Comments on: If I Owned an Irish Car Rental Company… http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/ Ireland Travel and Heritage Tue, 22 May 2012 05:45:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Corey T http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-25241 Corey T Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:41:34 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-25241 Bigpyne, Your comment just brought back a flood of memories from when that happened to me with Irish Car Rentals. Absolutely infuriating. Bigpyne,

Your comment just brought back a flood of memories from when that happened to me with Irish Car Rentals. Absolutely infuriating.

]]> By: Bigpyne http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-25240 Bigpyne Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:02:43 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-25240 Watch out for Budget Rentacar in Ireland! I just returned from a wonderful trip to Ireland, marred only by my unsatisfactory experience with Budget. I had done my homework, or at least I thought I had. I took my World Mastercard. I understood that despite my letter from MC saying I was covered, they would charge me an additional 25 euros for the privilege of declining their overpriced CDW. I also understood that they would charge my credit card upfront 2000 euros, which would be refunded when I returned the car in fine shape. What they don't tell you, until you read the very fine print at the bottom of their contract, is that they'll charge you the deposit in your local currency, using an exchange rate of their choosing. Interestingly, they return your deposit in euros, not your local currency. So they made about 5 cents per euro by using an unfair exchange rate of their choosing. In my case, they actually got over $100 from me that they didn't earn. Their answer to my protests? "The rate of exchange is controlled by the government and the banking system, not Budget." It's true that the OFFICIAL exchange rate is not controlled by Budget, but the rate they USE is controlled by Budget, and it wasn't even close to the official rate being used on the day of my rental. Don't expect help from Budget in the US - they simply referred by complaints to Budget Ireland. I won't be using Budget again, in Ireland or anywhere else in the world. Watch out for Budget Rentacar in Ireland! I just returned from a wonderful trip to Ireland, marred only by my unsatisfactory experience with Budget.
I had done my homework, or at least I thought I had. I took my World Mastercard. I understood that despite my letter from MC saying I was covered, they would charge me an additional 25 euros for the privilege of declining their overpriced CDW. I also understood that they would charge my credit card upfront 2000 euros, which would be refunded when I returned the car in fine shape.
What they don’t tell you, until you read the very fine print at the bottom of their contract, is that they’ll charge you the deposit in your local currency, using an exchange rate of their choosing. Interestingly, they return your deposit in euros, not your local currency. So they made about 5 cents per euro by using an unfair exchange rate of their choosing. In my case, they actually got over $100 from me that they didn’t earn. Their answer to my protests? “The rate of exchange is controlled by the government and the banking system, not Budget.”
It’s true that the OFFICIAL exchange rate is not controlled by Budget, but the rate they USE is controlled by Budget, and it wasn’t even close to the official rate being used on the day of my rental.
Don’t expect help from Budget in the US – they simply referred by complaints to Budget Ireland. I won’t be using Budget again, in Ireland or anywhere else in the world.

]]> By: Corey http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-1067 Corey Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:03:19 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-1067 Jerry, You're right, most MC World cards cover insurance costs... However, it is important that others do as you have done and get written confirmation (Liam once had a different card company say they covered him - they sent him the letter as he requested... however, the letter specifically stated they DID NOT cover Ireland... crazy). Jerry,

You’re right, most MC World cards cover insurance costs… However, it is important that others do as you have done and get written confirmation (Liam once had a different card company say they covered him – they sent him the letter as he requested… however, the letter specifically stated they DID NOT cover Ireland… crazy).

]]> By: jerry http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-1055 jerry Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:35:26 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-1055 Hi, this message is for anyone in the US looking to travel to Ireland and hiring a car. Mastercard World provide free CDW insurance for hiring cars in Ireland, the card has to be issued in the US. This is the only US card company, as far as I have seen, that provides this benefit. I have received a letter confirming this from Mastercard which I will provide to the car rental company at check in Hi, this message is for anyone in the US looking to travel to Ireland and hiring a car. Mastercard World provide free CDW insurance for hiring cars in Ireland, the card has to be issued in the US. This is the only US card company, as far as I have seen, that provides this benefit. I have received a letter confirming this from Mastercard which I will provide to the car rental company at check in

]]> By: jim sanford http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-900 jim sanford Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:20:50 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-900 You are exactly right. I believe an entrepreneur calling his Irish car rental company something like "The Isle of St. Patrick - Christian Rental Cars" could capture the market in short time by giving people the best deal that is also the most up-front. You could also throw in a free St. Christopher medal for those who would appreciate a little extra protection for free. You are exactly right. I believe an entrepreneur calling his Irish car rental company something like “The Isle of St. Patrick – Christian Rental Cars” could capture the market in short time by giving people the best deal that is also the most up-front. You could also throw in a free St. Christopher medal for those who would appreciate a little extra protection for free.

]]> By: jim sanford http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-899 jim sanford Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:06:47 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-899 That is a common experience I think we've all had. Most of the rental companies are not inclined to help you get the best deal or to give you all the costs up front. See my blog at the end (Aug 16th) hope that helps. That is a common experience I think we’ve all had. Most of the rental companies are not inclined to help you get the best deal or to give you all the costs up front. See my blog at the end (Aug 16th) hope that helps.

]]> By: jim sanford http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-898 jim sanford Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:58:52 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-898 It's far easier to come out of Shannon airport than Dublin. Take your time and find an empty parking lot or quiet neighborhood to spend a few minutes getting comfortable with sitting in the right (driver's) seat and driving on the left. Sketch a few scenarios at home and rehearse what you'll do at: an intersection, a roundabout, stopping, looking, and turning, on ramps, off ramps, etc. Have a real good navigator in the front passenger seat to remind you to stay on the left, and to read maps and the road signs(very important and helpful). It’s far easier to come out of Shannon airport than Dublin. Take your time and find an empty parking lot or quiet neighborhood to spend a few minutes getting comfortable with sitting in the right (driver’s) seat and driving on the left. Sketch a few scenarios at home and rehearse what you’ll do at: an intersection, a roundabout, stopping, looking, and turning, on ramps, off ramps, etc. Have a real good navigator in the front passenger seat to remind you to stay on the left, and to read maps and the road signs(very important and helpful).

]]> By: jim sanford http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-897 jim sanford Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:42:48 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-897 My wife and I have been to Ireland 8 times, and have traversed most of the countryside (approx. 10,000 miles) on just about every size road imaginable from the Dual Carriageways to the tiny rural lanes barely wide enough for one small car. First, charge your rental car on a "World" Master Card. That is the only card I'm aware of (thank's to Liam's advice) that will cover the CDW and that alone will cut your cost in half if you aren't pressured/scared into purchasing all the other options (windscreen, etc.) I begin inquiring 4-6 months in advance and contact as many companies as I can (8-10) until I get the best deal and make sure it's all-inclusive confirmed by e-mail voucher. We have paid as little as $14.00 to $22.00 per day ($18.00 this past June for a Ford Focus-nice compact 4-door). Small is best so pack wisely. We can stay for three to four weeks taking just carry-on luggage (small suitcase and another hand bag in overhead). We NEVER check and therefore always have our luggage close. Consider manual vs automatic - less expensive and much more fun to drive. Looking for more room - we took our children and grandchildren to Ireland in June and rented a nine-passenger Volkswagon Deisel (Deisel fuel costs less, and gives you better mileage) Plenty of seating room and a huge luggage area in back. I really enjoy driving in Ireland. My wife and I have been to Ireland 8 times, and have traversed most of the countryside (approx. 10,000 miles) on just about every size road imaginable from the Dual Carriageways to the tiny rural lanes barely wide enough for one small car. First, charge your rental car on a “World” Master Card. That is the only card I’m aware of (thank’s to Liam’s advice) that will cover the CDW and that alone will cut your cost in half if you aren’t pressured/scared into purchasing all the other options (windscreen, etc.) I begin inquiring 4-6 months in advance and contact as many companies as I can (8-10) until I get the best deal and make sure it’s all-inclusive confirmed by e-mail voucher. We have paid as little as $14.00 to $22.00 per day ($18.00 this past June for a Ford Focus-nice compact 4-door). Small is best so pack wisely. We can stay for three to four weeks taking just carry-on luggage (small suitcase and another hand bag in overhead). We NEVER check and therefore always have our luggage close. Consider manual vs automatic – less expensive and much more fun to drive. Looking for more room – we took our children and grandchildren to Ireland in June and rented a nine-passenger Volkswagon Deisel (Deisel fuel costs less, and gives you better mileage) Plenty of seating room and a huge luggage area in back. I really enjoy driving in Ireland.

]]> By: Corey http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-896 Corey Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:38:42 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-896 Phoebe - Winter is normally a cheaper time to rent a car. However, right around Christmas the prices shoot up. Same is often true around Saint Patrick's Day and the months of July and August. It's good old supply and demand at work. Phoebe – Winter is normally a cheaper time to rent a car. However, right around Christmas the prices shoot up. Same is often true around Saint Patrick’s Day and the months of July and August. It’s good old supply and demand at work.

]]> By: Phoebe http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-895 Phoebe Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:19:56 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-895 I was hoping to plan a trip to Ireland for Christmas - but between the high car rental prices and byzantine insurance, we're re-thinking our plans. Either we'll do train trips back and forth - or we won't go. San Diego is nice. I was hoping to plan a trip to Ireland for Christmas – but between the high car rental prices and byzantine insurance, we’re re-thinking our plans. Either we’ll do train trips back and forth – or we won’t go. San Diego is nice.

]]> By: Terry Griffin http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-894 Terry Griffin Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:32:39 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-894 While I'm very excited about an upcoming trip to Ireland, car rental has been the biggest headache and something that would make me think twice about returning to Ireland. The insurance complexities make folks anxious and I feel like the system is set to rip me off. The prices are very high... While I’m very excited about an upcoming trip to Ireland, car rental has been the biggest headache and something that would make me think twice about returning to Ireland. The insurance complexities make folks anxious and I feel like the system is set to rip me off. The prices are very high…

]]> By: Bit Devine http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-893 Bit Devine Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:31:09 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-893 Having recently dealt with the car rental issue in Ireland, I would have to say that If I owned an Irish car rental company, I would make everything clear cut & concise as far as pricing. So far, I have been battling with Kemwel and SixT for two months to try to resolve my problem. Being charged the same amount in taxes and fees as I paid for the actual rental is bordering on criminal. I agree that the prices need to come down to reflect the current prices throughout the tourism industry. I am also all for lowering the cost on the automatics, as well. Having recently dealt with the car rental issue in Ireland, I would have to say that If I owned an Irish car rental company, I would make everything clear cut & concise as far as pricing.

So far, I have been battling with Kemwel and SixT for two months to try to resolve my problem. Being charged the same amount in taxes and fees as I paid for the actual rental is bordering on criminal.

I agree that the prices need to come down to reflect the current prices throughout the tourism industry. I am also all for lowering the cost on the automatics, as well.

]]> By: Corey http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-892 Corey Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:13:37 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-892 Thanks to everyone for sharing. I think we're going to end up with a clear idea of how the system is set up and hopefully, send a message about how it could be improved. I appreciate that people sharing their good and their bad experiences. Jeff - Hertz's website is among the clearest when it comes to pricing... you just need to click the "View Optional Items" optional items in the quote and it's all there. Dooley and Carhire.ie also lay it out pretty well. Argus does too (but their "fine print" shows fees in pounds rather than the currency the customer selects). Thanks to everyone for sharing. I think we’re going to end up with a clear idea of how the system is set up and hopefully, send a message about how it could be improved.

I appreciate that people sharing their good and their bad experiences.

Jeff – Hertz’s website is among the clearest when it comes to pricing… you just need to click the “View Optional Items” optional items in the quote and it’s all there. Dooley and Carhire.ie also lay it out pretty well. Argus does too (but their “fine print” shows fees in pounds rather than the currency the customer selects).

]]> By: Jeff Coyle http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-891 Jeff Coyle Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:57:03 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-891 I rented with an American company, Hertz. I had zero issues.. flawless even.. So my advice to the car hire companies,, look at how Hertz at Shannon is operating and treating their customers.. I rented with an American company, Hertz.
I had zero issues.. flawless even..
So my advice to the car hire companies,, look at how
Hertz at Shannon is operating and treating their customers..

]]> By: Kevin http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-890 Kevin Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:18:11 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-890 A BIG +1 on all-inclusive insurance pricing - none of this 15 €/day here and 15 €/day there business. One price - no excess, tires and windscreen included. AND make it all available on the website when the car is booked! After that is done, we can talk about airport collection fees, additional driver fees, and the "prepay for petrol" racket! A BIG +1 on all-inclusive insurance pricing – none of this 15 €/day here and 15 €/day there business. One price – no excess, tires and windscreen included. AND make it all available on the website when the car is booked!

After that is done, we can talk about airport collection fees, additional driver fees, and the “prepay for petrol” racket!

]]> By: santafetraveler http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-882 santafetraveler Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:51:48 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-882 The high deductibles they were charging last time we went to Ireland, especially on theft. As credit card companies won't cover rentals in Ireland, insurance is a BIG issue. We almost went to Italy instead of Ireland because of the insurance and then we got a great Hertz deal through Aer Lingus. It is pretty bad when the deductibles on rental car insurance can cause you to drastically change plans. Thanks for asking! The high deductibles they were charging last time we went to Ireland, especially on theft. As credit card companies won’t cover rentals in Ireland, insurance is a BIG issue. We almost went to Italy instead of Ireland because of the insurance and then we got a great Hertz deal through Aer Lingus. It is pretty bad when the deductibles on rental car insurance can cause you to drastically change plans.
Thanks for asking!

]]> By: Susan M via Facebook http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-889 Susan M via Facebook Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:25:14 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-889 Since most of us are still dealing with that other side of the road business, can they make the automatic models more affordable so we have one less thing to learn? (Some of us.. that is..lol) Since most of us are still dealing with that other side of the road business, can they make the automatic models more affordable so we have one less thing to learn? (Some of us.. that is..lol)

]]> By: Christy N via Facebook http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-888 Christy N via Facebook Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:24:53 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-888 Since US credit card insurances have mostly denied any coverage in Ireland, how about making CDW coverage reasonable and easy to understand? Since US credit card insurances have mostly denied any coverage in Ireland, how about making CDW coverage reasonable and easy to understand?

]]> By: Robert S via Facebook http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-887 Robert S via Facebook Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:24:27 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-887 Is there any place to "learn" how to drive on the "right" side of the road in Ireland? I'm afraid to do my own driving but I know that's the best way to see the country. Is there any place to “learn” how to drive on the “right” side of the road in Ireland? I’m afraid to do my own driving but I know that’s the best way to see the country.

]]> By: Carla M via Facebook http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-886 Carla M via Facebook Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:24:05 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-886 Tourism levels have fallen, so why have car hire prices not fallen? Tourism levels have fallen, so why have car hire prices not fallen?

]]> By: Sarah G via Facebook http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-885 Sarah G via Facebook Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:23:37 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-885 Never had any problem with Sixt in shannon, always generous, nice and got a little bigger car too one year. was fun! Never had any problem with Sixt in shannon, always generous, nice and got a little bigger car too one year. was fun!

]]> By: Clodagh S via Facebook http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-884 Clodagh S via Facebook Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:23:01 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-884 Our Hertz Irish car hire was great..they upgraded us to a diesel Jaguar...boy did we swan around in it too! Our Hertz Irish car hire was great..they upgraded us to a diesel Jaguar…boy did we swan around in it too!

]]> By: Sarah http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-883 Sarah Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:16 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-883 I am in the process of planning a trip for 10 days in Ireland. Of all the things that confuse me at this point in the process, it's the car rental. Why does it have to be so darned expensive and complicated. We rent cars in the US all the time for trips or business and never this much trouble. It would be great if the process was a lot more user and economically friendly! Help. I still don't know what I'm going to do. I am in the process of planning a trip for 10 days in Ireland. Of all the things that confuse me at this point in the process, it’s the car rental. Why does it have to be so darned expensive and complicated. We rent cars in the US all the time for trips or business and never this much trouble. It would be great if the process was a lot more user and economically friendly! Help. I still don’t know what I’m going to do.

]]> By: Carrie http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-881 Carrie Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:55:13 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-881 Get rid of the super CDW. Have ONE insurance that covers everything, tires, glass, etc. with no deductible. And please bring down the cost of automatic transmission cars. Get rid of the super CDW. Have ONE insurance that covers everything, tires, glass, etc. with no deductible. And please bring down the cost of automatic transmission cars.

]]> By: Dave http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-880 Dave Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:25:07 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-880 I'd make it so the price on the website is the price you pay. My $345 quote turned out to cost $520 after all the fees. I’d make it so the price on the website is the price you pay. My $345 quote turned out to cost $520 after all the fees.

]]> By: Maryellen http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-878 Maryellen Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:02:21 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-878 I thought I did everything right by booking my car with insurance, but when I got to the desk, they started telling me that I needed more insurance. I told them I booked the insurance, but they told me there was more... and it was really expensive. I was tired and confused and mad they didn't tell me this before. I thought I did everything right by booking my car with insurance, but when I got to the desk, they started telling me that I needed more insurance. I told them I booked the insurance, but they told me there was more… and it was really expensive. I was tired and confused and mad they didn’t tell me this before.

]]> By: Kathy http://irishfireside.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/comment-page-1/#comment-879 Kathy Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:36:37 +0000 http://irishfireside.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/if-you-owned-an-irish-car-rental-company/#comment-879 As far as we know, there is not an upper age limit on renting automobiles in the United States. Why the limits in Ireland? Is it an insurance/liability thing? It's something we've always wondered but never asked... Kathy As far as we know, there is not an upper age limit on renting automobiles in the United States. Why the limits in Ireland? Is it an insurance/liability thing?

It’s something we’ve always wondered but never asked…

Kathy

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