Going to Ireland in about 2 months, and found out from this forum about AMEX and their policy concerning the CDW for auto rental. Also found out about World MasterCard and the fact that they provide coverage if the renter declines the CDW. Long story short, I will be receiving my Bank of America World MasterCard soon, but am still unsure about the picking up additional levels of coverage for our rental. I have been introduced to the "Super" CDW coverage by a conversation with Avis, and it costs more than the rental on a daily basis. Any input on what I supplementary insurance that we should get that will not void the coverage that we receive from MC when we decline the CDW will be most helpful. Thanks everyone!

Just be sure to decline CDW, super CDW or any other CDW or your credit card will not cover you. You can't mix the coverage. Theft also is usually covered by your card. Get a copy of Master Card's MasterRental Agreement. My Master Card is with Citi and I was able to get the agreement online, but I don't know how to access BOA's agreement (which should be the same since it's World Master Card insurance, not BOA or Citi). You should receive a little brochure when you get your card that will give you a phone number or website for more information on auto rental coverage. Also, check whether the coverage is for 15 days or 30 days.

I have a BofA Elite Rewards World MC. I used it the last TWO years in Ireland, to waive the CDW. Had some diffuculty with AutoEurope, out of the Dublin airport, in '07, but NO problem, whatsoever, in'08 with Dan Dooley, at their Cork airport office.

Not all rental companies accept the CDW waiver -- by Irish law, it is THEIR option. MasteRental coverage specifically states that their coverage is VOID, if you purchase ANY of the optional coverage. Coverage is only up to a maximum limit of $50,000, so if you have your heart set on renting a Mercedes or BMW, you may still be on the hook for a chunk of money.
They generally do NOT cover off-road vehicles, or accidents that occur off-road, but I've been on SOME 'roads' that definitely "blur" the distinction.
ALL transactions - the reservation deposit, the rental pick-up AND the rental termination -- MUST be transacted using the card. No fair reserving with a different card, in order to score a discount -- and no fair paying CASH, at the end, to avoid the foreign transaction fee -- as SOME claims emerge AFTER you've dropped off the car and thought that you received an "All Clear".

For full, EXACT coverage details - and to verify that you ARE covered -- call MC (NOT BofA) at 1-800-MC ASSIST. I had a Chase MC that CHASE PROMISED offered coverage in Ireland, but when I checked with MC direct, THEY told me other-wise -- and MC OPERATES the MasteRental - not the issuing bank!!

Bob

Thanks very kindly to both of you for those informative responses. Can I assume that the World MasterCard coverage will cover virtually everything, including a zero deductible, liability coverage for an occupants(s) of another vehicle involved in an accident with my vehicle? I will certainly avail myself of the customer service folks with MC, but is there any merit in picking up a separate liability rider from another carrier (trip insurance of some sort) before we leave the USA? Will third party coverage void the MC coverage? I think I'll drink a Guiness and figure this out a bit more.

My goodness the most likely problem is that you'll have a flat tire as I did within the first two hours on the road and as I recall, our insurance didn't cover tires!

I'll give you the best driving advice that I got from a couple of taxi drivers about the roundabouts. If you're exit is the first or second after you enter the roundabout - stay in the left (outside lane). If you're exiting the third then keep to the inside lane. It doesn't seem like much, but when the traffics coming from all directions, we did pretty good!

I want to add to my previous message that last year on my trip to europe, I used my new BOA world card. When I got home and received my first statement I saw they charged me over $150 in exchange fees. My Amex card did not charge any exchange fees. I will not use my BOA world card again unless I have to, i.e., car rental in Ireland. I also used my Continental MC world card in Europe and they didn't charge exchange fees either and I could have used that for the Ireland car rental instead of the BOA card.

I always rent from either Budget or Hertz in Ireland. In 2008 I used my MC World card no problem. Be sure and waive all coverage and have your copy of the Master Rental coverage. If you contact MC they will email you a copy of the coverage. I don't think you can get this from BOA. They will send you to the MC site.

I also emailed Hertz at Shannon airport and confirmed that they would accept the insurance and had a copy of their reply (that they would accept) with me.

Be aware, that even if the car rental place accepts the MC coverage they may also include in the total rental charge a small fee for "accepting" the MC coverage.

Kind of strange, but that is policy in Ireland.

Also, be sure and go over the body of the car very carefully BEFORE driving away from the rental office. Note every scratch and nick and be sure that they make a note of same.