Hi - I was just thinking about canceling my Mastercard since I never use it; when I realized that it is designated as a "World" MC. Is this the card that is useful for insuring oneself when renting cars in Europe (specifically Ireland)? If so, I may hang on to it. Thanks for any info.

Did you consider calling the issuer and asking them for what would be undoubtedly RELIABLE information?

If you can find your coverage details, it should say. However I don't think those "world" mastercards have any different insurance benefits than any other Mastercard. Of course it will cover car rentals, but it might not in Ireland, that's the question. You'd have to ask them, but I think it is the regular MC car coverage conditions.

Unless there is an annual fee for the card you are not using, I would not cancel as it (cancelling a card) impacts your credit rating. Just dont use it. If you wish to cancel to avid an annual fee, then that is understandable.

I'm with Dukey on this. MY World MC covers rental cars in Ireland. I checked last year before I rented and again this year, you never know what changes (unless you read the little tiny writing in the benefits letter they may or may not send each year).

I would call them and ask if yours does.

I just checked my World Master Card as we are going to Ireland in September and it does NOT cover Ireland! Neither does my Capital One Visa card.

Does it have the embedded computer chip?

We used ours for coverage in Ireland last summer. We have a CITI "World Elite" card, which I think offers more coverage than the World card. I had someone from the concierge desk email the coverage to me so I could take it to Ireland in case of problems. There should be a number on your card to call them and check.

"<i>However I don't think those "world" mastercards have any different insurance benefits than any other Mastercard.</i>"

Yes they do -- certain <u>World</u> MCs do cover rental cars in Ireland (all World mc's used to work for Ireland but now only specific ones do). You'll have to check the details of your own card/issuer to be sure.

"<i>Does it have the embedded computer chip?</i>"

Probably not, but this has nothing to do w/ chip & PIN. The vast majority of US-issued credit cards don't cover rental car insurance in Ireland --but <i>some</i> World mc's do

I am the OP. As Dukey suggested (somewhat haughtily) I did call the 800 number for my MC and was told that it offered worldwide CDW coverage...no exceptions. I've asked them to send me verification of this in writing.

Hi Azzure,
Would you mind sharing the "brand" or bank through which your World Mastercard is issued? We are planning a trip to Ireland and are very interested in the savings afforded by having the card cover CDW.
Thanks!

Every card I have--except my Citi World Master Card--excludes Ireland, Italy, and Israel. To be sure about your card, get it in writing from Master Card (or Visa), not from your issuing bank. Information about insurance should always come from the card, not the bank.

Hi Castlevisitor - yes, it is a Citi World Mastercard...from what crckwc says, that is the one to have.

I also have the Citi World Mastercard, and it did indeed cover the CDW in Ireland.

My world MC is a Barclays Bank of Delaware and I went to my benefits guide pamphlet and it specifically states NOT good for insurance in Ireland.