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Insurance Explained

Find out all you need to know about the protection options that are available, such as collision damage waiver, super collision damage waiver, and more.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Collision Damage Waiver basically covers damage to the vehicle for everything bar the excess amount. All of our car hire prices you see on our website come with CDW rental car insurance included as standard (as long as you do NOT tick the ‘I have a credit card that covers car rental insurance’ box).

What is excess?

The excess amount is the maximum you are a liable for in case of damage. This amount (€1,600 – €2,500) varies based on the value of the vehicle. Should you have the misfortune of having damage occur to the vehicle while on rent, the entire amount of the excess will be retained by the rental company until the damage is fixed. If the damage is less than the excess, you will then be refunded the difference.

How do I pay the excess?

The excess amount is preauthorised (held) on your payment card at the beginning of the rental. We do not deduct this money from the account; it just means that we are able to access it if damage occurs. If the vehicle is returned with no damage then the preauthorised amount is released, however, the length it takes to show as available in your account depends on your bank.

Some banks hold this for 21+ days. If you do not have sufficient credit on your payment card to cover the excess or you would like to remove/reduce your excess, you can purchase our Super Damage waiver cover.

For full details of the policy costs, please read our Terms and Conditions.

Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)

Super Damage Waiver (SCDW) is an optional extra cover which reduces your excess in case of damage to zero* (except luxury vehicles where the excess can only be reduced to €200). It provides additional protection beyond the standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) that typically comes with rental cars. SCDW reduces your financial liability in case of damage to the rental car, including accidents, theft, or vandalism.

How do I purchase the SCDW cover?

SDCW can be purchased online or at our desk on arrival.

We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover Cards. Debit cards will only be accepted if either (1) a credit card is also provided to cover the excess; or (2) the customer purchases our Super Collision Damage Waiver product, which reduces the excess to €250.

We hope this clears up the confusion with Ireland rental car insurance. For full details of the policy costs, please read our Terms and Conditions.

Read our article on Navigating Car Hire Excess in Ireland which explains more in detail around car hire excess and using third party insurance.

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