Planning Your Irish Vacation Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

I answer many questions about travel in Ireland, but the most popular topic- by far- concerns driving in Ireland.  One of the most common questions I receive is about Ireland rental car insurance, particularly CDW coverage (Collision Damage Waiver).

Car rental insurance in Ireland can feel confusing, and I know it’s not the most exciting topic. But stick with me – I’m going to make this as simple and painless as possible, so by the end you’ll know exactly what coverage you need, what you can skip, and how to avoid those costly surprises at the rental desk.

CLICK HERE to learn Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland

While you can opt out of the CDW coverage in some countries, it is a mandatory insurance in Ireland.  And while many credit cards offer CDW coverage if you use them to pay for the rental, a slightly deeper search shows that most do not cover rentals in Ireland.

Put very simply, CDW coverage limits your liability for material damage to the vehicle.

Basic CDW is included in your rental agreement. This coverage limits your liability for damage to the vehicle. But it does not completely cover it.

The amount over and above the basic CDW coverage is the ‘excess', which usually begins around €2500 and rises based on vehicle make and model. If there is damage to the car ‘in excess' of the basic CDW, you will be responsible for that amount.

This amount is covered in three ways:

Option 1

The Excess is held on your credit card. This is the credit card you used to book the car rental. This amount will be released when the car is returned undamaged.

Option 2

Purchase Vehicle Excess (also called CDW Excess, CDI Excess, Super CDW, Super Damage Waiver). This insurance upgrade is available at a per-day date (normally from €26-30). This option reduces your liability to €100 or even zero. If there is damage to your car you will not be responsible beyond the deductible.

Option 3

Americans and Canadians can waive CDW if their credit card company allows it.

It is important to note that Discover Card is not accepted in Ireland and many rental car companies will not accept American Express to waive CDW.

This is still a little confusing, so I'll break it down a bit more:  You cannot rent a car in Ireland without providing insurance in some way.  Insurance is paid for when you pick up the car unless you have arranged coverage beforehand, so be sure to have room on your credit card for this fee.  If you opt for basic CDW (option 1) a “hold” will be placed on your card equal to the coverage amount necessary for that vehicle (can be from €2500- €7000).

CDW Excess coverage is in addition to your car rental fees so it pays to do your homework.

I prefer to rent with Irish Car Rentals.  Their rental rates are very competitive and Vehicle Excess (SCDW) can be added when you book online – no cash out of hand when you pick up the car and you'll be on your way quicker.

I also compare costs with Auto Europe, which will also allow you to add Super CDW when you reserve your vehicle, and Discover Cars, which offers its own 3rd party insurance options.

Certain credit cards offer collision damage cover for the driver, however most VISA, Mastercard, and American Express card issuing companies in the North America have withdrawn coverage for car rental in the Republic of Ireland.

If the customer wishes to use their credit card to cover collision damage, they must first waive CDW when reserving their rental car, then obtain a current Letter of Authorization from the credit card company. This letter must be presented at the time of rental in order to waive the CDW/CDI coverage. Client should note that theft insurance may not be included.

Tip: Letter needs to be issued less than 2 weeks prior to picking up the car. A quick call to your card issuer will result in an immediate email of authorization. Print this out and present to rental company. Credit card used to rent the car must be the same as credit card offering coverage.

It is your sole responsibility to determine coverage with your provider and present proof upon arrival. If proof of coverage is insufficient, you will be liable for the full value of the vehicle and a minimum deposit (hold) will be required. Alternatively, you may opt to purchase CDW/CDI locally which will limit your liability.

Also note that your credit card will have a ‘hold’ place on it for at least €2500 (often €5000 or more) in case of damage, so be sure your credit limit is sufficient. This ‘hold’ is released when the car is returned undamaged.

If you have an accident, the vehicle repair costs will be charged to your credit card (hence the ‘hold') and you will file the paperwork with your credit card company to have the amount refunded via their insurance coverage.

Third party excess policies, like those from travel insurance or DiscoverCars, do not reduce your excess to zero. They simply insure the excess. This means that if your excess (the amount held on your credit card) is taken due to damage caused by you during your rental, you can claim this amount back through the company you purchased this policy from.

You must have proof of the policy when you pick up the car and it must confirm relevant coverage for the Republic of Ireland. You will be required to leave an excess deposit (often €5000 or more) held on the credit card used to rent the car.

Drivers who arrive without a relevant card and letter, or those who do not have excess available on their card, will be required to purchase SCDW/ Excess/ Super CDW coverage from the car rental company.

Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland – 8 steps to renting a car in Ireland

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 298

The post Ireland Rental Car Insurance: What is CDW Coverage and Why Do I Need It? appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Renting a car in Ireland is the best way to experience everything the country has to offer. You will be able to explore Ireland at your own pace, not on someone else's schedule. You can stay longer in an area you are drawn to, change your itinerary at will, or just take the long, meandering road to your next destination.

Car rental in Ireland isn't as simple as it is in other places. You have a few important choices to keep in mind as you choose your rental car – from size and transmission to rental company and insurance coverage.

There is a lot of information in this article- if you want a condensed version here is what you MUST know about renting a car in Ireland.

The steps outlined below are also shared in a series on YouTube:
Ireland Car Rental Tips: What Travelers Need to Know.

Car rental costs will vary based on the type of car you rent, when you rent it, the time of year you are visiting, where you rent from and where you return the vehicle, as well as any additional products or services you add to your rental.

Average Ireland rental car costs in 2025(updated January 24, 2025)
7 day round-trip rental with SCDW from Dublin Airport via Irish Car Rentals using my exclusive rental link.

Additional Ireland Car Rental Costs

As you can see above, it costs more to rent a car with an automatic transmission than a manual, but that's not the only cost that can be added to your car rental in Ireland. Other fees can include:

Looking for the EASIEST car rental in Ireland?
Irish Car Rentals offers Contactless Car Rentals with Full Insurance at Dublin Airport!

The cost of renting a car can seem steep, so you may be looking for a way to save a bit of money.

Whatever you do, DO NOT scrimp on the insurance. The SCDW insurance with a zero deductible is often the best money you will spend. Considering using credit card insurance coverage? Read this first.

Here are a few ways to save money on your car rental:

• Rent early for the best rate. I recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates.
• Rent a manual transmission vehicle (but ONLY if you already know how to drive it!).
• Rent the smallest vehicle you can be comfortable in (don't forget about your luggage).
• Only rent a car for the days you need it (you will NOT need a car in Dublin city).
• Return your car to the same location you rented from.
• Rent from Irish Car Rentals with my exclusive link to save 10%.

When it comes to renting a car in Ireland it's helpful to begin at the beginning. So let's start with the basic steps.

1. Know your arrival and departure dates and locations.
2. Do you need a car for your entire trip? (Note- you won't need a car in Dublin!)
3. Research car rental companies.
4. Choose the car.
5. Get your quotes– but be sure you are comparing apples to apples. (Note- this is where the real work comes in!)
6. Check, and double check, your insurance options.
7. Make your reservation.
8. Tips for Picking up and Returning your Rental Car in Ireland

Before you can begin pricing your Ireland car rental you need to have your flights booked. Note the dates and times.

Planning car pick up at the airports:

Arriving in Dublin: plan to pick up your car 60 minutes after you land, though it may take longer.
8 Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience at Dublin Airport

Arriving in Shannon: plan your pick up for 30 minutes after you land. Shannon Airport is much smaller than Dublin and immigration lines are usually quite quick.

Departing from Dublin: plan to drop off your car 3.5 hours prior to boarding time. It will take 20-30 minutes for the shuttle (if needed) to bring you back to the airport after you return the car or for you to park at the airport and have the car checked by an associate. I recommend dropping off people & luggage at the departures gate then returning the car for minimal hassle.
Dublin Airport Tips

Departing from Shannon: plan to drop off your car 2-2.5 hours prior to boarding time. Shuttles (if needed) usually take 10-15 minutes.

Pick up or drop off at non-airport locations: Be sure to check opening hours and plan your schedule accordingly. Carefully note closing time and weekend hours.

OK, that was easy.

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Next, determine if you will need or want a car for the duration of your trip.

If you have a couple days planned in Dublin you won't need a car in the city. When deciding between airport or city pick up/ drop off be sure to check your accommodations- is parking included or will you have an additional fee? Also check availability of car rental facilities: What hours are they open? What are the weekend hours?

Picking up your car rental in Dublin city? You need to read this.

Ready to move on?

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You'll find plenty of options when searching for car rental in Ireland.
All the big names are there: Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, National… (tip: use the .ie web extension for the Irish website).
And you have the European companies: Europcar and Sixt (I will never rent with Sixt ever again).
And a couple of Irish as well: Irish Car Rentals (a division of Europcar), My Irish Cousin (exclusively use Enterprise vehicles), NewWay (a division of Avis), and Dan Dooley (which was purchased by Enterprise but still maintains it's own branding.)

So, how do you choose? I have a few tips to narrow down your choices:

Do you have your car rental companies narrowed down?

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The rule of thumb for car rental in Ireland is to choose the smallest vehicle possible as fuel (petrol) prices in Ireland can be high. Petrol is sold by the liter (1 gallon = 3.78 liters). Average price in Ireland (January 24, 2025) €1.75/L.

You also need to consider your comfort. Be honest about the space you will need for both people and luggage. A few points to consider:

And finally- can you drive a manual transmission? If not you must reserve an automatic, and those are more expensive.

Now the real work begins.

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Crack out your spreadsheet skills – computer or paper- for all the notes you'll be taking.

My spreadsheet has these columns:

You want to make sure that your quotes are as similar as possible.

Additional Reading: Why GPS is a Waste of Money in Ireland

Now a bit more about that insurance.

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The thing that makes car rental in Ireland tricky is the CDW insurance. It's something that surprises people if they haven't done their research and beginning your vacation with the feeling that you just got fleeced isn't a great start.

Ireland car rental terms can be a bit tricky, but the main thing you must realize is that you will not be allowed to drive away in your Irish car rental without some form of excess insurance.

Why is extra insurance coverage a requirement in Ireland?

Because, for all its wide motorways connecting the major cities, Ireland is a country of narrow, winding roads lined with hedgerows and stone fences.

Narrow village streets lined with cars nearly guarantee a mirror swipe with the fault yours or someone else's. Over 90% of rental cars in Ireland return with some sort of damage.

This is where things get a bit confusing.

Limited Liability Insurance This is a legal requirement when renting a car in Ireland and is included on every car rental, automatically (and must be declined if you wish to use a credit card to cover insurance).

What it covers: Assists in paying the damages caused to another person’s property when you are at fault in an accident.

What it doesn’t cover: The damage to you or your own (rental) car in an accident when you are at fault.

What you need to know: Sometimes this will be listed as CDW but it is not the Super CDW (SCDW or CDI Excess), only the liability. (I know, confusing).
Rental companies in Ireland will not let you rent a car without additional coverage in place.

If you opt out of the excess coverages, a ‘hold' will be placed on your credit card to cover any damages that may occur. This is based on rental company, car value, and rental term; amounts will vary from €2000- €7000.

Super Collision Damage Waiver Aka SCDW or Excess insurance. Additional insurance coverage. I highly recommend purchasing this coverage.

What it covers: Limits your financial liability for material damage to the vehicle, including theft, as long as the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.

What it doesn’t cover: The deductible you will pay in case of damage.

What you need to know: Adding this will cost you extra (often called excess; ie CDW Excess or CDI Excess), ranging from €20-30 per day, depending on type of vehicle, length of rental, and rental company. Your deductible can be as low as zero when you purchase this coverage.

Tip: If possible purchase this prior to your trip. Not only will you have it taken care of in advance (and possibly in your own currency, thereby skipping exchange fees) but you will be out the door and in your car quicker! Currently Irish Car Rentals, Dan Dooley and Auto Europe offer pre-purchase of CDW insurance. You can also pre-purchase CDW Excess at most major car rental websites that end in .ie (but not .com).

If I purchase Excess Insurance (SCDW) will I have to leave a credit card deposit?

If you purchase a zero deductible SCDW there will be NO HOLD on your credit card. If you purchase a €100 deductible SCDW there will be a €100 hold on your credit card.
The credit card hold is ONLY placed on your card if you decline to purchase excess insurance.

VIP Express Also called VIP Express Insurance

What it is: A service offered by some tour packages which adds CDW/ CDI excess to your self drive vacation package.

What you need to know: This often needs to be added when you make your booking; you may not be able to add it separately to your package. Read the fine print carefully.

Free Insurance Protection You may see this listed on some car rental websites

What it is: CDW and theft protection coverage.

What they don’t tell you (unless you hit the ‘details’ link): USA and Canadian rates generally do not include CDW; please check the rental terms to confirm what is included.

Tip: Be sure to read the rental terms thoroughly before renting a car. You will find accepted credit cards listed here (note that Discover card is not accepted in Ireland), as well as insurance coverage, fuel and mileage limits, restrictions, etc.

What You Need to Know About Credit Card Insurance Coverage in Ireland

Certain credit cards (World Mastercard or Visa and Chase Sapphire) offer collision damage cover for the driver, however most VISA, Mastercard, and American Express card issuing companies in the USA have withdrawn coverage for car rental in the Republic of Ireland. A few Canadian issued credit cards also offer coverage.
Read your credit card benefits thoroughly to see if your card offers coverage.

If the customer wishes to use their credit card to cover collision damage, they must first waive CDW when reserving their rental car, then obtain a current Letter of Authorization from the credit card company must be presented at the time of rental in order to waive the CDI coverage. Client should note that theft insurance may not be included.

Tip: Letter needs to be issued less than 2 weeks prior to picking up the car. A quick call to your card issuer will result in an immediate email of authorization. Print this out and present to rental company. Credit card used to rent the car must be the same as credit card offering coverage.

It is your sole responsibility to determine coverage with your provider and present proof upon arrival. If proof of coverage is insufficient, you will be liable for the full value of the vehicle and a minimum deposit of €3,000/£2,500 will be required. Alternatively, you may opt to purchase CDW/CDI locally which will limit your liability.

Also note that your credit card will have a ‘hold’ place on it for at least €3000 (often €5000 or more) in case of damage, so be sure your credit limit is sufficient. This ‘hold’ is released when the car is returned undamaged.

What About Travel Insurance Policies that Cover Car Rental?

Third party excess policies do not reduce your excess to zero. They simply insure the excess. This means that if your excess (the amount held on your credit card) is taken due to damage caused by you during your rental, you can claim this amount back through the company you purchased this policy from.

You must have proof of the policy when you pick up the car and it must confirm relevant coverage for the Republic of Ireland. You will be required to leave an excess (often €5000 or more) held on the credit card used to rent the car.

Drivers who arrive without a relevant card and letter, or those who do not have excess available on their card, will be required to purchase SCDW/ Excess/ Super CDW coverage from the car rental company.

Also note that not all car rental companies will accept third party insurance. You will want to verify that the insurance will be accepted before arriving in Ireland.

Always read the fine print. I have heard that some car rental companies have begun charging a surcharge to use your credit card insurance. From what I found this is not the norm and seems to be associated with bookings made with vendors like Travelocity and Expedia. I do not recommend booking your vehicle with these sites as the fine print excludes US credit card coverages as well as other rules and restrictions.

Important to know about credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere credit cards are used. American Express is not as widely accepted due to fees. And Discover card is not accepted at all.

Additional Insurances

It is important to note that personal liability insurance is not included in your Irish car rental coverages.

What if I or my family is injured?

I recommend doing your homework on the coverage your credit card provides for travel (remember it must be the card you used to book your trip/ car rental for coverage to be effective!). Look for terms like Travel Accident Insurance, Travel Assistance, Roadside Assistance, etc. And then learn what is- and what is not- included in that coverage.

You may find that it will cover the card holder and no one else, or that the coverage is minimal. I always purchase and recommend everyone consider purchasing travel insurance for an Ireland vacation.

Any questions? If not you can move on.

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Now that the hard work is done and you've decided on the best car, price, and options for your trip, it's time to purchase your car rental in Ireland.

Just a couple important tips to remember:

Your car must be reserved in the name of the main driver.

The credit card used must be in the name of the main driver. Cash and travelers checks can not be used to rent a car in Ireland. If you opt to use a debit card it must be a Visa or Mastercard debit and may be subject to a hold on your bank account.

You will need a current drivers license to rent a car. An international drivers license is not necessary in Ireland unless your driver's license is not in English.

Do offer your flight information on your reservation in case of flight delays.

And you're done! Congratulations!

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If you have pre-purchased your Excess insurance and any other optional accessories your rental process should be quick and you'll be exploring Ireland in no time! But there are a few things I recommend before you leave.

I realize this is an exhaustive list of tips for car rental in Ireland- congratulations on reading til the end! You are now completely prepared to rent a car in Ireland!

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Any questions? Ask in the comments below- I always reply!

** The 10% discount is only applicable to certain car classes; the mini & economy classes may be excluded. Other restrictions may apply.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Ireland {2025 Guide} appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland is actually quite easy, regarding documentation, for visitors from North America, Australia, and the EU to travel to for vacation.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen.

Most visitors need only a valid passport to enter the Republic of Ireland. Your passport must be valid for the length of your trip to Ireland. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for your entry stamp.

Citizens of the United Kingdom can also use official photo identification.

EU citizens can use their national identity card to travel through Ireland, as long as they arrive and depart via an airport or ferry port in the Republic of Ireland. For travel to Northern Ireland, an EU citizen will need to obtain UK Electronic Travel Authorization (information below). If an EU citizen travels to or from Northern Ireland directly, a passport and ETA are required.

TIP: be sure to check what form of ID is required by your travel provider (airline, ferry, cruise) before traveling.

Americans and all non-EU citizens entering Ireland with a passport can remain in Ireland for 90 days if their passport is valid for that period.

If you plan to stay longer than 3 months you must apply to extend your visitor permission. More information can be found on the Irish Immigration website.

Regulations for adults apply to children as well. Children must have a valid passport to visit Ireland.

Children from the UK or EU must have valid travel documents.

Obtaining a passport is relatively painless, quite akin to getting a driver's license as both agencies are run by the US government and require standing in slow moving lines and a wait period until you actually receive the passport.

An adult US Passport is valid for 10 years.

You can make the process move a bit quicker if you arrive prepared:

1. Photos can be done before hand or can be taken at the post office. You can have passport images taken at Walgreens and many independent photo labs for under $20.  AAA members can have them taken free of charge.
   Do not take the images at home; the government is very particular about size, background, head size, smiling, etc.)

US passport renewal for adults over the age of 25 can now be done online.
Children must visit a passport office for passport renewals.

24 countries currently require a tourist visa to enter Ireland. Requirements vary for these countries and the best information to understand what citizens of these countries need to visit Ireland is found at the Visit Ireland – Tourist Path page of the Irish Immigration website.

As in Ireland, most visitors arriving in Northern Ireland are required to have a valid passport and can remain up to 6 months as a tourist.

You will also need to apply for UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) prior to your visit.

This digital permit allows you to visit the UK for short stays. You apply using a mobile device or online, pay a small fee (currently £10), and receive approval electronically. Once approved, it’s linked to your passport, and it is recommended you have it before you travel.

1. Go online: Visit the official UK government website or the use the ETA app for your mobile device. iOs – Android

A UK ETA is typically valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple visits to the UK, usually for stays of up to 6 months at a time.

The new UK ETA requirement does not affect travel to the Republic of Ireland. If you’re flying directly to Ireland from North America, you won’t need a UK ETA, as Ireland is not part of the UK and has its own immigration rules.

However, if you plan to visit Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK) or travel to Ireland via the UK (e.g., through London), you will need a UK ETA to enter. This means:

• Direct travel to Ireland: No ETA needed.

Travelers should plan accordingly based on their itinerary.

The UK ETA will also apply to EU citizens who plan to visit the UK. Here's what it means for them:

• Requirement: EU citizens will need to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK, even for short stays.

This is a significant change, as EU citizens previously could enter the UK without any pre-authorization. If you are an EU citizen be sure to plan ahead to ensure you have an approved ETA before travel.

Here are a few more key points visitors should know about the UK ETA:

1. Eligibility: The ETA applies to travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the U.S., Canada, and EU nations). Those who need a visa for the UK won’t use this system.

For more information on visiting the UK as a Standard Visitor and visa requirements refer to the visas & immigration page at GOV.UK.

My advice on travel insurance: if you can't afford to lose the money a cancelled trip will cause, then you should probably look into trip insurance.

You can buy travel insurance to cover practically anything you will encounter on a vacation.

Read the policy carefully before you buy. You can expect to pay between 5-10% of your total trip cost for a decent policy. Look for the “Cancel for any reason” clause; you'll pay more for it, but it may be worth it if you can't take your trip- for any reason.

The post Paperwork & Passports: The Documents You Need to Visit Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.