Car rentals

Is there any way to get alternative collision damage waiver insurance in Ireland? I understood there was a policy from AIG but now informed it's only for irish residents and not tourists? I understand some credit cards cover but not Ireland and Italy. It feels extremely difficult to get affordable insurance. Any advice out there? 

Hello Eddie,

Car insurance and car rental insurance is one of those things that can be considered expensive but extremely necessary at the same time.

Please have a look at our article page on vehicle rental for some information on places to rent and also the Car Rental Council of Ireland who represents the industry on the island of Ireland. They may be able to answer your questions with regards to CDW and any alternative insurers than the car rental company themselves.

You mentioned AIG as a possible alternative but as you say are more aimed at Irish citizens looking to cover insurance premiums abroad when renting, maybe there is a similar company in the United States that you could contact?

There are some credit card options that cover rental car insurance but not all are applicable for rental here. One thing to also keep in mind is that if you do use alternative insurance from the rental car company, all upfront damage claims require payment from you and you claim these back from your chosen insurer which may take a long time, something to be aware of when deciding to go with another option.

Hopefully, some of our other members or industry partners may have ideas for you to consider too, when where you thinking on coming over to see us?

Martin thanks for your response. In fact we are Irish citizens living in US. and my wife travels back in 2 weeks. As we are familiar with cost of regular car insurance in Ireland since we lived there we find it incredible that 2 weeks rental insurance can cost similar to an annual comprehensive policy. Its disappointing that greater efforts are not made to encourage tourism in Ireland which I'm sure must be impacted by car rental costs. As I trawled the internet all options that are available in almost every other country in the world are not not available in Ireland. 
Really appreciate your response many thanks
Eddie

Hi Eddie, 

Thanks so much for your reply. Have you been in touch with Fáilte Ireland about this yet by any chance? They work to sustain the quality of the island of Ireland as a tourist destination and would love to hear your feedback. 

I also recommend getting in touch with the Car Rental Council of Ireland, as they might be able to tell you more as well.

If there is anything else you'd like to know, please don't hesitate to reach out here on the Community. Our members are always happy to help. 

Stay safe! 

Melin

Melin thanks very much. Great suggestions I will follow up. 
Regards
Eddie

I understand your concern related to insurance policy in Ireland. But it is very important to understand the insurance for Car Rentals in Ireland.  CDW coverage is a mandatory insurance in Ireland. While doing payment visa credit cards for the rental, offers CDW coverage but  most do not cover rental in Ireland There are many Ireland car rental agency such as Dooley car Rentals, Auto Europe which gives proper guidance regarding the insurance. Make sure about the insurance before opting rentals.  

For more details about insurance policy visit: https://www.dan-dooley.ie/insurance-information.php

Thank you for this valuable information, Angelica. Do not hesitate to answer other threads you may think you can help with and keep sharing your knowledge with the Community. 😊

Best,
David