Car rentals

Marie · Guru

Car rentals

Michele Erdvig · Host

Marie,

I agree with you completely. Trying to wade through all the fine print, rules and regualtions of car rentals and CDW insurance is very confusing. But keep at it because it can save you a whole lot of money.

Keep in mind that Kemwel (click through to it from my Car Rental page) will meet or beat any other price you get from any other car company! I use Kemwel myself and get excellent rates and service.

Michele

Diana · Veteran Member

Hi,

After sorting many options and listening to much useful advice from people on this forum

I found my best way was: rent a small car - the smallest that will fit your needs -; get automatic shift; bite the bullet and get the most complete insurance package the rental agency offers.

The roads are narrow in Ireland. There is rarely any kind of shoulder. The roads twist and turn. The curb on the left, the parked cars on the left require a perceptual shift for those of us accustomed to driving on the right. That makes us vulnerable to tire bumps and side mirror encounters - even when all is going well. Add some rain and some gargantuan farm vehicles to the mix or conjested one way driving towns and villages you may find that bump/scratch episodes increase.

I went with Thrifty car rental and was very happy with my Astos. Actually that's an understatement. My Astos and I had so many wonderful adventures together that I bonded with it and felt sad letting it go.

Last word: I found that having a complete insurance package (I said, "this covers any and all eventualities?" Answer with a smiles, "Yes.") let me relax more while I drove. A level of tension lifted and I believe I was a better driver knowing I was covered well.

Have fun in Ireland! Bring boots!

Diana

P.S. I brought with me an instant flat fixer. I didn't need it. But on some long driving passages with nothing but gorgeous Ireland and no sign of civilization I was glad to have it just in case.

matt109 · Veteran Member

I just rented my car from autoeurope on advice from some people on this board. The people I talked on the phone were very helpful and informative to every question I asked. I got a 2/4 door Toyota Corolla or similar with ac, automatic, and all the insurance for 648.38. I looked at about 10 different car rental sites and found this to be the best price.You have to giver them a partial deposit, but it is fully refundable if you decide not to rent with them. I got the car for two weeks and it also has unlimited mileage.

Shawn · Senior Member

Car rates seem to be all over the map. Like you, I did a search with all different companies and found my best rate with Irish Car Rentals. I got an automatic mid size (toyota camry) for 8 days in the peak season for only $290. I couldn't believe it...but it was true. I waived the insurance and used my MC.
Out of curiosity I later logged onto the same website and got a quote for $1000 dollars for the same car and rental period. Very strange...but I'm not complaining about my rate!

Shawn

Lesman · Member

I rented with Dan Dooley because at the time they ahd the best rates for me. I bought the extra CDW only to reduce my deductible down to 100 euros versus, 800 euros. I got a FOrd Fiat and it worked great for me. Nice thing about Dan Dooley that I saw is that you can change the price to USD instead of Euros, and that is how they charged me. Taking the extra Insurnce left me with the piece of mind that I was covered, be sure to ask the car rentals what the do about the deductables. Some car agencies will charge to you cars until you come back. Dan Dooley does not do this.

Look on www.myspace.com/lesanderson to see the car I got.

Les Anderson

Michele Erdvig · Host

Les,

Thanks for the info. I clicked on photos on your site. I guess I have to create an account at myspace.com in order to view them?

Michele

Marie · Guru

Good evening, all:

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I am doing my "homework" and researching car rentals like crazy. Diana, I am DEFINITELY going to get royal coverage, as you suggest. Better safe than sorry...

I don't know how big an Astros is. There will be 3 of us, plus luggage, of course. I think a 4 door, compact is what I need.

Thanks again. You guys are like guardian angels.

Marie

Diana · Veteran Member

Dear Marie,

My sweet Astos would not be big enough for three. You'll all have luggage. Please remember, you can pack light.

Ireland dress is casual. I wore a good quality jean skirt everywhere. A few tops, something warm and something water repellent will do. The bulk of space my packing involved was boots.I'm so very glad I brought them. Several people (looking like Americans) in jean pants and white tennis shoes and were obviously uncomfortable and limited when the ground got wet.

It's fun to be free and unlimited by weather. I rather enjoyed sloshing through castle grounds with warm cozy feet inside boots with a good tread. Many envious eyes were directed at my feet!

What a wonderful experience you three will be sharing!

Diana

Marie · Guru

Hi, Diana:

Yes, after reading your trip report, I had already decided on looking for good, comfortable, waterproof boots. Told my daughters to start looking, too. :)

We will pack for one week only, and wash clothes midway. That should help keep the luggage situation under control. I will rent a 4 door, compact. That's still pretty small, buy should be comfortable.

Thanks so much for the advice. I know I will have a lot more questions before we take off in May.

Marie

Marie · Guru

Hi, Matt:

Funny thing, you are leaving Ireland on the same day we leave the US on our way to Ireland.

(May 12th, right? ) Well, it'll be too late to get advice from you! :)

Thanks for the car rental info. Hope you have a fantastic trip.

Marie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Marie,

Keep looking at car rental quotes. Then take the lowest one. Did you know that if you go to my Car Rental page on this website and click through to Kemwel, they will match any price you get. (You may have to call the toll-free number listed.) Melissa did just that on her trip.

Michele