BigBlue

Avis in Dublin have come up with an exceptionally creative way to generate additional revenue. When I declined their CDW offering on our rental in September (because it was covered by my World Master Card), they just added on an “administration fee” of 30 euro. Sort of like going to the movies and being charged for not buying any popcorn. Fortunately AutoEurope intervened on my behalf and got the charge reversed. Caveat Emptor Semper (which is intended to mean “The buyer ALWAYS has be aware.”)

Tony2phones

All sorry All car rental companies charge an administration fee for declining insurance and using a non registered provider. Basic insurances are written into the rental package of Irish rentals and there have to be removed or you would be in a position of having two policies covering the same possibilities thus makeing both insurances null and void.

In your case AutoEurope probably took the hit as when they book the rentals they only book basic.

Michael

<i>AutoEurope probably took the hit as when they book the rentals they only book basic.</i>

Doubtful. As a broker, it probably can negotiate its contracts without a loss; it is not a charitable organization.

BigBlue

When I called AutoEurope on my return home I advised them of both this issue and my dissatisfaction with other aspects of the rental. They asked me to document same which they said they would forward to Avis which, of course, I did. Several days later I was advised that Avis would be refunding the fee. AutoEurope will write full-coverage or basic contracts depending on customer preference.

The logic of charging me for declining a service for which I have no need eludes me.

Tony2phones

Had you needed to make a claim there would have been several other charges to elude you...This is why very few Credit Cards endorse Rental coverage in Ireland and why even less are accepted by the Irish rental companies.

I do not make the rules, just trying to explain them.

jaja

Dan Dooley does the same thing....but it is spelled out up front that this will happen. That charge pretty much would wipe out the advantage of using my MasterCard insurance so I took Dooley's.

JOHNOD

I travel to Ireland twice a year and for the past three years I have booked my car by linking to Hertz through the Aer Lingus web site. I use my Cap. one World MC and decline the CDW. I have never been charged a surcharge for using my MC. I do provide a letter of coverage provided via E-mail by MC assist however half the time the agent does not ask to see it. I have found the Hertz link off the Aer Lingus web site to be the cheapest rates. Hertz does not play the (bring the car back empty) game. I have used Dooley and other agencies in past years and have had no problem with the cars but there was always some glitch such as fuel or surcharges that I Have not found with Hertz

BigBlue

jaja,as you know Visa and Amex do not cover rentals in Ireland. The difference between my using my World Master Card and using the insurance provided by Avis was in excess of USD400 on a 25-day rental. This was a classic no-brainer.

Sominex

That's not true, I have a letter from Visa stating I am covered for CDW in Ireland.
Som

Tony2phones

Visa might cover you in Ireland but is there a car hire company in Ireland that would accept that cover?? plus are we talking Republic or Northern Ireland. Or the Island of Ireland which has two very separate legislations on car hire? (which is why some companies charge extra for roaming)

longhorn55

We have had the same experience that JOHNOD has had with Hertz. We rented with Hertz on both of our trips to Ireland and used the World Mastercard letter of coverage for our CDW. The Hertz rep accepted our coverage without question and no additional "administrative" fees were charged for not accepting their CDW.

I would certainly rent with Hertz again in Ireland and, BigBlue, I'm glad that AutoEurope got the charge reversed in your case. I don't like seeing any company "nickel-and-dime" the consumer.

BigBlue

Som, you must have a very different Visa if it covers you in the Republic of Ireland as I have been told unequivocally by Visa that they will not. Northern Ireland is covered by them according to my sources.