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

Michele Erdvig · Host

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

Roy · Guru

Owe it all to this forum!

Michele Erdvig · Host

It is nice to know you enjoy the forum. You are a valued member!

DiCal · Veteran Member

As suggested on the Forum, I requested a Letter of Converage from MasterCard for my car rental in April which arrived today via email. The MasterCard coverage excludes :
"Tire damage, unless damaged by fire, malicious mischief or vandalism, or stolen or unless the loss be coincident with a covered loss;"

Is there another policy I should purchase that will cover tires? Thanks. This forum has been very helpful as I have planned our trip.
Diane

Roy · Guru

Diane raises a good question. On previous trips, I have ended up paying an extra daily charge to cover windshield and tires. This is the first time I will be renting through Dan Dooley. What is the situation with Dooley?

Lucky Traveler · Veteran Member

Regarding the World Mastercards that allow us to waive CDW, after many hours of phone calls, I learned that the Continental One Pass World Mastercard stopped covering CDW in Ireland as of June 1, 2011. I then tried to obtain a Chase Sapphire Preferred World Mastercard, and after many more phone calls, learned that they no longer offer the World MC and are only offering this card as a Visa. I then re-checked the rate with insurance for 15 days this spring with Dooley, and it adds over $400 to the cost with CDW and Super CDW. And, as Bob told us earlier in this thread, the World MC assist center does have different information (sometimes) than the bank (Chase Enhancement Services). The World MC said they would send a letter stating I had coverage, while Chase says my specific card does not have coverage. ACK!

Any ideas about other World MC's that people have received lately that will cover auto insurance in Ireland?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Diane, Check this website for Super CDW (or excess): http://www.worldwideinsure.com/car-hire-excess-insurance.php

Read the fine print because I just did a very preliminary quick search. Didn't have time to read the entire website. I have emails in to a few other companies.

Roy, Give Dooley a call: 1-800-331-9301.

Lucky, There seems to be no rhyme or reason to which World MCs cover Ireland. Keep trying.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Lucky -- As I said, the people at Chase ( and MOST issuing Banks, to be honest) really ARE clueless about the coverage. MasterRental is a benefit provided by MasterCard -- NOT by the Banks.

If MasterCard says you are covered, you are. They will send you a Letter of Coverage via either Surface Mail or Email, but I THINK the letter only has a 'Shelf Life' of 60 days -- so I would request an Emailed version about 30-45 days from your departure.

I have a BankofAmerica Elite Rewards World MasterCard that I have used for the last 3-4 years. I haven't called yet to verify coverage for this April, but I DID receive a Coverage Letter for my trip last June.

Roy -- I had an All-Inclusive 6 Day Package that included a Dooley rental with CDW, last March. Since that eliminated MasterRental (by 'Buying' the CDW) we purchased the Deluxe insurance for 70 Euro extra and I THINK that it INCLUDED the tire coverage, as well.

Didn't really pay that much attention, because I ALSO had a policy with Insurance4carHire -- which sadly, is no longer offered. I will have to check out the link that Michele posted as an alternative.

Diane -- In 14 trips to Ireland, I've bought 3 tires -- 1 in 2005 and 2, in 2009 -- so only two EVENTS -- Each time, potholes were to blame, but I would add that, in 2010 and BOTH 2011 trips, there were NO problems, whatsoever -- and during the June, 2011 trip, I drove almost 2,600 Kilometers (about 1,600 MILES) -- so tire problems are purely a 'Luck of the Draw' issue ...

Hope this helps ... confuse confuse confuse

Bob

Lucky Traveler · Veteran Member

Bob,

Thanks again for the information about the difference between asking Chase or MasterRental regarding coverage. Chase says they absolutely do not cover Ireland as of June 1, 2011 (and of course, recorded this conversation with me). And, Master Rental says they do and MC Assist is going to send me the letter now, just so I can see how it is worded for Ireland coverage. I'm also working with a local banker (in person) at Bank of America who is trying to find out the rental coverage provided by the World MC there. He says it is through My Concierge. I wonder if that is different than MasterRental, which is the one that seems to be most likely to cover CDW in Ireland. The extra $450 for CDW and Super CDW just seems like a huge amount that would be wonderfully used for castle hotel stays and many other treats in Ireland!

Hope I learn that BofA has the coverage and off we go!!!

Your tips are great! Thanks,

Lucky

Roy · Guru

When I have rented last last two trips with Murray's through Kemwel, even though I declined CDW through my World MasterCard, I purchased windshield & tire coverage through Murray's. Michelle- I will give them a call.

wckc · Guru

Bob -

My husband checked with Insurance4carhire and they are covering Ireland:

"From: info@Insurance4CarHire.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 3:14 AM
To:
Subject: RE: Insurance4carhire: Website Query: 14/02/2012

Dear Mr Coleman,

The European policy does cover the Republic of Ireland.

Kind Regards

Lucy Woods

Insurance4carhire.com
104-108 Sheldon House
Station Road East
Oxted
RH8 0QB

Tel: 0844 892 1770 Fax: 0844 980 6802
Website: www.insurance4carhire.com

Insurance4carhire.com is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority."

We have always purchased the Super CDW from Dooley, but were looking to see if we could save some money this year. Have you ever had to utilize your coverage with insurance4carhire? If so, were you satisfied?

wckc · Guru

We have the AerLingus card from Barclay's and have never paid a foreign transaction charge on Euro charges, but we have on British pound charges...

wckc · Guru

Okay, we currently have a Capital1 Gold Venture card. I'm looking at the benefits for their Cash Rewards World Master Card. Here is what it says about car insurance in Ireland:

"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."

Anyone able to decipher this language? Since Dooley will accept World MC insurance, does this sound like they will accept this one?

tony2phones · Guru

I think what it comes down to is not the rental agency, Dooley, Hertz, Budget etc. but their insurance Underwriters. These Underwriters can change from time to time.

So hypothetically if ^^Hire car Co^^ get their insurance policies from ^^we insure^^, then change for commercial reasons to ^^Insure you^^ then the latter might not accept the same card as the former.

This is why you should always check with the rental company themselves as to which card they accept at the time of booking.

Many Insurance Underwriting companies are tied to Banks, just as Credit card providers, so if an Insurance and Card are linked to the same bank this could be why one covers the other.

Only your Hire car provider can answer the question as to which card they accept "today"

Ltravels · Member

I rented from Budget online with the CDW insurance. I couldn't find a credit card that would cover the insurance. Anyone have tips as to what I should be aware of or to look out for when I pick up the car in Dublin?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ltravels,

Budget is fine. Things to look out for is don't sign or initial anything on the contract without reading it and knowing what it is. If you are unsure ask for an explanation. You will need to purchase Super CDW if you want to decrease your deductible. Inspect the car carefully. If any damage is not on the pink sheet, call an attendant back and have them mark it on that sheet. When returning the car keep that damage sheet. They always try to take it from you. Thing is they already have the original!

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Ltravels,

In addition to the quoted price, on arrival Budget will OFFER the OPTION of purchasing "Excess" cover (that reduces the CDW deductible to Zero) at a fee of between 13 - 19 Euro PER DAY -- depending upon the size/class of vehicle rented. They will also OFFER Personal Accident / Personal Effects Insurance at the rate of 8 Euro PER DAY. How gently the 'Offer' depends upon the Counter Clerk -- SOME are VERY agressive with their sales tactics and some seem to care less if you buy the Extras, or not ...

In any event, Budget will charge you 28 Euro for the City Center OR the Airport Surcharge and they will also charge for the initial tank of fuel ( THAT will run you somewhere between 50 and 100 Euro -- Depending on the vehicle). Budget will REFUND the Inital Fuel cost, if you return the car with a full tank.

You ALSO need to be aware of the procedure to pay the Barrier Free Toll fees -- as failure to do so will result in a HEFTY Fee charged to your Credit Card after you return home.

The following applies to ALL Car Hire Companies -- NOT just Budget:

As Michele mentioned, a THOROUGH examination of the vehicle is ESSENTIAL --- PARTICULARLY the tires, mirrors and windscreen --- as those will most likely be scrutinized when you return the car.

Make SURE that ALL defects are noted on the sheet!

It's actually a GOOD thing if the vehicle has some scratches and scrapes -- They are less likely to quibble about a few more ... biggrin biggrin biggrin

Be SURE to examine the SIDEWALLS of the tires for cracks and bulges. If you find ANY, ask for a different car.

Hope this helps...

Bob

JeanneV · Member

Rather than be faced with problems of using a credit card for CDW coverage in Ireland, check out easytourireland.com for their Fully Inclusive Rate--includes everything, including Super CDW. They use Hertz cars and there's no payment until the end of the rental, no cancellation penalty, no hidden costs, and a guaranteed Euro rate at the time of booking.

Michele Erdvig · Host

JeanneV,

We would love to hear your other experiences in Ireland. Do tell us about more than cars. Looking forward to hearing lots more!

Michele

AKLR · Veteran Member

Didn't see anyone mention renting from "Easy Tour Ireland", or possibly missed it. There is a lot of information above to decipher. We used them who are affiliated with Hertz. The gentleman at Easy Tour as been very helpful and I think we have everything we need (other than gas) covered in the rent. Just curious if there is any personal experience using them for car rentals in Ireland.

Thanks

Sue

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sue,

JeanneV has been touting "Easy Tour Ireland" frequently although I don't think she has actually rented from them yet. We will await her review when she gets back.

Michele

murphy · Guru

Some disturbing posts on another websight, don't know if I should mention it here, but for the sake of information:

On Rick Steves >Graffiti Wall>Travelers' helpline>To the North

A couple of posts regarding Dooley car rentals and tires (tyres) It is alleged that Dooley is charging people for tears, bubbles, and blemishes on tires upon return. On one particular incident, the renter noted the blemish when they took the car, and the lot attendant went straight away to look at the tire upon return. It doesn't appear that it turned out too well $'s wise for the renter.

Bottom Line: With ANY rental car company, have a close look at the tires on both sides and the face before accepting the car...unless you are lucky enough to rent from a company that you are positive it has CDW and SCDW that covers tires!

We picked up a rental in Shannon once that had a low front tire sitting in the lot. We asked the lot attendant to take care of it. He simply aired it up, with no regard for why it might be low. Turns out to be a slow leak, and we had to get it fixed. The patch was 10 Euro....we got off lucky and didn't ruin tire. I won't ever accept a rental car again with a low tire! At the very least they will replace the tire, or I'll demand another car.

Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dan,

Thanks for the "head's up". Perfectly okay to mention this here. We want everyone traveling to Ireland to be fully informed.

Michele

tony2phones · Guru

There has been one particular person giving Dooley a hard time repeatedly as they were charged far more than they thought tyres cost for a pair.

Whilst you must always check an Irish rental as if you were investing your life savings in the beast, you should also be aware that a new tyre in Ireland will cost about 60+ Euro for a basic size. If a car us returned with a tyre you have damaged then the car is not available for the next person and you will be charged for some of the upgrade of that next person. Rental desks/airport garages do not have tyre changing facilities so the repair will need doing off site which adds cost. By the time you are finished a damaged tyre might cost you 150 Euro each (no matter who you rent from).

Simple message, if you puncture a tyre get it fixed your self, if you damage a tyre have it replaced yourself it works out an awful lot cheaper in the long run.

CharlesHolley · Newbie

There are a few countries in the world that do this. It used to be that if you had an American Express credit card, then that card allowed you to decline CDW. Then they took away the AmEx option. Last time I rented in Ireland, I used a MasterCard "World". Otherwise you have to pay for CDW. I don't think it's the rental company's fault, it's a national policy.

JohnT · Veteran Member

World MC indicates they cover the CDW,so I can waive that cost at time of rental. But, how about liability coverage? If there is an accident, would I not still have to cover the repairs to the other car? How does this all work? Thanks.

tony2phones · Guru

The rental company would send you the bill and you would then have to forward that claim to WMC. Your card may not cover All costs such as the loss of earnings element that may be claimed but that's the small print on all insurances.

JohnT · Veteran Member

What about liability insurance? Is that part of cdw? If I decline cdw, do I still need iiability?
JohnT

Michele Erdvig · Host

John,

Look at my Car Rental page. Third party liability is included. However, for peace of mind always check all details with your car rental company. Crossing those "T's" and dotting those "i's" always pays off in the end.

Michele

gnight · Veteran Member

Has anyone had experience with a particular car rental agency in Killarney? I may rent a car there after taking the bus for several days. And yes, I will pay for the CDW insurance.