sf7307

Quote:

The primary vs secondary credit card insurance is only an advantage in one's home country since it keeps rental car incidents off your personal car insurance. There's no advantage in a foreign country.

I had not previously heard of any exception to "primary" coverage, and found this on line...."The coverage is provided on a primary basis in the U.S. and worldwide in most countries. "

Please follow up - why do you say it's of no advantage in a foreign country.?

marthabot

Do I need an international driver license to drive in Ireland? We are US citizens

janisj

It is not a 'license' - its an IDP (International Drivers Permit) and is merely a translation of your own license. You need to check with the specific rental agency you use -- in general they are not required since the police can read your English language license -- Most companies don't require them but a few companies do.

girlonthego

We rented this past October 2019 (through Dan Dooley) and we did NOT need an international license. We are also US citizens.

livetoroam

We rented last year in Dublin. We paid more for all the insurance than for the car rental itself. But glad we had it as another car swiped us down the drivers side door when we were parked and away from the car. No issues at all when we returned the car, they said that is why you have insurance and sent us on our way. Roads in Dingle and Galway are very narrow. Driving was a hoot. We didn’t have international drivers licenses.

janisj

again, it is an IDP (permit) not an IDL (license). It is not a legal/governmental requirement in Ireland unlike in several other European countries, but do check with your individual rental agency because a few - mostly small/non majors - do ask for them.

Sher

My suggestion is to try the prices through Celtic Legends. We had a really good experience in Scotland in August.
they have very good customer service.
They are a broker and placed us with Arnold Clark. They also
supply cars in Ireland.

The price was great.

bvlenci

The IDP is not mandated by rental companies, but by national governments. Most European governments require the IDP for licenses that are not in an official language of the country. It's true that many rental companies don't check for IDPs, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get one in places where it's required by law. Not having one could result in a big fine, and if you should be in an accident, your insurance could deny coverage.

A license in English wouldn't require an accompaning IDP for travel in Ireland, obviously.

Surfergirl

Thanks for this thread!

We're headed for Ireland in September (both Republic of and Norn Iron (as my Belfast friend calls it), and plan to rent a car this time. After reading the comments here, I called Chase -- I have a Sapphire Preferred as opposed to Reserved, and was told, yes, Chase is primary on CDW policy.

As Janisj states, no IDP is necessary. We've only ever used our California licenses in Great Britain and have rented cars there and traveled all over Great Britain loads of times. And I always rent a manual (stick shift) because it's cheaper, and for some reason, being left-handed I guess, it's easier for me to drive a stick with the steering wheel on the right side!