Car Rental Questions

KLyn316 · Member

Car Rental Questions

CowboyCraic · Guru

Kelly,

Before yo book anything, check out Kemwel, through the link here on Michele's site. They will match any other rate and are usually the lowest rate you will find. I booked through their sister company, autoeurope.com and was thrilled with both vehicles I rented from them. I was quoted an incredble rate for an automatic.

Good Luck and enjoy your adventure in Ireland!

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine

shashie50 · Veteran Member

Hi Kelly,

Looking at my rental agreement, I found this statement (not something I have to worry about!):

VEHICLE REQUIRES MINIMUM AGE OF 25 TO RENT

That might not be true of all companies. I know there would have been an additional charge for another driver, but we had one person with experience willing to do all the driving, and one person good at navigating and route-planning and map-reading (me). That determined our front seat and back seat assignments, and also meant the driver and navigator weren't a married couple -- maybe we were more polite to each other when things got stressful because of that! Anyway, it worked out well.

For some reason, I think the additional driver charge was around $10, but I can't find that in writing so it might be wrong. Also, find out if there will be an extra charge if you bring the car back with a less than full tank. I assumed that was true, since it always seems to be the case here, but I guess it depends on the agreement. Of course be sure to look the car over carefully before you leave the lot and have the agent note any existing damage.

I wasn't in charge of researching the car so I don't know if we got a good deal. There was a weekly rate stated, then tax of 13.5%, then "location service charge" of $29.15 (no idea what that is - we rented and returned at Shannon); then the insurance charge of your choice to be added. I have heard some horror stories about people getting charged large amounts for small scratches, surprise $1000 deductibles before coverage began, etc., but I have no personal experience with that.

I think renting the car is more stressful than driving! I second the advice to check using Michele's Kemwel link -- they have a good reputation (Michele wouldn't recommend them if they weren't reliable!).

Have a great trip!

Marsha

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kelly,

Bit has started you out on the topic of renting a car in Ireland. First, I suggest you go to my "Car Rental" page for a lot of good info that you need to know. Some companies want drivers to be 25 or older. Check in advance before deciding on a company.

All car companies charge extra for a second driver. There is no way around that. Rates vary. Perhaps 7-12 euro per day.

When you pick up the car inspect it carefully. Have the car rental person in the parking lot sign off on any scratches, dents, etc. Document everything. Most insurance does not cover tires or windshield. Do not accept a car with bald tires or a chipped or cracked windshield. Check to be sure you have a spare tire and tools to change it with in the trunk (boot).

What credit card will be covering the CDW?

I can't quote you prices on cars. It depends on type, time of year and how long you rent for. However, I rent from Kemwel (link on my Car Rental page). I always shop around extensively before my trips and for the last several years their prices have been astoundingly low when compared to others. Each car company is different. With Kemwel I can tell you from experience that the "extras" are airport surcharge, road tax(most car rental companies add these fees), extra driver, and paying for a full tank of gas (petrol).

Shop around. Compare comparable vehicle types. Add up all costs for a final price. Notice if the prices are in dollars or euros. Take your lowest rate.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

Hi Kelly:

Most rental agencies either don't allow drivers under 25 or charge an arm and a leg for them to drive. I have never had a second driver.

MC doesn't cover tire damage and windshield damage. You need to check the car very thoroughly for scratches. I've never had a big problem returning the car after 7 trips to Ireland. Michele probably has a similar record after 40+. MC should cover you w/ 100% deductible.

Hidden fees result from no research. You will probably be told about the following:

Airport tax: This is compulsory. some will include it in the price, others not. It's about $45 ESD

Daily Road Tax: This is compulsory. some will include it in the price, others not. It's about $2.50 USD per day.

Liability: Everyone in all others cars are covered. People in your car or not. You can check with you health insurance provider to make sure that you are covered overseas.

Theft protection: MC should cover this.

Some countries have started doing this one, I don't think Ireland has. There are surcharges for those who use a credit card for CDW. it's usually a per day rate. I think this is now happening in the UK.

Bill

wojazz3 · Guru

Kemwel's site says they rent to all drivers 21 and over but 21-24 pay a surcharge locally. As I remember, it can be pretty high. I got my best price from Kemwel. There is a US number for irishcarrentals.com. The woman there is very helpful. 1-877-347-3227. I don't suspect their price will be as good, but it would be interesting to find out what the surcharge would be. It can be pretty high.

Bill

Liam · Member

Research really pays off when renting a car in Ireland. It is very important to verify that your MC will cover insurance in Ireland - not all of them do. Getting a letter confirming it is the best way...sometimes the people on the phone aren't familiar with the special provisions for Ireland, Italy, et al, and they just give a blanket, "yes, you're covered." I've even had one person tell me I was covered, and send me the letter...IN THE LETTER it said that I was covered, EXCEPT in IRELAND.
Once you know that detail and you decide to waive the extra insurance from the agencies, you need to commit to it. They may ask you again at the counter...don't let that confuse you. Just tell them your MC is covering it...that's a good time to have the documentation from MC ready...so when they say, "Well, not ALL MCs are covering anymore," you're ready.
The one person I know who had to make a claim on their MC said it worked out fine. The damage was charged to their card. Then it was up to them to work it out with MC...it took about 45 days and several phone calls.
The rules for under 25 and over 70 drivers varies from agency to agency. If I remember correctly, Irish Car Rentals requires that under 25s have held their full license (no learners' permits) for 2 years. Ann McCartan at Irish Car Rentals is a gem and is very diligent about making sure you get your questions answered. When I think it will help to talk to a real, live person, I always refer people to her. Most of those people have booked with her and have found a car upgrade waiting for them at Shannon. I like to think it's because they mentioned my name...but who knows.
> Ann McCartan
> Irish Car Rentals
> US Reservations Manager
> US TOLL FREE NO: 1 877 347 3227
> US Website: www.eirecar.com
Irish Car Rentals tends to be on the more economical end of the spectrum, but not always the lowest.
I've rented from Irish Car Rentals (Sixt), Dan Dooley and Auto Europe and found their service and systems at Shannon airport to be pretty similar.
Have fun,
Liam Hughes

KLyn316 · Member

The card that was signed up for that we believe offers CDW is the capital one platinum MC. We are waiting for the paperwork to come in so that we can confirm what we were told online about the card

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kelly,

I heartily agree with Liam about research. My Cap One MC covers but it is a business card. There is a topic here on the forum about it, so be sure to read it. I have also addressed the question in my latest newsletter. Just read the fine print when the card arrives.

Michele