Kemwel's fine print also says that they only accept their CDW or certain credit cards (I'm not sure if they mention MasterCard by name). You need to check with your rental company before committing.

Marie,

Let us know how that works out for your trip. I'm sure everyone else that is going later in the year will be wanting to know.

Michele

Marie,

I hope you don't make a claim either! We will wait for your review.

Michele

Bob,

Good points. I always encourage everyone to read all the fine print so they know what they are getting. Trying to sort through the car insurance maze can be daunting.

Michele

Hi Marie,

Thanks very much for the insurance tip.  I am flying to Ireland in 5 weeks, and would have purchased the Super CDW from my car rental agency to reduce the deductible to a more manageable level.  Having driven several thousand kilometres in Ireland on my previous trips, I am all too aware of the challenges inherent in negotiating the roads there, and Excess insurance coverage secures a little peace of mind.

I purchased a policy from "insurance4carhire.com" for a cost of about $120 Canadian.  I had figured the cost of Super CDW would have cost me almost $490 Canadian if purchased from the rental agency, so this represents a substantial savings for me. In addition, this policy covers damage to tires which is not covered under the Super CDW policy. Having fallen victim to "loose chippings" on my previous travels, tire coverage is an invaluable bonus.

I really appreciate your post, and hope you have a great trip !

Thanks

Thom

I just went to the site and indeed it looks like they pick up the excess. I hope you don't have to find out, but companies (I had a run in with Avis) sometimes see if they can get a bit of car repair from folks who have other means of insurance. This seems legit from what I read in the terms and conditions. One item struck me as interesting though and maybe I don't get legalese but it states as one of the requirements for refund:
"Copy of your credit card statement showing payment of the damages claimed.

It sounds like you have to pay it and prove you paid it before they will reimburse. Not sure if they mean that or if it just needs to show up on a bill.

Bill

Roy,

Please, please, please read the fine print before booking. This is what Kemwel is saying:

* Most credit cards do not cover for CDW in Ireland. CDW from any source other than Kemwel, our supplier locally, or some Mastercard credit card (with written proof of coverage) is not accepted. If you are choosing to use your credit card as coverage please check to be sure that they offer CDW in Ireland.

I suggest you call them to see if you can use a Diners Club card and waive the CDW. Perhaps they are just not informed about Diners Club yet.

Below is the entire text of the rental agreement:

Kemwel has arranged your rental with the car rental company shown on the voucher after your payment of the services. Kemwel is independent, not an agent for any particular car rental company. This voucher confirms your reservation with the rental company. The voucher is not a rental agreement. When you pick up the vehicle, you must sign a rental agreement provided by the rental company and subject to local laws. Additional fees may apply for rental service beyond hours of operation.All rates are guaranteed in US Dollars.

YOUR RENTAL INCLUDES* Sales tax as of Booking Date: 28-Mar-2007* Unlimited mileage and fire insurance* Liability Insurance for injuries or damages to persons or things outside the vehicle.
RENTAL DOES NOT INCLUDE* Rental excludes Collision Damage Waiver Rental excludes Theft Protection. * Insurance coverage for personal injuries to driver or passengers, or for damages to vehicle. Optional coverage may be offered locally for an additional fee. * Client will be charged for a tank of gas at time of pick up and should return the vehicle as empty as possible as there is no refund for unused fuel.* Pick up location surcharge of approximately $45 USD per rental. * Vehicle License Fee of approximately $2.50 USD per day.* Local toll, highway fees, or travel stickers required by local authorities.* Rentals exceeding 35 days will be subject to an additional 7.5% VAT, paid locally, from the 36th day onwards. Domestic One Way fee of approximately 50 - 150, depending on car category and location.
GENERAL TERMSKemwel does not provide insurance. Coverage is provided by the rental company as indicated. Additional coverage may be available for purchase from the rental company. Insurance does not provide coverage for damage to windows, tires, roof, underside or interior of the vehicle.* The local supplier will require a security deposit to be blocked on the primary drivers credit card for the duration of the rental. Contact Kemwel for exceptions. (Drivers license must be held for a minimum of 2 years (some exceptions may apply).* Optional equipment is on request for an additional fee. Drop off charges, if applicable, are estimates only, and may change without notice. Kemwel strongly advises client to check if car is DIESEL or REGULAR GASOLINE at pick up .* The rental invoice may only show the balance due on delivery. This assures that you will not pay unnecessary surcharges.* Most credit cards do not cover for CDW in Ireland. CDW from any source other than Kemwel, our supplier locally, or some Mastercard credit card (with written proof of coverage) is not accepted. If you are choosing to use your credit card as coverage please check to be sure that they offer CDW in Ireland.* Debit cards are NOT accepted locally .* Reservations may be changed or cancelled without penalty by contacting Kemwel before the expiration of the rental period.*Additional drivers sign on & pay locally. Min driver age 21 , max driver age 75. Drivers age 21-23 and 70-75 must pay as additional fee locally.* Cars can travel into Mainland UK and N. Ireland; additional insurance is required at time of pick up. Vehicles may not travel on ferries and/or to Island locations without pre-approval from Kemwel.* All rentals are based on 24 hour periods with a 1 day minimum rental, a full day is charged for any portion of a day that the vehicle is used.It is always important to be an informed consumer.Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 17:14, 2007-03-28

Hi, Roy:

In all my research I have not found any card that reduces liability over and above CDW.  It seems that whether you are insured through the car rental company or your credit card, you will have a hefty deductible.  The insurance I mentioned is the equivalent of the Super CDW, and reduces your deductible to near zero.  The CDW on my car had a deductible fo $1100.00, and does not cover windshield, tires, or undercarriage.

Marie

I have a non-business CHASE MasterCard that THEY swear DOES still cover Ireland. When I asked for written verification, they sent me a Guide to Benefits copywrited 2006 that states:

    "You may be unable to receive benefits in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica and New Zealand.  Please contact your vehicle rental agency before you travel."

Now, I have NOT yet called 1-800-MCASSIST for verification, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL --my old MBNA that I used from 1999 through 2006 was NEVER the final word.  I used to call EVERY year for verification, until I discovered that the MBNA reps really didn't have a clue... so now I only go by what MasterCard says.  Presumably, MC let the card issuers 'opt out' of providing/paying for the MasterRental package (and MOST did).  Chase, despite their HEFTY 'foreign transaction' fees and exchange rates, apparrently chose to contine the service, but I'll know for sure after I call MC.

I've heard that SOME rental companies are charging a 'surcharge' for processing rentals that waive the CDW coverage.  I received an online quote from HERTZ via 

 https://www.rentacarireland.com/details.asp    with terms and conditions that states:

"All rates displayed below are shown inclusive of Taxes.Products:Basic Product includes rental charges, third party insurance, unlimited mileage, breakdown service and taxes. Due to the increasing administration in servicing this product there will be a 25 fee payable at the desk.Inclusive Product includes rental charges, third party insurance, collision & theft insurance, unlimited mileage, breakdown service and taxes.Products do not include a location service charge of 26 which is payable at the desk."

Wonder if it would do any good to complain to the Tourist Board?????
The ONLY part of my annual trips that I positively DREAD is the inevitable car rental fiasco.  Wish the Government would step in and STANDARDIZE the industry -- for their OWN sake.  Despite the 'Celtic Tiger', tourism is STILL the fuel that drives the pump.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 20:55, 2007-03-28

Thanks, Michele.  I get it.  Sadly, none of my cards cover the CDW, so I have played it safe.  Once again, here's to hoping I don't need it!  :)

6 weeks!!!!!!!

Marie

Bob,

I feel your pain. I go to Ireland a couple of times a year and every time must confirm my credit card will cover CDW. I am leaving nothing to chance. I was on the phone with Diners Club the other day to re-confirm for everyone that they still cover Ireland...and they do. The insurance division was also up to date not only on their own coverage but on MasterCard's too and full of good info. Their number is 1-877-764-3576 (insurance). The general number is 1-800-234-6377.

As for complaining to Tourism Ireland, good idea. However, just calling the toll-free and speaking with the call center will get you no where. What we need is a letter-writing campaign to the minister of tourism. Whether it would do any good is anyone's guess. But it never hurts to air your feelings.

Let me know if you want his name and address and I will look it up.

Michele