Understanding Car Rental Insurance in Ireland

When planning a trip to Ireland, renting a car is a popular choice for many travelers. However, one thing that can cause confusion and stress is car rental insurance. Understanding your coverage options and the requirements of Irish law can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about car rental insurance in Ireland.

Do I Need Car Rental Insurance in Ireland?

Yes, it is required by law to have insurance when renting a car in Ireland. However, the type of insurance you need can vary depending on several factors, such as your age, country of origin, and the rental company’s policies. It’s important to do your research before you arrive in Ireland so that you know exactly what type of coverage you need and how much it will cost.

Types of Car Rental Insurance in Ireland

There are several types of car rental insurance available in Ireland, including:

Type of Insurance
Description
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
This covers damage to your rental car in the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism. However, it typically comes with a high excess, which means you’ll still have to pay a significant amount out of pocket if something happens to the car.
Theft Protection (TP)
This covers the cost of replacing the rental car if it’s stolen. However, like CDW, it usually has a high excess.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
This covers damage or injury to other people and their property if you’re at fault in an accident. It’s required by law in Ireland and is usually included in the rental price.
Personal Accident Insurance
This provides coverage for medical expenses and accidental death or disability for you and your passengers in the event of an accident. It’s often an optional add-on.

What is CDW Insurance?

As mentioned, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is a type of car rental insurance that covers damage to your rental car, but typically comes with a high excess. This means that if something happens to the car, you’ll still be responsible for paying a certain amount out of pocket. For example, if the excess is €1,000 and you cause €2,000 worth of damage to the car, you’ll have to pay €1,000 and the CDW insurance will cover the rest.

It’s important to note that CDW insurance doesn’t cover damage to the car’s tires, wheels, or undercarriage. It also doesn’t cover damage caused by negligence, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving on unpaved roads.

What is TP Insurance?

Theft Protection (TP) is another type of car rental insurance that covers the cost of replacing the rental car if it’s stolen. Like CDW, it usually has a high excess, which means you’ll still have to pay a certain amount out of pocket if the car is stolen. The excess for TP insurance is typically lower than for CDW insurance.

Can I Decline CDW or TP Insurance?

While it’s not recommended, you can decline CDW and/or TP insurance when renting a car in Ireland. However, this means that you’ll be responsible for paying the full cost of any damage to the car or the cost of replacing it if it’s stolen. You may also be required to provide a credit card deposit with a high limit to cover these potential costs.

Where Can I Buy Car Rental Insurance in Ireland?

You can purchase car rental insurance from several different sources in Ireland, including:

  • The rental company
  • A third-party insurer
  • Your credit card company

Buying Insurance from the Rental Company

Most rental companies offer their own CDW and TP insurance policies. However, these policies can be expensive and may have a high excess. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices and coverage from different companies before you arrive in Ireland.

Buying Insurance from a Third-Party Insurer

There are several third-party insurers that offer car rental insurance in Ireland, such as RentalCover.com and WorldNomads.com. These policies can be cheaper than buying insurance from the rental company, but it’s important to read the fine print to make sure you’re getting adequate coverage.

Using Your Credit Card for Insurance

Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit, but the coverage can vary depending on the card and the rental company. It’s important to read your credit card’s terms and conditions and call your card issuer to confirm coverage before you decline the rental company’s insurance.

FAQ

Is car rental insurance required by law in Ireland?

Yes, Third-Party Liability insurance is required by law in Ireland. CDW and TP insurance are optional, but highly recommended.

What is excess?

Excess is the amount you’ll still be responsible for paying out of pocket if something happens to the rental car, even if you have insurance. It’s important to read your policy carefully to understand the excess amount and what it covers.

What does CDW insurance cover?

CDW insurance covers damage to your rental car in the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism. However, it typically comes with a high excess.

What does TP insurance cover?

TP insurance covers the cost of replacing the rental car if it’s stolen. Like CDW, it usually has a high excess.

Do I need to buy insurance from the rental company?

No. You can purchase car rental insurance from a third-party insurer or use your credit card for coverage, but it’s important to read the fine print and compare prices to make sure you’re getting adequate coverage.

Can I decline CDW or TP insurance?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. If you decline CDW and/or TP insurance, you’ll be responsible for paying the full cost of any damage to the car or the cost of replacing it if it’s stolen. You may also be required to provide a credit card deposit with a high limit to cover these potential costs.

Conclusion

Car rental insurance can be a complex and confusing topic, but it’s essential to understand your coverage options when renting a car in Ireland. Make sure to research your options before your trip and choose the best insurance policy for your needs and budget. With the right coverage, you can enjoy your Irish road trip with peace of mind.