Also see:
Thinking about renting a car in Ireland?
Woof:
verb: to declare something bad, ugly, terrible, or nasty.
interjection: use as an expletive to express disgust or surprise.
Can be a replacement for damn that sucks!
Upon landing at DUB, I knew the next step was to go pick up the rental car.
So here’s how I did it (made the booking not picked up the car).
The booking
I ran a quick search on the Chase Ultimate Rewards website – they generally have fantastic rates on rental cars. That’s how I got such a good deal in Hawaii. Keep in mind that they ONLY service airport locations and you MUST pick up and return to the same location.
They quoted me at ~$325 for a 6-day rental. Not bad.
But when I hopped on kayak.com to compare and they had rentals pricing out at 9 Euros per day. And 85 Euros for the 6-day rental (~$97). Now that was a screaming deal. I booked a car at Dollar via priceline.com.
My Kayak to Priceline to Dollar car rental booking – 85 Euros
My only criteria were:
- 4-door (for ease of getting luggage in and out)
- Automatic transmission
- Unlimited kilometers (I wanted to drive a lot)
So, I did it. I thought I’d gotten a better deal than what the Chase Ultimate Rewards site was displaying.
Now that I’m back safe and sound, I’m not so sure any more.
Pickup
To get to the car rental pickup area, you have to take a shuttle about 5 kilometers down the highway to a pretty isolated lot, but still on the airport grounds.
I thought when I got there, I’d put down a credit card so they could put a hold on it and kinda… drive away.
My convo with the desk agent
“You’ve driven on the left before?”
“Yes. In New Zealand.”
“And how are you on the left side? Are you…?” *made swooshy motions with her hands*
“Yeah, no. I’m fine. I’ll be fine.”
“Which insurance would you like Personal & Commercial Van Insurance or something else?”
“None, it’s included with my credit card.” (Chase Sapphire Preferred now includes all countries under their primary car rental insurance.)
“Uh oh. Have you ever tried to file a claim with a credit card company?”
“Well, no. And I don’t wanna find out. I’m sure they’ll be fine, though.”
This is when an older gentleman piped up. He explained that it would be a nightmare for me to get Chase to help me with any type of mishap while I was in Ireland. “Happens all the time to you Americans. Everyone always thinks it’ll be OK and it never is.”
But I insisted on waiving the coverage.
“30 Euro admin charge to take the insurance off.”
WHAT?! Ridiculous.
“And if you waive it, we have to put a 5,000 Euro hold on your credit card.”
WHAT?!?! That’s over $5,700!!!
“Yeah, but if you pay 125 Euros, the hold is only 2,000 Euros (~$2,300). And if you pay 250 Euro, there is no hold.”
So for me to waive the coverage would cost me 30 Euros. And they kept pressing me. Finally, just to get the hell out of there, I paid the 125 Euros, and let them put the 2,000 Euro hold on the card, which burned me HARD.
“You’re making the right decision,” the older man said. “That way if you get into an accident, you can pay the deductible, hand us the keys, and walk away.”
“Do uhhh… accidents happen a lot in Ireland?”
“It’s what I spend every day filing claims for.”
Woof!
Dozens of dents, dings, and scrapes that I didn’t want to be responsible for!
Dozens of dents, dings, and scrapes that I didn’t want to be responsible for!
They took me out and made a big production about me examining the car. It had a LOT of scrapes and dings on it, so I took out my phone and recorded dozens of pictures in the Evernote app (this is another great use of Evernote for travelers!). There was no way they were gonna pin those on me when I returned it.
If you see anything like that on ANY rental, whip out your phone and snap some pics. It’s worth the 2 minutes that it takes to walk around the car once and record any big issues.
The driving experience
Beautiful country, narrow roads. And lots of traffic! 😉
The roads in Ireland are NAR-ROW. And the trickiest part is getting around in town. Once you’re on the highway, it’s just like driving anywhere else. For me to drive to Dublin to Galway to Cork via Limerick and back to Dublin, the roads were fine.
And no accidents!
Outside Blarney Castle. Pretty much the same roads as in Medieval times
But I did see, at times, how the roads could be confusing. And they definitely do NOT get points for their signage. So be careful out there (as always, when driving in another country)!
And have lots of coins for tolls if you plan on driving from one city to another. A few of the toll booths accepted my Barclaycard Arrival Plus, but a few of them also didn’t.
Bottom line
Getting to the Radisson Blu Royal in Dublin and seeing that hold on my account made my “good deal” booking with Kayak feel like a terrible deal after all. Especially after finding out about the admin charges and basically being bullied into getting insurance I didn’t want.
Things to look for when renting a car/driving in Ireland
- Always check the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal as their prices tend to be the BEST for airport rentals. And, surprisingly, the AA Car website gives out some really decent rates too
- You will most likely have to put some monstrous hold onto your credit card, so be prepared for that
- And be prepared to pay a bullshit fee if you don’t want their insurance (“admin charge” my A!)
- Take lots and lots of pictures of anything you see on the car. Mine had lots and lots of dings and scrapes
- Pre-plan your driving as much as possible. It’s easy to miss signs in Ireland – signage is really not their strong suit
Now, my questions. Would I have been charged those ridiculous fees if I’d just booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards (Update: it seems so. See link at the bottom.)? Because the price ended up being the same after the insurance payment. Although I saw disclaimers about extra fees charged by the rental car agency and now that I’m back, have read many reports of huge credit card holds. And man, I wish I’d Googled that before I left!
Has anyone else rented a car in Ireland? Are there any tips for next time? Would love to hear from someone more seasoned – and would love to share this info with readers. Please comment below if you know anything about renting a car or driving in Ireland.
Update: This is an amazing resource – A Comprehensive Guide to Renting a Car in Ireland
Stay safe and scrappy out there!
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Depending on the context, woofing might be a complement.
😉 Was hoping someone would catch that!
hey, Harlan, I’m probably necroposting but I really just started reading your blog after realizing that you’re the same guy that recommended apple cider vinegar.
I was in Ireland in May as well. I’ve been going there regularly since I was a kid in the 19**’s and renting cars on my own since 1985. I never took the insurance offered, not once, always assuming that I was covered by a combination of my own auto insurance and my credit card. This trip, for some reason, I decided to check with my insurance company and found that I am not covered by them in Europe or anywhere other than US/Canada and when I checked the credit cards, they offered only really terrible coverage. That’s when I realized that for 30 years I have been renting cars and driving all throughout Europe and Australia and never actually had proper coverage. Thank whatever gods there might be I also never had a reason to claim in what must be at least 25 rentals. But seriously, I can’t believe I never checked it.
I found that I got a very good 7 day rate, including full insurance, picking up in Galway City and dropping at Dublin Airport for a full size (family event – dozens of cousins coming from the US – my spouse does not drive on the left hand side nor does he do stick shifts) I used Autoeurope who in turn organized the rental from Budget. The total about came to a little over $300 for the week and well worth it. The car we got was Renault Megane, which seated 5 adults well for short trips and had ample trunk space.
And accidents do happen all over Ireland. Tourists unused to country roads and Irish drivers who still don’t have the hang of how freeways work seem to be the most common. And the laws have gotten stricter.
True story. My family is from a small town in the West. When I explained to one of my cousins that I had just now understood how under covered I was with the insurance in previous trips, she replied indignantly, “It’s gotten terrible all over. Do you know that [another relative who is a police man – a gardai] told me that I had to get a driving license or he would cite me? And I’ve been driving since before his mother was born. It’s altogether a disaster.”
“Necroposting” – I’d never heard that word before. I like it!
But nope, there’s none of that around here. As long as people read the posts and the experiences are still valid, it’s still fair game for discussion (and here I am necroreplying).
I can easily imagine accidents on those narrow, left-hand roads in Ireland. I specifically requested an automatic – that was my only big request – because I didn’t want to focus on manual shift in addition to everything else. Some of those roads are VERY narrow. I really thought I was going to scrape the side of the car with how they have walls and fences so close to the pavement!
And like you, I was horrified when I found out the rental car/insurance situation first-hand.
I’d love to explore Cork, and the south, more. But knowing what I know now, I stand behind my original sentiment of “Woof!”
Only thing is to go better prepared next time.
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience!
Another old comment. In researching an “Irish Car Rental” (new verb) I noticed that many of the main go-to credit cards won’t provide primary or CDW coverage unless you opt out of coverage. Also many pay the tolls and charge them to your credit card later even if you pay at the toll booths. I’m wonder how much of that is true. I also wonder why Ireland is such a PIA to do a simple car rental, seriously.
Hey Dan! I didn’t notice that about the toll booths (I paid in cash each time and never saw the charges appear later).
But I agree – renting a car in Ireland is a MESS. I’ve rented cards in England, New Zealand, and other countries where you drive on the left, and never have I had more issues or hassle than Ireland.
Definitely make sure you read ALL the fine print on an Irish car rental, or many nasty surprises await – was the lesson I took away from it.
It’s like we are renting the car together. I had the exact same experience (nearly word for word) at Avis and I have international travel credit and charge cards: AMEX Platinum and Black Citi Executive card and a Amex Propel World Card that covers insurance everywhere; except Ireland. Such a rip!
LOL, glad the info was accurate.
At least next time we can be better-prepared and know what to expect going into it.
Citi Bank cover cars rented on their cards
This car rental agency was horrible, if they burn you with such price on hold Harlan!
Praying this doesn’t happen to me! Planning a trip to Ireland in November and using Avis rental – picking up in Cork and dropping off in Dublin. We are waiving the CDW because my Chase card covers it – I called both my credit card to make sure, and Avis to confirm they would accept the letter of eligibility my credit card sent me. All together, for 4 days, we’re only paying $50.
We are getting a “mini” car, and I’m hoping that will help with the narrow roads…
That will definitely help with the narrow roads! And good that you’ve done your research and gotten that letter!
You should be good to go. Ireland is so beautiful. Enjoy your trip! 🙂
I thought no American credit cards covered auto insurance in Ireland. $50 for 4 days? Sounds like Heather may be in for a surprise – no ?
Some do now! Although it’s still important to carefully read the T&Cs or call the credit card company to double- and triple-check.
I just chatted with Avis in Dublin online via their Facebook page. You can waive the CDW, but a 5,000 Euro hold will be placed on your credit card and you will pay a 30 Euro fee to “do the paperwork”. It doesn’t sound so pleasant to me. Obviously, they want to penalize us for not taking the highly profitable CDW insurance through them. If anyone knows a reputable car rental company in Dublin that doesn’t charge this fee and has a more reasonable hold amount, please let me know.
I’m in Cork now and thought I was getting an amazing deal at $72.00 for a week long rental. After we were told that the U.S. insurance companies didn’t cover in Ireland we decided to get Irish coverage. The Irish Car Rental price went up to €562, or about $600….. what the WOOF!!! There is a sign in our car that says not to pay the toll at toll 50 because ir is already charged to the car fee. We may keep the car half the time because we really want to drive the ring of Kerry and see the western coast. Doubt I would rent a car here again though. Now I see why there is a lot of gold at the end of an Irish rainbow, it’s all the money from rental and overpaid toll fees
OUCH! Yep, that’s exactly the thing to watch out for.
Definitely hear you about the tolls and the way they jack up the prices once you arrive to pick up your car – thanks for sharing this!
I have definitely learned my lesson about renting a car in Ireland. As long as you look out for those and verify your coverage you *should* be good.
Hope you have a good time there despite the car issues!
Last year, I rented a car for a week during my second trip to Ireland, having learned the first time that most of Ireland lies “off the beaten track.”
Having read about and considered the price controversies, I decided ahead of time to just pay whatever the price was and let it be the price of experience … whatever that might turn out to be.
I’m glad I made that decision, since it lowered my stress level as a first-time “other side of the road” driver. I was driving alone, in my fifties, and at first felt utterly out of my depth having no one to vent with or “touch base” with. I kept reminding myself that, unless I killed someone due to negligence (get your sleep! don’t drink!!), I was covered.
After a day or two I got the hang of driving there and even enjoyed it, if not in city centers (who enjoys them in any country?).
I’ll probably go the fully insured route for trip no. 3, but after that I think I’ll look into more nuanced coverage.
I mean really, even at $10/day, $140 for two weeks’ of peace-of-mind isn’t all that much.
That’s my two cents. 🙂
I am going to Ireland in 30 days and this blog/posting was so helpful. I am worried about all these extreme fees. Expedia is offering me to opt for Insurance but I am not sure how good this will be and how much they will still attempt to charge me. I did book a car that seemed very low, same as Traveldiva20 but I know that the fees will be atrocious.
I appreciate you posting this and everyone else sharing their experiences.
I ultimately booked with Europcar at the DUB airport for my October rental. I called their toll free number and verified that if I used my World MasterCard and came with a letter from them stating that I have coverage (the letter is only good for 60 days, so you need to wait until a couple weeks before your trip to request it from MasterCard), that there would not be any pressure or requirements to add any additional unwanted insurance coverage. As you go through the booking process on their site, you will come to a place where you decline the coverage and you can see a link there that explains this in more detail. I hope this helps. I’ll let you know what happens once I get there!
My husband, me and my sister in-law are traveling to Ireland on the second part of September. Planning to rent a car for a week. After reading a few nightmare stories about the rental process in Ireland, I called our Visa card Co. who informed us that we do not have insurance coverage in Ireland, then I called my American Express Gold and they said that as of September 2017, they are starting car insurance coverage in The Republic of Ireland, got the several page info on what they cover which is your car theft and CDW. Does not cover Liability damage to other people’s property. We are planning to turn down the basic coverage from the rental car company. Would they try to offer us any other additional insurance coverage, is it expensive, should we take it?
Gigi
All I can say, is get a letter from your credit card company stating you have CDW coverage. I thought my World MasterCard would cover me, but it is one of those that does not offer insurance in Ireland. My Chase card DOES however (and I read somewhere that ALL Chase cards do), and I got a letter from them stating so. You must call them and they will email the letter and you can print it and that is required at check in if you are going to deny CDW. Read the letter carefully and make sure it doesn’t say “no coverage in Ireland, etc”. I’ve read that the law there mandates that all 3rd Party Insurance is included, so I’m not sure where you heard that but I don’t think they will be pushing other insurances. They will put a BIG hold on your credit card. In my case, Europcar will hold 5,000 Euros so make sure you have at least that amount of credit as a “cushion”. Some companies will charge what they call an “Administrative Fee” if you decline CDW with your credit card, and this is pure profit in my opinion. Europcar does not charge this, so that’s why I went with them. Hope this helps!
Hey, I have problems with insurance in Ireland, they unhold money in my mastercard, about 2500 dollars, as a compensation , If I make accident in this country and my insurance was not good for them.
I think that the most expensive rental car companies are near the airports! I have more questions about car insirance it’s a little expensive, does anyone know how to make this thing cheaper?
The best way to save is by waiving the insurance add-ons by using a credit card. See my post above on Aug. 28th for details. I rented with Europcar and they are right at the airport and paid only about $110 for 10 days…and that’s all! The best price I’ve had on a rental in years and their service was excellent.
It now June, 2018. Any updates on the Insurance situation in Ireland.
Margaret
Hello! we are travelling to ireland this october 2018 looking at a week rental. My question is, if you take the CDW will they still put the insane hold amount on your credit card ?
Thanks so much! this process seems overwhelming! lol
I think if you pay for the CDW, you wouldn’t have the hold on your card. But my memory is pretty foggy by now lol. I think that’s how it works!
Hi Jenn, I am from Ireland now a citizen of the USA. I travel to Ireland once maybe twice a year and I rent from Enterprise. The Insurance situation is abhorrent. In every other country I travel to I can take out Expedia Insurance or use my credit card Insurance. I have been turned away from Dollar at Dublin Airport if I do not take out their Insurance for two weeks almost a thousand dollars. The problem with Ireland is that they are terrible drivers and we the tourists have to pay the price plus its a total scam. It will cost you about $70 a day for Insurance which over two weeks is substantial. I just called Enterprise about my rental in August which is costing me $2600 for 15 days. (I am renting a people carrier) That price includes 3rd party liability. I have taken out the Expedia CDW of $170 for the two weeks. I am adamant that I will not pay another almost $1000 dollars like we have done in the past. The Expedia coverage will work the only difference is that if you have an accident you are personally responsible they wont deal with the Insurance Company. You then have to claim it back from the Insurance company. So if you have a Credit card with a high limit make sure you bring that. I have issues with Enterprise in the past but they ultimately are one of the best and they have wonderful staff. Trust me you will be one of the safest drivers there, be careful on the dark unlit roads at night time the locals are much more of a danger than you are. (remember, I am from Ireland I am not being racist its a simple fact). I thoroughly recommend having a car though its a beautiful country to explore and its difficult to get round in the rural areas without a car. Put a post it note in bright yellow on your driving wheel reminding you to stay left. You will find it easy as the driving wheel on the other side seems to correct your idea that you should be on the right pretty quickly. You will run into animals on the roads but its part of driving in Ireland just slow right down and enjoy its quaintness. Also, do not worry too much about the price of gas the cars get incredible gas mileage especially the smaller ones so in the end it works out about the same per gallon as her in the US where the same car might get you 1/3rd of the gas mileage. Expedia has by far the best rates you cannot get even booking directly and make sure you print the actual policy and show it at the airport. Bring the Insurance Company’s direct phone with you as well and call them on your cell if you have to. I will report back here if I have any issues with Enterprise but stay away from Dollar or Avis if you do not want a hefty Insurance bill to pick up the car.
We are traveling in October as well and would love to rent a car, but I’m super nervous about the ridiculous fees and hassle it is to rent a vehicle. My question is I have a Chase card, but what would be best to avoid the insane hold on my card? Should we just pay the CDW in hopes of no hold, or use our Chase card insurance? Any thoughts would be helpful!
I would just pay the CDW if you don’t want a big hold on your card, honestly.
I think that the most expensive rental car companies are near the airports! I have more questions about car insirance it’s a little expensive, does anyone know how to make this thing cheaper?
Thank you for writing down everything in a detailed manner. Because of you I had an excellent stay in Ireland and travelling was bliss as I hired Dooley car rental services from http://www.dan-dooley.ie/ . My arrival destination was Dublin and finding Dooley’s desk was easy as it was there in the Arrival Hall of Terminal 2, from where we went to the multi-story parking to get the car. I had already done the booking prior to my arrival, so didn’t had to wait much. The car was very clean and to my surprise the tank was full (of course, I had to pay for that!). Like you suggested I read the document carefully, especially the insurance part before signing it. All the terms were as per we agreed over the call with one of the Dooley car rental executives. To start with we drove to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, which has free parking on nearby Crane Street. Driving a little farther we reached the wonderful gardens of Powerscourt House in County Wicklow. Ireland is an awesome country with amazing happy-go-lucky people. So, those who haven’t plan a trip to Ireland yet, do plan your itinerary soon and like Harlan recommended and I followed, pre-book your car service and get things clear first.
Excellent article! It reminded me of my travel across this beautiful country. Ireland is such a beautiful place, there is really no comparison. Mind blowing beauty, welcoming locals, lots of places to visit. What else can one look for during holidays. Traveling around this country can be a bit of a trouble if you do not hire a car. And, when we talk of the car rental companies in Ireland, nothing can beat the convenience offered by Dooley car rentals. They are one of the best car rental companies in Ireland that operate across almost every airport in Ireland. They are the leaders and have been a preferred choice among people. If you plan to visit all the cities given above, nothing compares to Dooley car rentals. They have automatic as well as manual cars and you can choose any as per your choice.
Very good list. Thanks for sharing! https://www.comfortcarz.com/
Wow. This is so expensive! I can understand that Ireland is a western country, but still. I dont think you should rent a car near airport if you care about money…