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


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


I am one of those folks who has used Easy Tour twice with much success!  I recently booked two more vehicles with them for our Sept/Oct trip. However, they did NOT have the pre-pay option.  You get, however, a guaranteed absolute inclusive price quote (except for tires and glass coverage-which you have an option  to purchase at the pick-up desk upon arrival). It is payable in Euros, and charged to your card at the end of the rental when you return the car. This quote covers CDW and SCDW.  I believe you can waive SCDW with Easy Tour but not sure about waiving the regular CDW and using your credit card insurance.  That would be a good question for Conn via email or you can try his toll free phone number.  

 

I did use credit card coverage once with my World Master Card, back in 09,  the only time I had a bumper scrape in Ireland, and I had to jump thru a lot of hoops, and then never got totally reimbursed. My cc insurance wanted proof of down time for the car during repairs AND Europcar/IrishCarRentals/Enterprise never would send me that documentation, after numerous email and even long distance phone requests.  

 

Dooley's quote was always higher for previous trips and higher for this upcoming trip.  however, their advantage is pre-paying in $'s to avoid the foreign transaction fee as Bob pointed out, and if you think the Euro might go higher, this would indeed lock in the price.  (The Euro has gone from $1.10 to $1.14 since we booked our trip, so it is a consideration).  Of course, you can't outguess currency values, it could go the opposite way also!

regards

Dan



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I agree Dan. I went through the same learning curve on car rentals over the years and found easytourireland.com and was very pleased with the experience from talking with Conn (very knowledgable on Ireland touring by the way) and the fully inclusive rate was a better deal than I thought it would be. When I went to the Hertz counter everything I was told happened as promised and all went smoothly. When I turned in the car I was charged exactly what I was confirmed when I made my reservation. Couldn't have been better. I have a US credit card so I did pay a foreign transaction fee but it was nominal considering the great experience.

Dan, I don't think you can waive the SCDW using the fully inclusive rate otherwise it wouldn't be fully inclusive.right? A call to Conn can answer that.

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Hey guys, I was reading about easytourireland and it has a lot of great reviews and well it's Hertz too. I was reading their term and conditions and it says none of the insurances in Ireland cover tire and wheel damage? And what do you think about the gps's (no i don't have a smart phone) so I either need to get one or rely on maps and help from nice irish residents. It's approx £14 a day? I think I would just have to get lost, although I'm sure it makes driving in Ireland easier, especially for your first time.

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Finn



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Oh, and what this part about if the fees are all inclusive? :

Credit Card On arrival, you will be asked to present your credit card. This credit card is required for the additional services and insurances taken such as extra drivers, fuel, etc. It is important to make sure that there is sufficient credit on your card to cover all additional charges.

What other additional charges did you incur? Or opt for. I'm guessing fuel is in case you run out?

Is there an additional charge if you get a flat? I guess what I'm asking what other options did you think it wise to pay for if any, and what were they?


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Finn



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Only some rental companies cover tire and wheel damage.  Most exclude undercarriage, window and side mirror damage as well as putting in the wrong fuel, or losing the key.  When available, tire coverage runs between 10 & 15 Euro per day. 

Also, depending on the company "Excess" coverage (to reduce the 'Deductible' on the CDW is usually considered an extra.  Fuel covers the cost of the initial Full tank of fuel (Petrol or Diesel)  and remember that the hose colors are opposite in Ireland from the US -- here, green denote gasoline (Petrol) and Black is used for Diesel.  In Ireland the opposite is true.

A compact car (like a Ford Focus or a VW Golf will require as much as 80 Euro.  Most companies will give that back, if you return the car full (and that means FULL -- NOT 'Nearly Full'-- BUT some companies insist that you return it empty and give NO credit for any unused fuel.

All companies will ask if you are taking the car to Northern Ireland and SOME (but NOT all will charge you a FEE (around 30-35 Euro) for coverage.  If you lie and then have an accident or a break-down while in the North, they can void your insurance coverage so that's NOT a good idea.

I did a quote on the Dooley website for all-inclusive (meaning CDW and Excess using the arbitrary dates of 14-20 June:

 
Rate Details
Car Class : Economy - 2/3 Door  ( manual )  
Alternative Models : Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, VW Polo or similar
Details : 3 Door Vehicle suitable for small luggage and city driving
Basic Rental :$54.10
LLI : $56.45
CDI :$28.23
Extras :$98.79
Total Amount :$237.57
Total Amount After Discounts :$213.81
 
  
  
Dooley offered tyre coverage the last I knew and although they encourage me to bring the car back empty, they did acknowledge that they would (and did!) refund the initial fuel charge once they verified that I returned the car full. 
  
  

Now, I have only ever bought the extra insurances ONCE in twenty visits as I have a Credit Card that covers Irish Rentals and when I go to Ireland, the only thing I use that card is for the Car Rental -- so I don't worry about a 2,000 - 5,000 Euro 'Hold'.  In all those times, I've had to buy 3 tires and I had one alloy wheel straightened due to hitting potholes.  I had replaced  the first tire (in 2005) at an independent shop for 100 Euro.  In 2009  I had the front tire (and the rim straightened) at independent shop for 150 Euro but I missed spotting the damage to the rear tire and the car hire company charged me 200 Euro for it!  furious

So -- If you don't buy tire coverage save yourself some money and grief and get it fixed before you return the car.  If you DO buy the coverage, the company will instruct you how to deal with a tire issue. 

Most companies also offer 'Personal Injury Coverage' but I don't know anyone who has bought it.



-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Tuesday 31st of May 2016 02:34:37 AM

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Bob

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This is the offer that I received prior to booking a 6-9 passenger people hauler from Easy Tour This fall. This option is only available at the counter when you get there. Also printed out the coupon for the free "never lost GPS". It is part of the quote, but will be taken off the bill when I give them the coupon.

This is the copy of the offer I got when i received the quote:

"The Super CDW does not cover Lost Car Keys, Fuel contamination (petrol into diesel engine), Tire damage, Wheel Damage.

You may now add Tire & Wheel Insurance to your rental contract for just 4 Euros per day. You can do that at the Hertz counter."

Dan



-- Edited by murphy on Tuesday 31st of May 2016 09:36:45 PM

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Where can i get the coupon for free gps? Or any other coupons for that matter. I'm wanting to decide on the car rental now. Seems Dooley's is
the majority consensus on this? It just seems I've bounced around for a few weeks with differing opinions and somehow before, between and up to
this point Dooley's comes back into the equation.

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Finn



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


Thanks for everyone's efforts on here however. Certainly don't want to sound ungrateful because that's certainly not the case. It's late
where I'm at and I've been frustrated between the car rental, finding a b&b for the 11th (found one but the site gets turned over to a 3rd party
payment site where i end up with this message: Your authentication could not be completed because of a system error. If this happens consistently, please contact your CSR. What?? Never had that before. Ever.

I'm very thankful and grateful for all the wonderful people and help on here. Just tired and frustrated. (Charlie Brown scream).


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Finn



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


Hello everyone.... I just started reading this rental car sticky and have some concerns about a booking I made through AutoEurope/Hertz some time ago for an upcoming trip in May. The voucher states CDMD Basic Rental with CDW, THP and has Zero deductible for both. Does this look like it covers the excess mentioned often in this thread? It also claims that it includes roof,glass and undercarriage. Eleven days for $460....is the cost. We pick up in city center Dublin and return at Shannon. We have always declined insurance for past trips to other countries in Europe....but we were swayed by the horror stories of Irish rentals and driving there.
Thanks, Tim

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Tim -- Welcome to Michele's Forum.  biggrin

According to what you've said, AutoEurope is a Broker and the Car Hire Company that will actually provide the car is Hertz.  Since it will be Hertz that you will be dealing with, you should ask THEM your questions for a DEFINITIVE answer.  It SOUNDS like you are getting Full insurance, but it's best to know for sure, ahead of time.  biggrin   I'm NOT a fan of 'Surprises'.  hmm  hmm

I recommend you email them (Hertz Ireland, Dublin Airport -- NOT Hertz USA) and then take along printed copies of both your query AND their answer, so that there are no problems at pick up. 



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Bob

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Thanks Bob....I will follow up with Hertz. That was truly a quick reply.
Tim

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Tim -- No problem -- we're happy to help.  biggrin

Buying Full Insurance, as opposed to using a Credit Card's coverage, is a VERY Personal decision and it's hard to put a price on the 'Peace of Mind' element.

As to driving difficulty, I've NOT ever found it to be significantly different driving in Ireland as opposed to anywhere else.  True, there's the whole, 'Opposite Side of the Road' factor -- and the Irish Rural roads ARE narrower than most US and Canadian roads, but those "problems" really aren't all that significant, over-all.

I actually find driving in Ireland QUITE enjoyable and often cover 2-3000 miles each, on most of my 20+ visits!  biggrin 



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Bob

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Roy


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Itallian Chauffeur wrote:

Tim -- No problem -- we're happy to help.  biggrin

Buying Full Insurance, as opposed to using a Credit Card's coverage, is a VERY Personal decision and it's hard to put a price on the 'Peace of Mind' element.

As to driving difficulty, I've NOT ever found it to be significantly different driving in Ireland as opposed to anywhere else.  True, there's the whole, 'Opposite Side of the Road' factor -- and the Irish Rural roads ARE narrower than most US and Canadian roads, but those "problems" really aren't all that significant, over-all.

I actually find driving in Ireland QUITE enjoyable and often cover 2-3000 miles each, on most of my 20+ visits!  biggrin 


 Sound advice from the man who drove through city centre Dublin!



-- Edited by Roy on Thursday 12th of January 2017 06:25:02 AM

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Roy


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Roy wrote:  "Sound advice from the man who drove through city centre Dublin!"

biggrin  biggrin  biggrin  biggrin  biggrin  biggrin

I've actually driven in / through Dublin a few times.  I even kept the car during a two night stay at Staunton-On-The-Green, and drove myself to the airport, after!  NEVER again, though . . .  Ah, to be young and foolish once again -- As opposed to old and foolish   hmm  hmm  hmm 



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Bob

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Roy


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Easy Tour Ireland (www.easytourireland.com) is now Conn's Ireland Car Rental (www.connsirelandcarrental.com) for anyone interested. Same company, new name.

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Roy


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Now I'm nervous about driving in Dublin. I'm planning a trip to Ireland 2nd week of September for 8 days. I've booked airfare but nothing else, flying into and out of Dublin. I'd like to book 1 night at the Shelbourne with my CC points and head south or west after that staying in B&B's for a more localized experience. So my questions are
1) Would it be crazy to take an aircoach from Dublin Airport to the hotel?
2) Then get the rental car the following day when we were ready to leave Dublin?
a) suggestions on doing that?
b) or should I take another aircoach to another city and pick up rental car there (say Cork?)
This will be our first time in Ireland, but I'm already planning a follow up trip so we can see Shannon and west coast.

Thanks!

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Vallan,
I have been to Ireland 6 times and have driven a rental car each time. With this much driving experience, I would never consider driving in down-town Dublin or anywhere inside the M50 ring road. It is a very compact city but very congested with traffic and one-way streets. It has a great user friendly mass transit system. Since you are a first-time visitor, I would absolutely recommend taking a bus from the airport to your downtown hotel, and then when you are ready to get your rental car, take a bus back to the airport to do so, and from there you have easy access to the M50 and that will take you to your chosen route or onto the main motorway north.
Dan

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Roy


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murphy wrote:

Vallan,
I have been to Ireland 6 times and have driven a rental car each time. With this much driving experience, I would never consider driving in down-town Dublin or anywhere inside the M50 ring road. It is a very compact city but very congested with traffic and one-way streets. It has a great user friendly mass transit system. Since you are a first-time visitor, I would absolutely recommend taking a bus from the airport to your downtown hotel, and then when you are ready to get your rental car, take a bus back to the airport to do so, and from there you have easy access to the M50 and that will take you to your chosen route or onto the main motorway north.
Dan


 I second this excellent advice!



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Roy


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Thank you both! I feel much better about not driving in Dublin now.

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Where are you heading off to?  Your first night route would determine your car hire options.  For, example, Hertz has a depot on the South Circular Road, very near the R115.  That gives you easy access to the M50 South, toward Wicklow. 

If your plans include Galway, Cork or Killarney (or points in between) it's probably just as convenient to return to the airport to pick up your car -- and that would widen your options of both Companies AND vehicles.

Are you planning to purchase the FULL insurances, or to 'Waive' them by using an acceptable Credit Card?  If using a CC, but sure to read and understand the pertinent postings relating to the Rules and Requirements for doing so.



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Bob

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I've made no plans beyond airfare yet.  We sent my son to Ireland on his honeymoon last year and he flew into Shannon.  I thought it might make sense to explore south and west of Dublin and leave the Shannon/west coast of Ireland for another trip.  We're planning on arriving early AM Thurs Sept 14th and flying out Friday Sept 22nd.  I'd like to spend 1 night at the Shelbourne to celebrate our anniversary either the 14th when we arrive or thurs the 21 our last night.  I'll definitely take the regular/super versions of the insurance offered by the rental company & I can drive a manual transmission.

Really not sure where to go beyond that.  I know I want to experience some local pubs, see some beautiful sights, stay in some B&b's for a bit more localized flare and a chance to chat up the host about the areas they live in.



-- Edited by Vallan on Friday 10th of February 2017 04:15:55 PM

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Since this is a car thread you will be better off posting your travel plans in another separate post as not everyone will come here to answer. They will just think the questions are about car rentals.


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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.



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This just confirms what we have been discussing about getting the rental car and driving in Dublin. Thanks for great advice.

tresakon



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Hello All,

I'm planning a trip in late Aug to mid Sept. I've tentatively pre-booked a rental from Hertz from expedia, I checked and their rates don't appear to include CDW. I've queried many upon many forms, websites etc and there seems to be a various range of costs. I've read various reviews of all the different car rentals and here's my dilemma. I have a MasterCard World Elite card, haven't called to verify whether or not they cover Ireland anymore. But even if they do you can't add any extra options from what I understand if you decline the rental CDW. Meaning no Super CDW or Tire/Glass. Is it worth the hassle of them holding ~5000 Euro on your card. That's a lot.

Dan Dooley's rate for Super on a Mini class car is 500 EUROs on top of the 265 EU rate for 17 days. Working that out into CDN dollars is $1000. So my questions are:

- Those that opt'ed for Super CDW was it worth it, did you end up needing it?
- Those that didn't did you wish you did and or ended up thinking it was a waste of money
- Has anyone booked with Conn's Ireland Car Rental if so how was their service?

I read so many different posts and the problems / horrors / good things etc that I am getting a bit nervous on whether I should rent there. I've rented in Spain / France & Australia never had issues. But it seems that Ireland is a whole different situation.

Any tips, suggestions you can pass along will be great. I know it's personal preference but need to weight the pros and cons.



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I don't want your welcome to the forum being a negative one, but, There are a whole load of moans from folk who booked through Expedia. You noticed they don't include basic 2nd level insurance lots didn't.

Base rate car hire in Ireland is fairly cheap. Car insurance, any car insurance in Ireland has got stupidly expensive. Unfortunately if you don't take the full insurance on offer the rental companies across the board put a "Hold" on your card. Ireland is no different to anywhere else. the roads are amongst the safest in Europe, far safer than the States, But our roads are narrower and our mean hedge's and ditches jump out on transatlantic folk in hire cars so lots of damage. truth is that transatlantic visitors overcompensate and deliberately drive further from the centre of the road.

Conn used to be known by easytoursireland, changed the brand name to be more personal.. not the best name choice for a car rental perhaps but its his given name.
I like most Irish/UK folk just don't have that much available to be blocked credit never have, wouldn't want it. so when I rent a car its fully insured, have a full no claims dating back a lot of years but my take on insurance is that its not me it the other idiots on the road.

Conn (for Hertz) or Dooleys (direct or via Fox) would be my recommendations these days.

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Thanks for the info, I don't have a preference to sticking with Expedia only that it offered me some extra points. That is not the only deciding factor, it was more to get something locked in temporarily. Having said that I have read about the narrow streets and small shoulders in rural areas of which we plan to do while visiting for approx. 3wks. I know it's a luck of the draw and something or anything can happen to anyone at anytime.

I think as long as you follow the rules drive responsively and defensively then things should be ok. Good to know that Conn and Dooley's are the more highly.


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Roy


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I have rented using my credit card, I have also rented from Dooley and Conn. I have not had to make a claim, but do enjoy the peace of mind of all inclusive insurance. I am, after all, on vacation. I have never rented through Expedia so can't speak to them.Dooley and Conn were both easy to rent through.



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Roy


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I've only ever bought the offered insurances one time, when it was part of a group package.  For all our other rentals, I used a Credit Card for coverage.  The only claims / accidental expenses I've incurred were replacing three tires and repairing one bent wheel -- all caused by striking potholes and NOT curbs or rock walls.  Credit card, Standard CDW and 'Excess' don't cover those, although most companies now offer a tire and wheel option, above and beyond.

The first tire was in 2005 and the other two (and wheel) happened in 2009, so it was only TWO incidences out of 21.  Starting in 2010, I have purchased a Third Party, Annual Policy that covers 'Excess' and tire, wheel, wrong fuel, lost keys and more from various providers -- and had NO claims whatsoever!  My current policy -- which runs from Oct 28, 2016 - Oct 27, 2017, cost me 58 GBP and was purchased from www.worldwideinsure.com   

I found them by searching here:   http://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/faq/car-hire-insurance/non-uk-residents-expat-car-hire-insurance

Which insurance(s) to buy is a HIGHLY personal decision.  As Roy said, your Personal 'Comfort Level' plays a key factor that sometimes over-writes purely financial issues.  confuse  confuse

I ALWAYS recommend dealing Directly with the owner of the vehicle, rather than a Consolidator or Third-Party Agent. Although Michele has used Fox and a number of the 'IrelandYes Irregulars' have happily done business with Conn, I find MY 'Peace of Mind' comes from dealing DIRECT.  biggrin  biggrin



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Bob

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Hi Bob,

With your Third Party insurance, did you still have to leave a hold on your CC since you declined the CDW?

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Yes, there is still a hold -- Usually equal to the 'Excess' amount.

The car hire companies don't accept any Third Party Insurance -- including the Credit Card.  That's why they collect a 'Hold' and advise that in the event of damage, they will bill YOU and you must then 'Claim it Back' from the Credit Card people.  The same is true with Third Party coverage.

Nearly all Third Party coverages ONLY cover 'Excess' and have an upper limit that is generally in the $5000 range.  I only buy it for to cover the things that CDW / Excess and the Credit Card DON'T cover -- and I usually manage to get two trips worth of coverage from a single, Annual Policy.

FYI -- It usually covers car hire in all of Europe, too -- Not JUST Ireland -- so, I've also used the same coverage in England and Wales, too.



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Bob

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