Rental conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Please check at pick up time.
The Republic of Ireland Terms and Conditions of Hire (referred to as 'T&Cs' in this document)
together with the supplementary information that is contained in these Republic of Ireland specific website
terms will apply to all rentals that start in the Republic of Ireland. Where any discrepancy exists
between this supplementary information and the T&Cs, the T&Cs take priority.
This supplementary information:
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identifies certain services and requirements that are specific to rentals in the Republic of Ireland; and
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summarises many of the key provisions within the T&Cs.
All references to sections (e.g. section 18.2.1) refer to the relevant sections in the T&Cs. The
subject sections below are in alphabetical order for ease of reference.
In addition to the downloadable copy available above, a copy of the T&Cs will be attached to your confirmation
email (if you are booking online or via our reservation centres). Physical copies will also be available to you when
you collect your vehicle.
If you are booking a vehicle through the Irish websites for a rental in a different country, please refer to the
terms and conditions of hire in the country where you are heading. It is those terms and conditions that will
apply to your rental which, due to local legal requirements and practices may be different to those for hiring
vehicles in the Republic of Ireland.
What is included in my rate?
Your rate is inclusive of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Waiver (TW), airport/location surcharge, vehicle
licence fee, road tax, unlimited mileage, and government tax. An excess will apply to CDW and TW. If you enter
a different return location to the pickup location, the one-way rental fee will be included in the price displayed
to you. If during the quotation process you have selected "I live in United States of America" or "I live in
Canada", the rates you will receive are exclusive of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Waiver (TW), and section
9.2.1 will apply.
Additional Driver:
Additional drivers may be added to a rental agreement on collection of the vehicle only. Additional drivers
will be subject to a daily charge as detailed in the Tariff Guide, must be present at time of pickup, and
must fulfil the same age/licence criteria as the principal driver, as set out in section 2.
Please note unauthorised drivers are not covered by our insurance and are prohibited from driving the rental
vehicle.
Age:
The minimum age to drive our vehicles is 22 years of age. The age policy varies for different vehicle types
as follows
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Vehicle Group
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Minimum Age
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Cars: Mini / Economy / Compact / Intermediate
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22
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Cars: Full size / Premium / Luxury /Standard Minivan
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28
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Vans
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27
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Any driver under the age of 26 (22 - 25 years) will be charged a daily young driver surcharge on a per driver
basis. Further details of our age policy and the young driver surcharge are within sections 2.3.4 and 2.3.5,
and the Tariff Guide.
Baby and Booster Seats
It is the law in Ireland that: (i) all children under three years old must use an appropriate child restraint
("baby seat"); and (ii) all children aged three or more years old and up to 150 cm in height or 36 kg in weight must
use an appropriate child restraint ("booster seat"), when travelling in a vehicle. Please note that
'baby seats' are not permitted in commercial vehicles.
The Driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that any passenger aged under 17 years of age travelling in
the vehicle uses the correct seat belt or child restraint.
You can hire a baby seat and/or a booster seat from us at the daily rate set out in the Tariff Guide.
Please note that whilst we can supply these seats we do not fit the seat for you. This is always your
responsibility.
Breakdown Assistance:
If a warning light appears on the dashboard or the Vehicle develops any fault during the Hire Period you or any
other Driver must call us on 01 8122888 or through the online assistance tool: https://assistance.europcar.ie.
Cancellation, Modification, Refund and No Show Policy:
This relates to situations where you may wish to cancel or modify your booking, or where you do not show up to
collect your vehicle. Our policy for all of these situations is described under section 16 (What if I
want to cancel or modify my booking?).
Credit / Debit Cards Accepted:
All payment cards must be provided in physical hard copy format and will need to be authorised using Chip
and Pin. Digital or electronic versions, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, are not
acceptable.
For all prepay bookings, the person in whose name the vehicle is booked MUST be the person whose credit/debit card
is used. We will also need to see the card that was used for the prepayment before we release the Vehicle.
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 Partial Cover, which reduces the excess to €250.
Damage Management Policy
For further details as to our damage management policy and associated charges please see: https://www.europcar.ie/en-ie/p/legal-information/damage-management-policy
Deposits
In addition to the daily rental charges you will be required to leave a deposit. This is for any additional charges
that may arise during your rental.
In most cases, the amount taken as a deposit will be the higher of the vehicle excess and the amount stated
on your booking confirmation email, and will be included on the Rental Agreement. Where Premium Protection has been
purchased and the excess reduced to zero, the deposit amount will be a minimum of 50 euros for pre-paid reservations
and zero euros for pay on arrival reservations.
This is explained in more detail under sections 9.1 (What are the other fees/charges that I may have to
pay?) and 19 (Must I pay a deposit before picking up the vehicle?).
Driving Licence:
Drivers (and any additional drivers) must be in possession of a full and valid driving licence which they have held
for at least 24 months prior to the commencement of the rental. Licences must be provided at collection and
digital driving licences are not accepted. The following endorsement restrictions apply:
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Driving Licence Endorsements
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Acceptable?
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Any licence with two or more periods of disqualification
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Not Acceptable
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Stealing or attempting to steal a vehicle
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Not Acceptable
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Going equipped for stealing or taking a motor vehicle
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Not Acceptable
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Causing death or serious injury by driving while disqualified, unlicenced or uninsured
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Acceptable after 4 years from date of offence
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Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink or drugs
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Acceptable after 5 years from date of offence
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Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving
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Acceptable after 4 years from date of offence
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Dangerous or reckless driving
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Acceptable after 4 years from date of offence
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Causing death or serious injury by dangerous or reckless driving
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Acceptable after 4 years from date of offence
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Driving or attempting to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
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Acceptable after 3 years from date of offence
Only one endorsement allowed
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Failing to provide specimen for breath or blood test
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Acceptable after 3 years from date of offence
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Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks
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Disqualification - Acceptable after 4 years from date of offence
No Disqualification - Acceptable
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NON-EU/EEA driving licences cannot be accepted if the holder has been resident in Ireland for more than 12 months.
Holders of driving licences issued by the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia or an EU member state are
NOT required to provide an international driving permit (IDP). IDPs MUST be
accompanied by the original domestic driving licence. An IDP presented without the domestic licence will not
be accepted.
Excess:
Vehicles are subject to a damage excess amount, which varies by vehicle group. The excess amount may be
reduced through the purchase of our excess reduction products. Excess amounts are detailed in the Tariff
Guide and will be displayed on your Rental Agreement.
Save in relation to section 9.2.1.2 (Vehicle Replacement), we do not accept the transfer of
personal car insurance policies.
We do not accept any third party excess cover. In the event that you are liable for a sum up to
the full value of the vehicle or the value of the Excess, we will recover any sums directly from You and You will
then need to make a separate claim to the provider of your third party insurance cover or third party excess cover.
Fair Wear and Tear Policy:
Europcar operates a Fair Wear & Tear policy, please see: https://www.europcar.ie/en-ie/p/legal-information/fair-wear-and-tear.
Fines and Charge:
You are liable for the payment of all charges arising from any congestion charge, parking charge, tolls, road
traffic offence, or any other offence or infringement involving the vehicle. If we are required to deal with
any correspondence, make payments or otherwise liaise with any issuing bodies we will charge your credit/debit card
with our Third Party Administration Charge as set out in the Tariff Guide. Please familiarise
yourself with section 9.3.1 for further information.
Fuel / EV Charge Policy:
Fuel:
We offer two fuel options:
1. Full Tank Option: At pick up we will charge you for a full tank of fuel at cheaper than
market prices. The vehicle is then returned with whatever fuel is left in it and we will not charge you for
refuelling the Vehicle. No refunds will be issued for unused fuel.
2. Full to Full Option: If the vehicle is returned with less than a full tank of
fuel, you will be charged for the missing fuel as well as a Refuelling Administration charge. Please see section
18.2 and the Tariff Guide for further details as to how this is calculated.
Electric Vehicles:
Electric Vehicles must be returned with a minimum of 50% charge.
Electric Vehicle charging costs are not included in your rental rate. Customers can opt to purchase a charging key
fob at the Charging Key Fob day rate (as set out in the Tariff Guide), which will enable you to use our
designated charging partners charging stations (as notified separately to you at the time of rental) at no
additional cost. Usage of other charging stations will be at your own cost and paid directly to the charging station
operator. The charging key fob must be kept on the car key ring at all times. You will be charged the
Lost Charging Key Fob Fee for each missing charging key fob, and we must be immediately notified of any such loss or
theft.
Flight Information and Flight Delays:
Flights should be scheduled to land within our normal opening hours. For all rentals commencing at an airport
location we ask you provide us with the correct flight number and arrival time when booking your vehicle. This
is to ensure that if your flight is delayed, your car will be held for up to 2 hours after the flight landing time,
within normal opening hours. If this information is not available to you at the time of booking, we ask you
provide us with it at least 5 days before your arrival date. Where flight information is not provided in time,
or incorrect information is provided, we will only hold your vehicle for 2 hours after the booked pick-up time,
within our normal opening hours. We will not be responsible for a failed rental in case of delayed flights and
no refund will be due.
Where a flight is delayed and we have been provided with a flight number for the booking, then we will remain open
to meet the customer until:
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the earlier of 1:00 AM or 1 hour after the flight landing time in the case of Dublin Airport; or
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1 hour after the station's normal closing time in the case of all other Airports.
Where the customer arrives at the desk after the station closing time then a Meeting Late Flight Arrival Charge, as
set out in the Tariff Guide, will be chargeable.
GoCar by Europcar:
If your booking is for a GoCar by Europcar vehicle, then you must have a smartphone to download the GoCar app and
complete the sign-up process. This is to enable access to the vehicle. After booking you will receive an email with
full instructions.
Vehicle Hold:
Vehicles will be held for up to 2 hours after the booked pickup time or flight landing time (if applicable) within
our normal opening hours. After this time, the vehicle may not be available and a No Show Fee may apply.
Modifications, Cancellations and No Shows:
Modifications:
You can modify your booking free of charge provided you let us know at least 48 hours before the Hire Period is due
to start. Please be aware that new rental prices, delivery or collection times may apply and other aspects of your
rental may change if you modify your booking.
We will charge you a Reservation Amendment (or Modification) Charge as set out in the Tariff Guide each
time you amend any details of your booking either (i) less than 48 hours before the Hire Period is due to start or
(ii) during the Hire Period.
Prepaid Rentals:
Late Cancellation: If you cancel giving us less than 48 hours notice then the prepaid amount may be refunded, less
a Cancellation Charge at the rate shown in the Tariff Guide.
No Show: If you have not cancelled your reservation and you fail to pick up the Vehicle within 2 hours of the
reservation time then your prepayment may be refunded less a No Show Charge at the rate shown in the Tariff
Guide.
Pay on Arrival Rentals:
Late Cancellation: If you don't give us 48 hours notice to cancel before the rental start time then you agree that
we may charge the Cancellation Fee set out in the Tariff Guide to reflect the fact that we held the Vehicle
for you without any rental transaction ultimately taking place.
No Show: If you don't pick up the Vehicle within 2 hours of the reservation time then you agree that we may charge
the No Show Fee set out in the Tariff Guide to reflect the fact that we held the Vehicle for you without
any rental transaction ultimately taking place. Where you have not supplied a payment card to guarantee the
reservation then you may remain liable for the Cancellation Fee or the No Show Fee.
Early Returns:
If you return the vehicle to us before the end of the agreed rental period then you will not be entitled to a
refund for any unused days, please see section 11.1.9.
M50 Toll
If you pass through the M50 barrier-free toll, the cost of the toll and an M50 Toll Administration Fee (see Tariff
Guide) will be added to your booking and will be charged as part of your rental agreement. Please note that
if notification of your toll passing is not received before you return the vehicle, then your card will be charged
for the cost later.
All other toll charges are the responsibility of the renter.
One Way Rentals:
One-way rentals are permitted between branches within the Republic of Ireland. If you enter a different return
location to the pickup location, the one-way rental fee will be included in the price displayed to you. One-way
rentals are not available on commercial vans.
One-way rentals to Northern Ireland are permitted and a One Way to Northern Ireland charge will apply, as detailed
in the Tariff Guide.
Returns
Grace Period:
Drivers are allowed a 59-minute grace period provided that the vehicle is returned
within the applicable station's hours of operation. Drivers exceeding this grace period will be charged the
daily charge for each day (or part day) beyond the expiry time and date stated in the rental agreement, as well as
an Unauthorised Extension Charge (see section 5.12 and the Tariff Guide for further details).
Out of Hours:
If you wish to use our "out of hours" returns service please call the contact centre on 01 8122880 or email at
customerservicesie@europcar.ie to check first that there is an out of hours returns service available at the
particular Europcar location. Please see the Tariff Guide for applicable charges.
We will inspect the Vehicle on our own during normal operating hours and you accept that you are responsible for
all charges, fees and damage to or loss of the Vehicle, which may have arisen before we have inspected the Vehicle.
See section 11.3 for further details.
Stand Liable - Residents of Canada and USA only.
If you are a resident of Canada or the USA and have purchased a rental product that excludes collision damage
waiver and theft waiver because your credit card provides you with insurance cover then you will be liable for the
full value of the Vehicle. Please see section 9.2.2 for applicability and further
details.
To avail CDW exclusive rates, the driver must:
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have a US or Canadian issued credit card only (we do not accept non-US/Canadian credit cards) that provides cover for CDW and TW as a benefit; and
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provide WRITTEN PROOF in the form of a letter issued by the credit card issuer specifically stating that the card has coverage for the Republic of Ireland, simply stating 'worldwide coverage' is not acceptable. The letter must be dated within 21 days of the pickup date and contain the credit card number (partly masked is acceptable); and
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have 5,000 Euro available for pre-authorisation on your credit card that will be held as a deposit in case there is damage to the rental vehicle.
If you fail to satisfy any of these conditions on collection of the Vehicle then you will be required to pay the
premium for our CDW and THW cover at the local daily rate.
Travelling abroad:
Vehicles are not permitted to be taken off the Island of Ireland at any time. See section
3 for further details.
Travelling to Northern Ireland:
The Cross Border Travel charge as detailed in the Tariff Guide applies if you are visiting Northern
Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.
Contact Us:
We very much hope you enjoy using the vehicle you rent from us. However, we do appreciate that from time to time
things can go wrong. If they do, we would very much like to hear from you so we can see if there is anything we can
do to put things right.
If you feel the need to complain, please contact us by phone on +353 1 8122880 or by email at customerservicesie@eurpocar.com
Updated: February 2026