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

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

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

Roy · Guru

As if renting a car needs to be made more confusing!

Michele Erdvig · Host

I guess the Dooley transparency is a thing of the past now that they have been sold. Just more work for the consumers.

Roy · Guru

Concerning Enterprise and Dooley, less completion is never a good thing.

-- Edited by Roy on Sunday 11th of June 2017 02:42:34 PM

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

FYI -- Just got off the phone with 1 800 MC-ASSIST to secure my Letter of Coverage. While the letter still states that it is valid for 60 days, the helpful Rep (Carl) advised that Irish Car Hire companies were now insisting that the letter be issued within 21 days of the rental's commencement.

I have NO other verification of that, but I also have no reason to doubt the veracity of the statement, either.

tony2phones · Guru

Back to the old days when you needed a letter within 28 days of the end of your rental. Temporary insurance has a clause that it is only valid for 28 days, day 29 you would be uninsured.

wojazz3 · Guru

Been a while since I've hung out with you folks. I just wanted to add, and maybe someone else has done so, my United Mileage Plus just sent me a notice of coverage and states that they now cover rentals in Ireland. Bit of a surprise. I was also surprised I remembered my password for the site here.

Liam

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Welcome back! biggrin biggrin

I -- for one -- would love to hear what you've been up to. wink wink

There's been a LOT of changes to Ireland car Hire in the past few months. A number of VISA cards (most notably, those offered by CITI and CHASE) and, even AMEX are now covering Ireland. Dooley sold out to Enterprise -- and, although nothing much changed -- AT FIRST -- Dooley has recently ceased to accept Debit Card rentals and I just heard that they are closing their Belfast office, as well! furious furious

Hertz still insists on requiring a 5,000 Euro 'Hold' if you use CC coverage -- yet, STILL insists on charging a fee, if you PAY with a CC??? confuse confuse

Do you have any upcoming visits planned???

Michele Erdvig · Host

Hi Bill/Liam, Nice to hear from you. Thanks for the update on your United card. Things are definitely changing.

Chris53ny · Newbie

I have a question. Im rentng a car in Belfast and will be traveling back and forth across the boarder. The chase card that I will be using covers both Ireland and Northern Ireland. To avoid the excessive cross border fees I was only going to state that my plans were to stay in Northern Ireland. My question is does anyone know if they track the rentals car locations?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

The 'Cross Border Fee', IF applied (not all companies charge it) covers things like Breakdown service, so failing to notify the Company is both a Contract Violation AND could result in significant costs in the event of a breakdown or accident.

The GOOD NEWS is that the Fee (If applied) is a One-Time charge and is good for the duration of the rental. It doesn't matter how many times you cross the border.

Chris53ny · Newbie

Thank you for the reply. It is my understanding that all companies in the north now charge the cross border fee. The fee is usually a daily fee and Europcar for example charges 15 pounds a day. If you are renting for a three week period that is a significant charge. So for this reason I ask does anyone know if they actually track the car destinations. Europcar and other major rental companies work on both sides of the boarder and the fee is just another rip off charge.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

That's a new one on me. Check with Hertz. Budget or Avis. As of this morning, the budget.ie website's N.I. Terms and Conditions state: "If you wish to drive the car into the Republic of Ireland your rental will be subject to a cross border coverage fee of GBP 23. Budget cars may not be taken outside the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland" Note that it does NOT say, "Per Day", so it is a one-time (single) charge.

SEE: https://www.budget.ie/terms/northern-ireland/

Neither the Hertz.ie nor the Avis.ie websites specifically address Cross border travel, which suggests that there are no additional fees -- but you would need to check with their Customer Service to be certain.

Michele Erdvig · Host

At 15 pounds a day I would not book with Europcar. Try some others. Or you could take a bus or train to Dublin and rent a car there. Many of the Republic car rental companies do not charge a cross-border fee but you must check with them to find out as it is in the small print (or no print!).

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Another NEW change! furious furious

hertz is now stating that if you use alternative coverage (Like a Credit Card) to 'Waive' Insurances, rather than a FLAT, one-time charge of 30 or 35 Euro, they will NOW impose a 7 Euro PER DAY fee! For those of us (Michele and myself, for starters) that typically rent for 2 weeks or longer, this will obviously make a SIGNIFICANT change in rental choices.

Hopefully (but, I'm NOT optimistic) other companies won't be quick to follow suit! bleh bleh

Michele Erdvig · Host

I put in an inquiry to the car rental council and they have not deigned to answer my inquiry about the new charge. It has been a while so am not optimistic about an answer. And so it goes.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Excellent video that Corey of IrishFireside.com put together about his experiences renting a car in Ireland. Good advice for all.

http://irishfireside.com/2019/02/15/155-tips-for-choosing-a-rental-car-in-ireland-video/

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

An interesting exchange of information (? confuse ?) with Europcar concerning car hire for May:

ROBERT EMPRIMO

Feb 17, 21:39 GMT

Your web site continues to state: The main driver must be the holder of an eligible US issued World MasterCard or Canadian issued Gold/Platinum Visa/MasterCard which allows you to waive CDW and Theft Protection in Ireland."

Over the past year or so, a number of US-issued VISA cards (And, specifically, Chase Sapphire which I possess), as well as American Express now INCLUDE coverage for the Republic of Ireland.

I understand that a letter of coverage is required (which Chase can provide) and that it should be dated within 28 days of the scheduled rental I am asking if the Chase Sapphire Cards coverage is, in fact, considered an Acceptable Provider for waiving CDW and Excess whilst renting a vehicle from carhire.ie / Irish Car Rentals at the Dublin Airport this coming May.

I understand that a 5,000 Euro Hold will be placed against my card. Is there also a Fee applied for waiving the coverage?

Thanks in advance for your quick reply.

Amy Smyth (Europcar Ireland)

Feb 18, 10:49 GMT

Hi Robert,

Thank you for your email.
We would not charge any additional fees if you choose to waive CDW once you provide us with the letter from your credit company stating they will cover you for the CDW.
Kind Regards,
Amy.

After a more thorough perusal of Europcar's T&C and FAQ pages, I discovered that the coverage Letter requirement is 21 days prior, rather than 28 -- and only ONE of my questions had been answered, so:

ROBERT EMPRIMO

Feb 18, 16:56 GMT

Does Europcar accept coverage provided by a US-issued Chase Sapphire Visa credit card as long as I provide a letter dated 21 days in advance that specifies that they DO cover rentals in Ireland?

Amy Smyth (Europcar Ireland)

Feb 21, 11:51 GMT

Hi Robert,

This would be fine once the card is a chip and pin card and the letters are embossed on the card.
Kind Regards,
Amy.

Customer Service

I'm still not 100% clear if the desk clerk can / will challenge my Chase Sapphire VISA since it is a metal card (rather than plastic) and although the card numbers ARE slightly raised numerals, I am unsure that the desk clerk will consider them 'embossed'. I do have a World Master Card that also covers Ireland, but it charges high 'Foreign Transaction Fees' and doesn't offer other 'Perks' that the Chase does. Of course, for Credit Card coverage, most issuers require that ALL rental-related transactions (reservation, Pick Up and Return) be done using the covering card -- so I can't just opt to switch cards at the desk . . .

Once again, I can only WISH that there would / could be Transparent, Clear-Cut, unambiguous rules in place for ALL players -- but neither the EU, nor the Irish government seem too inclined to require them.

That IS good news about the lack of a 'Waiver Fee' -- Particularly in light of Hertz Ireland's apparent switch to a 'Daily' fee.

Michele Erdvig · Host

And so it goes.....

Every clerk you communicate with will give you a different answer. Perhaps find out the name of the owner/president of the car company and contact them letting them know that their employees cannot answer the questions??

https://europcar-mobility-group.com/en/governance/management-board/

A google search turned up this ad:

Europcar Ireland | No Hidden Charges | europcar.com

Adwww.europcar.com/Ireland

Save Money when you Pre pay Online. Enjoy the Newest Cars with Europcar. Long Term Hire. Risk Reduction Cover. Insurance included. Price Match Guarantee. One Way Car & Van Hires. Hourly Car & Van Hires. Book in a Few Seconds. No Hidden Fees. Range of Excess waivers. Full Tank Option.

Affordable Car Rental
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Join Privilege Program
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It touts "no hidden charges".

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

An interesting read: https://www.irishcentral.com/news/irish-car-rental-scam-airports?fbclid=IwAR0ygbHHBXsHf-nzK1Fx12g8qSbu-VL7d-nRT41cbYGcQnzll1nppJEGboU

I just LOVE the encouragement to contact the Car Rental Council! furious furious After all, you can't trust the Foxes to guard the Henhouse -- But, they would be very happy for you to think that you can!

Similar accusations / charges have been brought against companies in the UK and other European countries, as well. Sounds to me like an EU issue that's just ripe for regulation.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I saw that article.

The Car Rental Council of Ireland never does anything. They exist to represent the car rental companies that pay to be listed on their site. I have been saying for decades that they need to regulate the industry. However, the people who vote for things in Ireland are the citizens. Few of them have to deal with renting a car there, hence they could care less. Tourism Ireland obviously cares nothing about the problem. No one cares except for tourists visiting Ireland and renting a car.

Maybe all tourists should boycott renting a car (or traveling to Ireland) for a year to send them a message. They would hear that loud and clear. However, it will never happen.

Since Ireland does not care, you are right that only the EU can solve the problem. If they want to. Don't hold your breath.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I have not explored this site in depth but wonder if they will at least hear complaints: https://www.ombudsman.ie/

This is a EU page: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/car-rental-abroad/index_en.htm

More reading:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer_affairs/motoring/renting_a_car.html

https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/contact/contact-us/

https://www.facebook.com/CCPC.ie/

https://twitter.com/CCPCIreland

Hey, my Facebook group Postcards From Ireland has over 30,000 members. Maybe someone should start an Irish Car Rental group on Facebook??

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig on Sunday 10th of March 2019 06:20:17 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Just started a Facebook group: Ireland Car Rentals. Wonder why no one did this before? This might be a can of worms!!!

Green Dragon · Guru

Hello, all! It's been a while... I've not been back to Ireland since 2013, but I'm planning another trip in 2020. Soooo.... car rental has changed again, and it looks like it's even MORE complex. I tried to get a quote for Dan Dooley from Belfast to Shannon, and was unable to even get it up there - do they no longer do one-way cross border rentals?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Welcome back, Christy! biggrin biggrin

With Enterprise's buying out of Dooley in 2017, very little changed during the first year. However, since then the Dooley website has apparently turned into a 'Booking' site -- for Dollar and Enterprise. I'm surprised that they don't allow a booking -- I ran a test booking on the Enterprise site and it allowed a one-way from Belfast to Dublin (BUT -- the 'drop Off' fee was around 270 Euro!!!), so Dooley SHOULD allow it.

Would you be buying the FULL insurances -- or 'Waiving' them through use of Credit Card coverage? If buying 'Full', many of the Forum members use Conn's (an exclusive Hertz Agent based in the USA) and report very good service and results. https://www.connsirelandcarrental.com/

Again, though, there will be a substantial 'Drop Off' fee . . .

Not sure what your plans are, but it might be a viable option to either rent and return in Belfast and train / bus to Dublin -- or, rent a car in each country?

Green Dragon · Guru

Thanks for the warm welcome! I have peeked in now and then, but didn't contribute much :(

I have cards that will now cover the insurance, according to the above (I'll be doing the research). I'll check out Conn's.

We are planning on only doing the west, starting with a brief drive along the Antrim coast. Not planning on Dublin at all :(

Michele Erdvig · Host

Christy, Nice to hear you are returning to Ireland again. I understand that Conn's only does full insurance. If using credit card insurance it is probably not an option...unless he has recently changed plans.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Also, check out IrishFireside's video on car rentals:

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

That 275 Euro 'Drop Off' fee is the REAL problem -- at least to ME . . . hmm hmm

It MIGHT be worth it to fly into Dublin, pick up the car and drive to Belfast -- returning the car to SNN. It's about three hours of your vacation time -- but, 240 Euro saved (after allowing for the N.I. Fee) is still a rather hefty motivator.

As always, though, it's always a balance between time / interest / money . . . confuse confuse

Only you can say which wins out.

Geno · Guru

There is no way I would pay that drop off fee. Northern Ireland would be taken off my list. I can see plenty of places without enduring that gouging exercise.

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