Renting a Car -- Information --
 

It is coming to that time of year when the annual RCC (Rental Car Complaints) come Thick and Fast, Just about every rental company in Ireland has been condemned as being the worst ever. Irish car rental is condemned as being the worst in the world.

Once more almost every complaint is from people who have cut corners, used Agents/3rd parties rather than going direct to the end supplier. or a direct link to the end supplier.

I am not going to recommend who to rent with or not. I am going to recommend people go direct to the Provider of the car. Read the Forums, amongst the numerous complaints there are what should be blatantly obvious points, some of the Insurance issues, the fact that you might not get the exact same model you assume. the list is endless.

This post is a warning to make yourselves aware, Know the full details of what you pay At The Desk including "Holds" and Fuel Policy. Knowing what you are getting is a huge lump towards satisfaction. As is the warning that 200 people get off a flight, 50 might want rental cars, there will be a queue..

See http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en...ing_a_car.html & http://www.carrentalcouncil.ie/

If you are not sure Ask---before you get to the collections desk.

This should be required reading for anyone considering renting a car in Europe. But I don't see many complaints posted on Fodor's. You should post this message -- minus the link, which could get it rejected -- on TripAdvisor, on the major country websites for Europe. These complaints appear there almost daily. Of course, most are first-timers who never post about anything else, so some are probably trolls using different identities to settle a personal grievance.

TA is the main shouting block for RCC's, more so than other forums. I put it on there first based on 5 posts in the past 24 hours on the subject. just thought it worth posting around. (Actually TA don't object to linking the opposition forums,)

t2p - thank you.

I'll buy you a pint or two if we meet up.

I usually use Hertz. It's a combination of laziness, long time relationship with them and the fact that I have all insurance covered by my Amex card.

You are certainly correct about car rentals. Every year, just like clockwork.

Remember your cover letter from Amex and a copy of the Email from Hertz confirming acceptance of this cover..
A recent complaint was that rental was denied because the person could not produce evidence at the desk and if they had the company in question did not accept cover provided by their particular card.

About 4 years ago now some of the major insurance underwriters (Not I hasten to add the rental companies themselves) withdrew certain cover on temporary policies some of these concerned transatlantic and other non EU license holders. So be sure you are covered.

Another recent poster bragged about having cover from Insurance4carhire. Had they had an accident they would have found they were not in fact covered as Insurance4carhire only validate policies for most but not all EU citizens (Northern Ireland license holders are also not covered so I am told?)