use Platinum or Gold. Now it has to be the black card- which includes theft. That might be the difference. Auto Europe told me no additonal charges -they do however charge you in dollars when you prepay.

Their rate included VAT- if i have a World Card i can waive the CDW and no deposit required. It also includes the airport location fee. I am not sure about the road taxes. With the fuel they all charge you for that - but some give it back if you return with a full tax.

Unfortuantely, no rentals include tire. Any suggestion of where you purchase that.

I also called Hertz today. I am a gold member so i am eligible for an upgrade if available. They first told me that if i waived the CDW i would have to make a deposit of 1,200 euro but today they said if i supplied a letter from World Card then no deposit.

They are contacting their Training Dept and they will be contacting Dublin Airport for any additional charges- deposit for key, administrative costs, loss of use, fleet utilization.

When i find out i will report back. Thanks for your help.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

From my 2007 Trip Report:

http://ireland.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=65127&p=3&topicID=12825158&page=3&sort=newestFirst

         " My booking invoice from Auto Europe quotes a discounted price of $264.64 for a 13 day rental of the Passat, with the cdw waived, less my booking fee of $59.44, leaving a balance due of $205.20 (Not counting the "fine print", EXTRA charges .....)

     When I picked up the car, I was charged $607. There was the Road Tax, The Airport Pick Up Premium, $36 to enter Northern Ireland, $95 for the initial Tank of fuel AND the 13 day charge for Theft coverage as the desk clerk informed me that Europcar had decided to no longer ACCEPT the MasterRental coverage for Theft, as they (Europcar) had "had too many cars stolen, that MC wasn't paying enough".

     Add to THAT, Europcar's ASSININE "Pick it up FULL / Return it Empty" Scheme and you have my litany of "ISSUES" .... furious

I had anticipated that the "EXTRAS" would drive the price up to about $500, cry

but the rather, um, SELECTIVE dismissal of the MC Theft Protection really did suprise and annoy me. furious

"

And, Oh Yes -- in the 'Heat of the Moment', I FAILED to notice that they ALSO 'Hooked' me with DCC -- making the charge in Dollars, rather than Euro. I think that, had I noticed that little 'salt-in-the-wound', I MIGHT have said 'To Heck with it' and gone "Shopping" for a better deal .... hmm

"

Now, this rental was through AutoEurope, but actually WITH EuropCar.

Bob

boomer · Veteran Member

Thank you. I am still debating on whether to use Auto Europe or Hertz. I google www.mycents and www.fodor.com and they had alot of complaints re Auto Europe. Also complaints for Hertz and the others.

I did speak to Auto Europe about alot of complaints and they are looking into it. I have used them in Europe and no problem.

They work with Murray/Sixth. Murray has financial problems and was not affiliated it with Sixth until perhaps six months- not sure exactly.

Auto Europe told me that if i used World Master Card i would not have to pay a deductible. They told me i had to put a deposit gas/keys- not sure how much. World Master does not pay for tires- but everything else. They also told me that Murray does not charge for administrative fees. World Card told me up to individual rental place. I think loss of use depends on that also.

World Master Card told me there is no deductible.

Hertz told me if i decline CDW i have to have a hold/or deposit not sure which of 1,200 - this would apply for accident separate or theft of car separate but only one deposit. I am a Hertz Gold Member so less deposit. Hertz told me that Super CDW does not change the insurance coverage- merely reduces the deposit to zero.

Still negotiating with Auto Europe on price. I will cost be with hertz 290.47 euro for 12 days with CDW extra for Super CDW. If i get approved for World Card it will be significantly lower. They make their money on add ups- it is really amazing.

Do you think the information that i received was accurate?

Any more suggestions? I have never had this problem renting in other countries.

Thanks

Michele Erdvig · Host

boomer,

Welcome to my forum. As you say Auto Europe is a broker. Whichever car company they book your car with - that car rental company's rules will apply. Ireland is different from many European countries when it comes to car rentals. That is why this post is so long.

I wish you success with your rental. You will have to let us know if you run into any surprises on arrival.

Michele

boomer · Veteran Member

I have used Auto Europe in Europe many times. I did not find that they used any angles to pile on stuff at the airport. Auto Europe's vouchers print all local fees so there are no hidden fees. Keep in mind that Auto Europe is a broker - so each supplier has different policies and local fees.

boomer · Veteran Member

I contacted hertz and for twelve days with cdw ford focus manual for 290.47 That is without Super CDW. That would be 85 euro for one week and then 12 euro per extra days.

I also called Auto Europe- i have used them for several european vacations- not Ireland. They are getting back to me with a better rate.

I also applied for a Master Card World card- will know on Monday if approved. They cover in Ireland. The benefits dept told me that we will cover CDW including undercarage, windshield, roof but not tires. No deductible. Therefore i will not have to purchase CDW.

If I use Hertz and waive the collision they will hold 1,200 euro. Auto Europe said they will not.

You might want to consider calling Auto Europe and seeing what they can do. I am going to keep both reservations just in case. Auto Europe will most of the time beat their competitors.