Ireland rental car insurance
Apr 22nd, 2004, 12:50 PM
#22
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Interestingly, I was just told by autoeurope that they only take VISA cards for insurance in Ireland (or at least Europcar do). I checked and my visa offers coverage in Ireland (although it is Canadian).
Apr 24th, 2004, 08:52 AM
#23
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I made a change last week to pick up my rental car in Dublin City Center. When I was emailed my NEW voucher confirm, (no change to voucher number, just an update to the pick up place), my receipt read the same as Cheriann's in that it specifically stated that NO credit card could be used to cover the CDW.
I immediately called Auto Europe. I spoke to a supervisor. She advised that "SOME" Mastercards no longer cover Irish car rental CDW, so they recently changed the wording on all the vouchers.
I called MC Assist. They assured me my particular card (Platinum Plus)covers the rental.
I called the supervisor at AutoEurope back. She said that I should bring my letter of coverage from MasterRental specifying MY DATES OF TRAVEL on it to the EuropCar office when I pick the car up.
I called MCAssist again, yes they will put my travel dates into the letter they fax me, and I have that now.
Additionally, because I did not want to show up at EuropCar with an AutoEurope voucher that specified I could not use my MasterCard, the supervisor sent me a new voucher that she modified to indicate that I COULD use my MasterCard for CDW.
I am still going to call EuropCar to make sure they will accept my MC.
Interestingly, I have had this particular CC for years and years. I use it rarely. There is no annual fee, and I have never paid a penny of interest to them for purchases I have made. Seems weird that they will cover the CDW when they never really get any money out of me.
I immediately called Auto Europe. I spoke to a supervisor. She advised that "SOME" Mastercards no longer cover Irish car rental CDW, so they recently changed the wording on all the vouchers.
I called MC Assist. They assured me my particular card (Platinum Plus)covers the rental.
I called the supervisor at AutoEurope back. She said that I should bring my letter of coverage from MasterRental specifying MY DATES OF TRAVEL on it to the EuropCar office when I pick the car up.
I called MCAssist again, yes they will put my travel dates into the letter they fax me, and I have that now.
Additionally, because I did not want to show up at EuropCar with an AutoEurope voucher that specified I could not use my MasterCard, the supervisor sent me a new voucher that she modified to indicate that I COULD use my MasterCard for CDW.
I am still going to call EuropCar to make sure they will accept my MC.
Interestingly, I have had this particular CC for years and years. I use it rarely. There is no annual fee, and I have never paid a penny of interest to them for purchases I have made. Seems weird that they will cover the CDW when they never really get any money out of me.
Apr 25th, 2004, 05:37 PM
#25
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I checked two MasterCard accounts we have. The Gold Card said "no" for Ireland, the Platinum Plus said yes, however, the ticket counter at the rental agency might refuse us. Go figure. I think we'll call ahead to the ticket counter (and hope for the best.)
Apr 30th, 2004, 07:31 AM
#26
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I hope this is the last I will have to add to this thread. I spoke to EuropCar this am. I confirmed my dates of rental and asked them about the CDW -will they accept my MC coverage? They say yes. She indicated the Auto Europe books the rental either inclusive or exclusive of coverage, and mine was booked exclusive so I can provide my own CDW thru my MC. She did state I should bring the Mastercard MasterRental letter I got from MC Assist.
I will report when I return if I had any problems with any of this!
I will report when I return if I had any problems with any of this!
May 3rd, 2004, 08:00 AM
#28
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I have the Mastercard "letter" for our trip in two weeks (we are renting with Avis), but must say that it isn't very convincing. It's says I'm covered for 15 days, etc.....but also notes that the rental car company can refuse to accept the Mastercard insurance. Avis tells me they accept it for CDW. Hopefully, they won't tell me otherwise when I get to the counter.
May 3rd, 2004, 08:46 AM
#29
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MileKing, AutoEurope booked me with EuropCar. If they don't take my M/C letter, I'm going after Autoeurope, only because I have it from them in writing.
Honestly, I don't think they will refuse us, at least I hope not.
Honestly, I don't think they will refuse us, at least I hope not.
May 4th, 2004, 10:06 AM
#30
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Remember me? I'm the one who will be in Ireland for 35 days. OK, so I got my fax from MC that says I'm covered and am now ready to call AutoEurope to make my reservations. I explained to AutoEurope how I wanted to configure the rental (pickup at Shannon Airport, 15 days later drop car at Galway Airport, pickup new car; 15 days later (on day 30) return 2nd car to Dublin Airport and rent a 3rd car, returning it to Dublin on the day my flight leaves (day 35). I thought this was all in keeping with MC stipulations.
So this is what AutoEurope tells me about MC coverage:
"I cannot return the car to a city where I intend to rent the next car. In other words, it's OK to return the 1st car to Shannon but I have to make my way to another city to rent the next car, AND that I must allow one day in between rentals."
This was on Sunday. Yesterday, I e-mailed MasterCard with two questions about picking and returning car to different cities and about the time line between rentals.
I received a reply this morning with nothing but rhetoric, and NOT answering my questions (I really want something in writing!!) So, I sent a reply asking them to please give me a direct answer on these two matters.
Interestingly, as I was talking to the AutoEurope agent, I just ask in general how using MasterRental for insurance worked out and there was dead silence on the line for quite a few seconds. Well that sure didn't leave me with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
The quest for truth continues....ali
May 4th, 2004, 10:37 AM
#31
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ali_oops, boy, you are certainly having your fair share of problems. I hope your trip goes problem free.
How about this: You rent the car in your name, using your M/C for the first 15 days. Turn it in, and have your sister rent it for the next 15 days, or whatever, then turn it in, and you rent it for the remainder.
If your sister is afraid to drive (like my wife), I talked with M/C and they said as long as your name is on the rental agreement, you are covered if you are driving under your sister's rental.
If your sister doesn't have a Plat M/C, get her one. There is still time.
I'll see you on the flight out of Boston on the 21st (I hope).
How about this: You rent the car in your name, using your M/C for the first 15 days. Turn it in, and have your sister rent it for the next 15 days, or whatever, then turn it in, and you rent it for the remainder.
If your sister is afraid to drive (like my wife), I talked with M/C and they said as long as your name is on the rental agreement, you are covered if you are driving under your sister's rental.
If your sister doesn't have a Plat M/C, get her one. There is still time.
I'll see you on the flight out of Boston on the 21st (I hope).
May 4th, 2004, 12:19 PM
#32
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Hey, Budman, you have that right about problems. If I could just get straight answers, all would be OK.
My sister will only be with me for the first 10 of the 35 days. A bit later I will call MasterCard again and see if I can get them to send a fax to me stipulating specifally about timelines and what, if any, days in between and explain to them the runaround I've been getting and how I feel the need for answers to my questions in writing.
Wow, we're almost there. My students are counting down the days until school is out and I'm doing a count-down to IRELAND!!
Budman, I'll be the large lady with short red hair and a bright red pass holder around her neck. Give me a wave. (I sure hope all goes well and I make the flight!!!)
May 6th, 2004, 12:11 PM
#33
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ali_oops
I had a different story from O'Scannlain and my trip went off wothout a hitch. I was told that I could return it to a different spot than the pick up point and rent from that same spot. If you have not yet paid for your car, call O'Scannlain at (800) 828-0826. They were very helpful and sorted the whole MC thing out for me. This is their website:
http://www.oscannlain.com/intro.html
I hope this helps. They rent through Hertz. A few poeple have had some billing problems with Hertz, but it usually gets worked out.
By the way, I did exactly what you were planning using the Galway airport as my second stop. We stayed in a B&B in Oranmore and the owner even called the airport to make sure the exchange would go smoothly.
Bill
I had a different story from O'Scannlain and my trip went off wothout a hitch. I was told that I could return it to a different spot than the pick up point and rent from that same spot. If you have not yet paid for your car, call O'Scannlain at (800) 828-0826. They were very helpful and sorted the whole MC thing out for me. This is their website:
http://www.oscannlain.com/intro.html
I hope this helps. They rent through Hertz. A few poeple have had some billing problems with Hertz, but it usually gets worked out.
By the way, I did exactly what you were planning using the Galway airport as my second stop. We stayed in a B&B in Oranmore and the owner even called the airport to make sure the exchange would go smoothly.
Bill
May 15th, 2004, 03:07 PM
#34
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Budman wrote
2. I am covered with my Platinum M/C for CDW with no deductable (any damage to my automobile) under the following conditions:
b. Other drivers are covered if their names are on the rental agreement.
Question,
How do you add another driver to the rental agreement? Do you have to pay the extra 8.00 dollar a day charge to put them on the rental agreement or can you just add them somehow?
2. I am covered with my Platinum M/C for CDW with no deductable (any damage to my automobile) under the following conditions:
b. Other drivers are covered if their names are on the rental agreement.
Question,
How do you add another driver to the rental agreement? Do you have to pay the extra 8.00 dollar a day charge to put them on the rental agreement or can you just add them somehow?
May 15th, 2004, 04:21 PM
#35
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cheriann, Sorry, but I can't answer your question. I can only tell you what my M/C agent told me. You need to check that out with your rental agency and/or your M/C agent.
If it costs extra to add another driver, that is up to you and your rental car agency.
If it costs extra to add another driver, that is up to you and your rental car agency.
May 15th, 2004, 07:42 PM
#36
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Auto Europe got back to me and informed me that the additional amount per day to cover another driver is manditory for liability coverage.
I will have to call MC on Monday and make sure another driver is covered if they are added to the rental agreement. Auto Europe almost makes me feel guilty for denying CDW coverage through them as if I am doing a very dangerous thing.
I will have to call MC on Monday and make sure another driver is covered if they are added to the rental agreement. Auto Europe almost makes me feel guilty for denying CDW coverage through them as if I am doing a very dangerous thing.
May 27th, 2004, 08:31 AM
#37
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Reading this thread again, Holldoll rented a car from Hertz through Aer Lingus and got a great rate which was ALL inclusive, zero deductible. Holldoll, I just went to Hertz through the aerlingus website and this is what they said:
If CDW is declined, you will be responsible for damage to the Hertz vehicle up to the amount of the deductible ranging from EUR 15,000.00 (including tax) to EUR 90,000.00 (including tax) depending on the vehicle rented.
If you decide not to purchase CDW, you may be required to provide a security of EUR 2,000.00 at the commencement of the rental using your credit card. This amount will be used towards any damage to the rented vehicle.
The above does not apply to Contract rates and/or Hertz #1 Gold customers.
CDW Non-Waivable Excess.
All rentals are subject to a non-waivable excess ranging from EUR 490.00 to EUR 1,200.00, depending on the vehicle group rented, for which you are responsible in the event of damage to the Hertz vehicle during the rental.
How do we get that deal you got? We would all rather not go through all the hassel with letters and such!
If CDW is declined, you will be responsible for damage to the Hertz vehicle up to the amount of the deductible ranging from EUR 15,000.00 (including tax) to EUR 90,000.00 (including tax) depending on the vehicle rented.
If you decide not to purchase CDW, you may be required to provide a security of EUR 2,000.00 at the commencement of the rental using your credit card. This amount will be used towards any damage to the rented vehicle.
The above does not apply to Contract rates and/or Hertz #1 Gold customers.
CDW Non-Waivable Excess.
All rentals are subject to a non-waivable excess ranging from EUR 490.00 to EUR 1,200.00, depending on the vehicle group rented, for which you are responsible in the event of damage to the Hertz vehicle during the rental.
How do we get that deal you got? We would all rather not go through all the hassel with letters and such!
May 27th, 2004, 09:02 AM
#38
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Tana- My guess is that HollDoll just got a good price even when all the insurance stuff was included. There was probably some sort of promotion or deal, or just plain 'ole good price at that time.
All the rental requirements you listed are on the Hertz's site as well. It basically means that if you decline their CDW (but have no other form of coverage) then you'll be responsible for the entire cost of the car or cost of any damage to it.
If you DO accept the CDW from Hertz, then you are still responsibile for a deductible ("non-waivable excess"
, which is the 490-1200eu noted, depending on the car class you get.
Now, if you buy their CDW, you can also have the option of buying there "super CDW", which will bring that 490-1200 to be zero. Therefore, zero deductible, you're fully covered, you don't pay for any damages to the car because you've bought all the possible insurance from them.
But, you may not be eligible to get the Super CDW if you're under 30yrs age.
The 2000eu thing is a "hold" charge. They basically freeze 2000eu on your credit card while you're traveling. This means, there is 2000eu on your card that you cannot use to buy stuff with. I think this mostly comes into play if you decline Hertz's CDW, but even if you have MC coverage, Hertz could still apply this "hold" to your credit card. It's a "cya" for Hertz - they'll get paid up front in the event of damage (up to 2000eu), and then you have to deal with MC to get reimbursement.
Now, since we're going in late June, we've gone through all this, and the Hertz guy- at the Shannon airport counter where I will sign contract and pick up my car, not the 800# - said that they will not apply this 2000eu hold on my card if I have MC coverage and they do accept the MC. So we're going with it. It seems such a shame to not take advantage of MC's coverage for "free", vs paying $200+ for Hertz's insurance (therefore I'm not paying for insurance thru Hertz that I already technically have covered thru MC for free). I figured, sure it may be a little risk, but the biggest concern is tire damage, and NOBODY covers tire damage...so I can spend that $200+ elsewhere (gas!) and maybe have to file a claim if I get in an accident. My MC platinum pretty much covers every kind of damage(no tires) and theft, and even includes reasonable towing charges!
I think for peace of mind, people sometimes buy it all thru Hertz just so they don't have to think about it anymore... That's what car places want though.
Good Luck!
All the rental requirements you listed are on the Hertz's site as well. It basically means that if you decline their CDW (but have no other form of coverage) then you'll be responsible for the entire cost of the car or cost of any damage to it.
If you DO accept the CDW from Hertz, then you are still responsibile for a deductible ("non-waivable excess"
, which is the 490-1200eu noted, depending on the car class you get.Now, if you buy their CDW, you can also have the option of buying there "super CDW", which will bring that 490-1200 to be zero. Therefore, zero deductible, you're fully covered, you don't pay for any damages to the car because you've bought all the possible insurance from them.
But, you may not be eligible to get the Super CDW if you're under 30yrs age.
The 2000eu thing is a "hold" charge. They basically freeze 2000eu on your credit card while you're traveling. This means, there is 2000eu on your card that you cannot use to buy stuff with. I think this mostly comes into play if you decline Hertz's CDW, but even if you have MC coverage, Hertz could still apply this "hold" to your credit card. It's a "cya" for Hertz - they'll get paid up front in the event of damage (up to 2000eu), and then you have to deal with MC to get reimbursement.
Now, since we're going in late June, we've gone through all this, and the Hertz guy- at the Shannon airport counter where I will sign contract and pick up my car, not the 800# - said that they will not apply this 2000eu hold on my card if I have MC coverage and they do accept the MC. So we're going with it. It seems such a shame to not take advantage of MC's coverage for "free", vs paying $200+ for Hertz's insurance (therefore I'm not paying for insurance thru Hertz that I already technically have covered thru MC for free). I figured, sure it may be a little risk, but the biggest concern is tire damage, and NOBODY covers tire damage...so I can spend that $200+ elsewhere (gas!) and maybe have to file a claim if I get in an accident. My MC platinum pretty much covers every kind of damage(no tires) and theft, and even includes reasonable towing charges!
I think for peace of mind, people sometimes buy it all thru Hertz just so they don't have to think about it anymore... That's what car places want though.
Good Luck!
May 27th, 2004, 01:44 PM
#39
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Thank you amyprib! I did just get the letter from MC for coverage up to 25k worth of damage IF I have no other coverage. I guess if my car insurance doesn't stretch overseas (and I don't know if it does!) then they'll cover. What confuses me now is the deductible. I called to ask about that and they told me I would get that info from my insurance co.! But if my ins. doesn't cover overseas then I'm going in circles! How does this work?
May 27th, 2004, 05:46 PM
#40
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Tana, I'm not exactly sure what the question is about deductible, but..
My guess is that your US car insurance (i.e. State Farm) will not cover you overseas. SF does not.
So, in that case, the MC coverage says it will be your primary coverage - meaning, they would go to State Farm first to get what they could, but then if they don't cover anything, then MC covers it all.
So as far as a deductible goes, MC covers you, you're covered for everything, and you wouldn't technically owe anything for damage. (up to that 25k, sounds like you might have the Gold card, Platinum covers 50k).
You might see if there's anyone that lives in Ireland that reads these forums if they'd be kind enough to call the Avis airport counter in Shannon for you. Should be able to get the shannon location ph number from the avis.com site. They would just need to ask the counter guy if a) do they accept MC coverage and what do they require for proof (letter, etc), b) are there any other requirements or fine print stipulations for using MC coverage c) if you decline avis CDW, and use MC, does Avis charge you anything extra, and specifically do they put a XXXXeu hold on your card...
That should give you some answers.
I realized today that I guess I was misunderstanding the "coverage may be excluded in Ireland, etc" stipulation that MC puts in their fine print. MC actually covers you worldwide, but it's up to the car rental agency in whatever country and any foreign policy if they want to accept the MC. I was thinking that it was MC that wouldn't cover me in Ireland, but they cover you everywhere and it's possible that agencies in other countries just won't accept it.
My guess is that your US car insurance (i.e. State Farm) will not cover you overseas. SF does not.
So, in that case, the MC coverage says it will be your primary coverage - meaning, they would go to State Farm first to get what they could, but then if they don't cover anything, then MC covers it all.
So as far as a deductible goes, MC covers you, you're covered for everything, and you wouldn't technically owe anything for damage. (up to that 25k, sounds like you might have the Gold card, Platinum covers 50k).
You might see if there's anyone that lives in Ireland that reads these forums if they'd be kind enough to call the Avis airport counter in Shannon for you. Should be able to get the shannon location ph number from the avis.com site. They would just need to ask the counter guy if a) do they accept MC coverage and what do they require for proof (letter, etc), b) are there any other requirements or fine print stipulations for using MC coverage c) if you decline avis CDW, and use MC, does Avis charge you anything extra, and specifically do they put a XXXXeu hold on your card...
That should give you some answers.
I realized today that I guess I was misunderstanding the "coverage may be excluded in Ireland, etc" stipulation that MC puts in their fine print. MC actually covers you worldwide, but it's up to the car rental agency in whatever country and any foreign policy if they want to accept the MC. I was thinking that it was MC that wouldn't cover me in Ireland, but they cover you everywhere and it's possible that agencies in other countries just won't accept it.
