Car Rental CDW Insurance

Date: 12:52 PM, 09/16/05

Car Rental CDW Insurance

Michele Erdvig · Host

Derek,

It sounds like you are getting the run around. Only once in Ireland have I been asked for a letter from my MasterCard. When I said I didn't have it they just called the toll-free MasterCard phone number, told them my card number and got instant approval for declining CDW. I don't see that it should work any differently in your case.

Since you got no response from Dan Dooley by writing to them, try calling their toll-free: 800-331-9301 and speak with them directly.

You said you purchased the package with your platinum MasterCard. You will want to read through MasterCard's rules. One of them is that you as the driver and renter must use your card to cover yourself and any other authorized drivers. If you used your wife's card, that could be a problem unless you add yourself as a driver (and that costs extra). So read the fine-print and know the rules.

I have never been denied the use of my credit card's CDW insurance in Ireland. You just have to know the rules and be firm with them. Do not let them sweet-talk you (or scare you) into getting insurance that you don't want.

One thing you should know is if there is an accident MasterCard does not cover any VAT (tax) on repairs. I understand that Dooley requires an up front deposit from your credit card when declining CDW. Ask them about that also. They release that amount if there is no damage on return of the car.

Let us know how things turn out.

Michele

Melissa5 · Guru

Hi Michele, I too have questions about car rental and waiving CDW, and using my Platinum MasterCard for rental car insurance coverage. I thought I would just add my questions onto this post!

I would appreciate the benefit of your experience. I read your car rental info. It sounds like you would recommend waiving the CDW to save money, and taking advantage of the car rental insurance coverage offered when using my Platinum MasterCard. I also appreciate you pointing out that since hubby will be the driver, I should rent the car under HIS name with his Platinum MasterCard.

I was thinking of using Dan Dooley because I have seen a lot of recommendations for Dan Dooley on-line. But apparently you have to leave a deposit on your credit card with Dan Dooly, I understand, which you get back if the car is undamaged...

Considering the fact that we will rent the car at the Shannon airport, and return it to Dublin airport, is there anything else you can tell me? Any recommendations of your favorite car rental companies for me to check out? Any problem with taking the car into Northern Ireland as well (insurance still applies?)

Are there certain companies you know of who seem to have a better track record of renting out cars in good condition, good brakes, etc.?

Also, are the reports of hazards of driving in Ireland exaggerated? I am starting to wonder if one can possibly get the car through those narrow streets, with trucks trying to scrape off your mirror, and overgrown sharp hedges trying to reach out and scratch your car, plus strategically places bumps and ditches trying to scrape your bumper?!

You have driven all over Ireland I assume. Does your rental car arrive in perfect condition back to the rental car agency? Or all full of scrapes?! I would appreciate you telling me how it REALLY is.

Thanks, Michele! I assume that you waive the CDW when you travel in Ireland?

Hubby has driven on our vacations all over the world, including in Costa Rica. So far we have never had any damage to any rental car. Hubby always waives the CDW and I'm wondering if that is still the best choice for Ireland as well.

If anybody else wants to add their experience, I would like to hear it.

Besides having proper insurance coverage, my main concern is to get a safe reliable car in good condition, good brakes. I have read about some folks getting a car in poor condition and ending up having to exchange it somewhere, causing inconvenience.

-- Edited by Melissa5 at 16:59, 2006-03-20

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

There is a difference between saving money and peace of mind. Some people think that having the full insurance (CDW & Super CDW) is worth the extra added price because they just don't have to worry about a thing while on vacation. Others would rather waive the CDW, let their MasterCard insurance cover it and save money. No one way is correct for everyone. You must weigh the options to see what is best for you.

A word about CDW. Many times even if you get it plus Super CDW (which brings your deductable down to zero) you are still responsible for paying for damage to tires and windshields. You must ask your individual car company what their rules are.

Car companies also have different rules for going into Northern Ireland. Some add on extra insurance. Most do not. Most car companies require that you tell them you will be traveling in No. Ireland. Check with yours for the rules

Car condition: Never accept a car without first inspecting it. Tell them you want a current year model with low mileage. Check the tires. Check the windshield and windows. Check the body. Make note of anything even a tiny chip out of the windshield. Be sure you have a spare tire and the tools to change a tire in the trunk. In other words, be very fussy. Test drive the car. If you feel it is not performing well, return it for another.

The hazzards in Ireland are real. However, my cars go back fine. Many people never have a problem, while others do.

I have never used Dan Dooley simply because the quotes are always on the very high side for the type of vehicle I want. I always take the lowest rate I can find (that allows cancelation without penalty ). For the past few years I have been using Kemwel (a broker who shops all the car companies and gets you the best rate). I actually book from my own website on my Car Rental page. However, I get the smallest manual and they give me the best rates. When getting a larger vehicle or automatic they may not have the best rates. That is why I always say to shop around and take your lowest rate.

Michele

Melissa5 · Guru

Michele, thanks for all the info about car rental and insurance. This is very helpful. I'm also glad to hear that it is possible for a traveller (you for example) to actually drive through Ireland on over 40 trips and still return the car in good condition! I was beginning to wonder, after all I have read on-line...

Thanks also for the links you left for me under the Westport question; I didn't want to reply under that question until I have thoroughly checked out your great links. That's my reminder that I have more research to do, when I see that your name is still listed as the last person who replied!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

Glad to help. By the time your trip is over you will be an Ireland expert yourself!

Michele