Car rental

Geno · Guru

Car rental

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I used AutoEurope several years ago. They are a Consolidator, so it depends upon who they 'Place' you with as to what difficulties you encounter.

I always waive the insurances, and I've had good experiences with Dooley, Hertz and Avis over the past 3-4 years.

tony2phones · Guru

Irish insurance has gone up about 20% this year. That's on full year policies so the few short term highwayman will have banged theirs up well more than that.

Agencies only have to give prices for Day Rate's and with the non consolidated agents like A E who will put your business with whoever gives them (not you) the best base deal the real cost of insurance can be a wild card for you to discover at the collection desk.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I had the same problem last time. Dooley was way higher. However, I booked through Fox Rent A Car. Dooley is their affiliate and in Shannon it even says "Dooley - Fox Rent a Car" on the sign at their depot. Since I had never heard of Fox I called their NJ office to be sure it was legit. I saved a few hundred euro, got a Dooley car and everything went smoothly. The only thing I didn't like was you return the car empty of petrol. Other than that I would recommend them.

Geno · Guru

Thanks Michele. I will check with them, as the prices I am seeing through Dooley are incredible. Almost twice what I paid last year.

Geno

yesiree · Guru

If you like working with Dooley, I'd suggest you ring Attracta and/or Jim 1-800-331-9301. If they're able, they will work out a more competitive rate for you.

Green Dragon · Guru

Renting a car in Iceland this summer has put the Irish prices into perspective - it was almost $2000 for a two week rental, yikes!

Cloud · Member

Michele - were you able to prepay with Fox Car Rental? I went to their site and it says it will reserve the car. I can select what insurance, etc when I pay at pick up. It doesn't say how much the insurance will cost.

Michele Erdvig · Host

No I did not pre pay. I paid on arrival but was very careful to check all the figures to make sure they matched with my confirmation. Also, I used insurance coverage with my Visa card so did not purchase the insurance. You can phone them with any questions: (855) 571-8410

Cloud · Member

Thank you!

Roy · Guru

The ever confusing task of car rental in Ireland!

Cloud · Member

Exactly! biggrin

balinaraw · Member

You might also look at easytourireland.com as they have a very competitive fully inclusive rate with no deductible. They also have a free GPS if you book early. They deal only with Hertz. Very good reviews on trip advisor. Worth a look, I think.

Hope that helps

Roy · Guru

I have rented from easytourireland.com. Crappy car but otherwise smooth transaction.

tony2phones · Guru

To be fair Roy it would have been Hertz that gave you the car.
Very few companies do let you prepay, Dooley are one but you have to buy the FULL insurance package through them and the only extra would be the possibly refundable (if over 5 days hire) Fuel charge.

Roy · Guru

I also got a crappy car once from Dooley, to be fair! One good thing about beat up cars is it's hard to tell if I put any scratches or dings on the car. I remember Dooley going over the car with a fine tooth comb upon return. I laughed and asked how he would know if the were any new scratches on the car. He did not appear to be amused.

Roy · Guru

I also do a 360 degree photo opp with my rental car upon pick up, with date and time stamp.

tony2phones · Guru

I always say to note on the paperwork when collected in the rain that "the car was collected wet so couldn't be inspected for minor scratches".

markan · Senior Member

I reserved a car for upcoming trip in May from Europcar. I just went now to compare the price I've gotten to what Dooley is offering for a comparable vehicle and Dooley does seem really high. I've been using Europcar on various trips to different places like Ireland and Germany and Czech Republic and have been pretty happy with them. I don't think they are any cheaper than anyone else (except Dooley in Ireland apparently) but service has been good. One small benefit to Europcar in Shannon is that you just go to the counter in the terminal to get your keys and walk across the street to the car. I'm not 100% sure it's still this way but it was the last time I rented from them there.

Cloud · Member

Thank you for the pick up tips!