
Car hire excess insurance Ireland is a must-have for anyone renting a car in the country. It's a relatively affordable way to protect yourself from the financial burden of damage to the rental car.
In Ireland, the average excess for a car rental can be as high as €1,500. This is a significant amount of money that you may not be able to afford if you're involved in an accident.
Car hire excess insurance Ireland can be purchased for as little as €10-20 per day. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected in case something goes wrong.
For example, if you're involved in a minor scrape, the excess could be waived, saving you from a hefty bill.
What You Need to Know
Car hire excess insurance in Ireland can be a minefield, but here's the lowdown. You're not required to purchase excess insurance from the car hire company, but it can be a good idea.
If you do decide to buy excess insurance, make sure you understand the policy and what's covered. It's also worth noting that some credit cards offer excess insurance as part of their benefits package.
In Ireland, the average excess on a car hire vehicle can range from €500 to €2,000, depending on the type of vehicle and the company you rent from.
What Does It Include?
If you're booking car hire in Ireland, your package will usually include Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection, and Third Party Liability Insurance.
Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection often come with an excess, which is what renters want to cover with a car hire excess insurance policy.
These policies also contain additional benefits, such as misfuelling and towing cover.
US and Canadian residents may not have all the main insurances within their car hire contract, as Collision Damage Waiver is often covered through separate policies or through credit cards.
What Policy Type?

When choosing a policy, consider the type of coverage you need. You can opt for an Annual policy, which covers multiple car hires throughout the year, but with a maximum trip length for each hire.
There's also the option for a Short term policy, which is ideal for a single car hire and may cover longer trips than an Annual policy.
If you're only looking to cover the excess on your car hire insurance, you can choose Vehicle Hire Excess Insurance.
Rental Options
You'll need to decide on your rental options carefully, especially when it comes to excess charges.
In Ireland, car rental companies often require a deposit before handing over the vehicle, even with Collision Damage Waiver insurance in place. This deposit is essentially a guarantee that you'll cover any excess charges if the vehicle is damaged or stolen.
Car rental excess insurance is an optional policy that can protect you against these excess charges. If you don't have this insurance, you'll be liable for the first portion of the damage or loss incurred.
You can opt for the car rental company's excess insurance, which can bring down the excess charge from €2500 to €250, as seen in the example from Enterprise. However, this comes at an additional cost, often close to the daily car rental fee.
Alternatively, you can look for third-party excess insurance services, such as CarHireExcess.ie, which offer more affordable options. For example, they quote €11 for a 4-day rental, as mentioned in the post from roguey.
Coverage and Pricing
The cost of car hire excess insurance in Ireland can vary depending on the type of coverage you choose. Rental Car Insurance Ireland Coverage Chart shows that damage due to collision or theft can be covered for $2,500 to $4,500.
If you're looking to save on your car hire excess insurance, you might be interested to know that the average saving is based on a 40-year-old Irish resident renting a compact group C car from Madrid airport for 14 days. According to the article, the average saving is based on a 14-day single trip silver cover policy.
The Rental Car Insurance Ireland Coverage Chart also lists the specific coverage amounts for various scenarios, including improper fuel use charges ($500), loss or theft of keys ($500), and towing charges ($500). These costs can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand what's included in your policy.
In case you need to make a claim, it's reassuring to know that the Rental Car Insurance Ireland Coverage Chart covers personal belongings for up to $500 and hotel expenses for up to $150.
Here's a quick summary of the coverage amounts:
Remember, car hire excess insurance is an optional policy, but it can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of an accident or theft.
Getting a Quotation
Getting a quotation for car hire excess insurance in Ireland is a straightforward process. You'll be asked a few questions on the first page of the MoneyMaxim car hire excess comparison service.
To obtain a quote, you'll need to visit the MoneyMaxim website. The service is designed to help you find the best car hire excess insurance for your needs.
On the first page, you'll be prompted to answer a series of questions. This information will help the system generate a personalized quote.
Rental Information
Car rental excess insurance is an optional policy that protects you against excess charges in case your hire car is damaged or stolen. You'll normally be required to leave a deposit before collecting your hire vehicle, even with Collision Damage Waiver insurance in place.
The excess charge can be quite steep, ranging from $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the type of damage or theft. This is why it's essential to consider purchasing car hire excess insurance.
Some rental companies, like Enterprise, may offer additional excess insurance for a fee, which can bring the excess down to $250. However, you can also explore external services like carhirexcess.ie, which offers coverage for as little as €11 for 4 days.
Here's a breakdown of what some rental car insurance policies cover:
It's worth noting that some policies may have specific coverage limits, like €500 for personal belongings or €150 for hotel expenses.
Rental Ireland
Renting a car in Ireland can be a great way to explore the country, but it's essential to understand the insurance options available to you.
Car rental excess insurance is an optional policy that protects you against excess charges in case your hire car becomes damaged or stolen. This can be a lifesaver if you're planning a road trip across Ireland.
To cover damage due to collision or theft, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,500, depending on the rental company's deductible.
If you're renting a car for an extended period, it's worth considering purchasing excess insurance to avoid unexpected costs.
Here's a breakdown of what's covered by rental car insurance in Ireland:
It's worth noting that some credit card companies offer rental car insurance that can waive Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection in Ireland.
What Vehicle Type?
When choosing your vehicle type, consider the size of your group. If you're traveling with a large family or group, you'll want to choose a vehicle that can accommodate everyone comfortably.
Not all car hire excess policies will cover up to 9 seats, so make sure to select the correct option from the drop down list. Specialist policies are available for motorhomes.
You can choose from a variety of vehicle types, including those that are suitable for large groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need excess protection on car hire?
Yes, consider excess protection on car hire to avoid costly fees, potentially up to €1,000, in case of damage or accidents. This can help you save money and enjoy your trip without financial stress.
Sources
- https://www.carrentalireland.com/insurance-excess-cover.php
- https://carinsurent.com/car-rental-insurance/car-rental-insurance-for-ireland-do-you-need-one-and-how-does-it-work/
- https://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/faq/car-hire-excess-insurance/ireland
- https://cover4rentals.com/ie/
- https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057974749/car-rental-excess-insurance
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