Ireland trip - Car hire
22 May, 2008
I am having a blast planning my trip to Ireland!!!
I dig all the little details as much as the trip itself.
Get out your driving gloves for a few things that
I have learned on renting a car online.
How do you choose from so many car hire companies?
Either I am neurotic or the rental companies make it
difficult to know exactly what they offer. Which in turn
makes it hard to choose between them. I found that
most companies will try and nickel and dime you to
death if you are not armed with the facts!
One website will say that they cover every little thing
that can happen to your car rental if
you purchase their super duper damage reduction
waiver, but then when you read the contract you
find that they don't cover certain items and still
charge you a fairly high deductible. For instance,
damage to a tire, knocking off a side mirror, loosing
/damaging a hubcap, or scraping the car along a hedge
as you dodge the oncoming tractor.
*These above items are not even covered with the
"bells and whistles" coverage.
Ofcoarse, no one intentially knocks off a side mirror. But I am
sure it happens on those small roads in Ireland. LOL!
I did indeed get a very good deal on a rental car and airfare.
But this was after much time, many phone calls and a few curse
words. Now that my work is done, I wanted to share what I have
learned to those of you who are planning a trip. First off, read
all the fine print!
What may seem like an awesome deal, or be the cheapest
on the internet may have little added or hidden charges
that bring the price above the competitors who originally
had the higher fees...... I'll say it again. Read the fine print.
(Listed many times under "Terms and Conditions")
A few little tidbits for you:
Renting a car can be a hassle. Finding a car hire
company that offers all the things you want in
one total price can be even harder. I have found
many that offer a good basic plan with a reasonable
price, but a little bit more money and a few added
extras will be needed to fit all needs.
Here are a few of the extra things you may have included
in your price or may be paid for separately.
When renting your car you can buy additional
coverage to give you peace of mind. It is usually
called CDW and costs on average per day 15-25 euros.
Most carhire companies offer a basic CDW (Collision
Damage waver + can be known under other names),
but basically it is a waiver that reduces the amount
a car company can collect from you if the car is damaged.
The amount of the deductible a renter has to pay varies, but
on average it is 1000 euro.
You can also purchase a Super CDW (also know by other names)
at an average price of 6-15 euros per day to reduce your deductible
from the original CDW to zero or a atleast a more managable amount.
A few other items that might have fees ...
- Limited Liability insurance
- Vehichle theft protection
- Local taxes
- Unlimited or limited milage
- breakdown coverage, towing
- Premium location fees (usually at airports)
- Road fund taxes
- Late drop offs
- Picks up/drop offs after hours
Fuel.
Many car hire companies provide you with a full tank of petrol
at pickup and expect you to return it with a full tank.
If you fail to do this you can expect a fee for the amount they had to add.
(I don't know how much it would cost you, but it can't be good)
Or some companies will put a full tank of petrol in at their fuel rate.
You would then pay for it at the counter when you pick up the car.
The advantage is you bring the car back empty but will not receive
credit for fuel left in tank.
I am such a penny pincher that I prefer the first option. I can see myself driving
around trying to empty the tank and possibly missing my flight home in the
process.
***Some of the above Items may already be included in your rental price.
Yippeee for you if they are!
Best to check though as they can be the little hidden
extra fees I mentioned before.
Little savings secrets
Check with your banks, clubs, credit card companies, and any
other orgaization you belong to for coupons or savings codes on
rental car and hotels. They may have an
agreement with carhire companies, hotels and travel sites
to offer you better prices when you mention or provide a
code when booking.
FYI... some credit cards companies offer their own collison waiver
when renting your car with the use of their card. It usually costs $0
and can save you big bucks on the car rental. However, you must check
with your own Credit Card company for details on their coverage
if at all provided. In my experience the credit cards I use
do cover me for car rentals but not in Ireland. I asked them why
and the response was "the roads are bad and we feel it is not
advantagous for us to provide service in this area". Humph!!
Your personnal car insurance. Also check with your own car insurance
company to see what coverage extends to rentals you drive. This can be a big
money saver, but be sure and know all the details involved. Many times saving
a buck can cost you more in the end. Know the facts!
*I have also heard that you can receive coupons from companies like
AAA, Walmart, Sam's Club, Michelin and Adac. I don't know much about this.
Might be worth investigating if you belong to anyone of these companies.
GPS - navigation systems are great if you are in an city you are unfamiliar
with. Many Carhire companies now offer them to you at an additional
fee. Usually around 10 euro a day. Better yet, If you own one bring it along in
your hand baggage. (my cheap side is showing) *If you are traveling to another
country you might check in its settings to see if the country is listed. No use in
dragging it in your hand bag if it isn't going to work, right :)
Cellphone rentals- I have also seen a few companies offering
cellphones for rental while on vacation in their city/country.
I have never done this. I already have a GSM type cellphone I
carry around when I travel. Here is one of many websites on cellphone
rentals in Ireland. http://www.irishtourism.com/cell-phone-rental/index.htm
Happy travels to you!!!
~ Kimme
* All info was from my own personal car rental experience. I have
provided it as to help you have an easier time renting and should
not be considered accurate as your experience may differ and you
may find fees and agreements to be other than what I have described.
Please do not take anything I have written above as fact.
Do your own research and read all terms and conditions when booking
anything online or off.
Thank you to the following for the clipart. "Free Gifs & Animations" http://www.fg-a.com
May 23, 2008 10:30 AM
Dan Dooley offer 10% discount through Pat Prestons website
http://www.irelandexpert.com/pats_bargain_page.html
She also offers discount on cell phone hire.
Who did you end up renting with.
I have seen thrifty charge 10 dollar a day for a 25 dollar child booster seat.