crckwc1

On our recent trip to Ireland and UK, we rented a car in each country, booked through AutoEurope and insured with our personal credit cards. In Ireland, we had an Avis car insured on our Citi World MasterCard, the only card that I know of that will insure in Ireland. Upon returning the car, we noted some minor scratches that we had picked up in a parking lot. The Avis rep filled out forms we would need to submit to MasterCard's insuring company for reimbursement of $538 which was the damage assessment. When we returned home, we filed with the insurance agency all required paperwork including a photo which we had taken to document the damage. We mailed the packet on October 3, and on October 19 we received a check in the amount of $538 as reimbursement for the charge to our MasterCard. This, IMHO, is outstanding service. We paid nothing for the insurance, nothing for the damage, and it was handled quickly and without hassle.

Next, we rented a car in Edinburgh, also through AutoEurope, and this time the rental was from Europcar. We charged the rental to our Visa card. When we turned the car in at Heathrow airport, we pointed out a scuff mark on the front of the car and the attendant told us that it wasn't considered damage and there would be no charge. After we returned home we received notice from Europcar in London that damage had been found and the charge, including loss of service, would be made to our credit card. The document they mailed showed damage on the rear bumper -- damage that had been noted on their paperwork when we picked up the car. It was clearly not damage done by us. Another couple of phone calls to point this out and it was all over. We received a letter of apology from Europcar for the error. Again, I feel we received fair and prompt treatment of the issue. It was a little hassle but not a big deal, and I'm impressed that Europcar was quick to admit their mistake and to submit an apology.

So -- this is just to let fellow fodorites know that insuring a rental car with your credit card is a no-cost way to go and also to commend both Avis and Europcar for quickly handling these issues.

susanna

Great to hear, thanks.

I too had a claim this year with my Visa, it did take a bit longer to work out, 2 months, but it was all covered and taken care of.

Someone else pointed out the AMEX car insurance is also great, costs $25 and you pay nothing in the case of an accident, so , I will be using that one next time.

Pegontheroad

I used my Visa after an accident in England, and it worked like a charm. It's nice to know that the World Mastercard really does work in Ireland. Fortunately, aside from losing 3 hubcaps, we had no problem there.

crckwc1

susanna,

I'm not familiar with the AMEX insurance. I don't understand why paying $25 for the insurance and owing nothing if an accident occurs is better than paying $0 for the insurance and owing nothing if an accident occurs (as with MC and Visa). What am I missing here? Anyone? Thanks.
K

trintraveler

Hi, Just to note that Amex does not insure car rentals in Ireland...