Irish Car Rentals Frequently Asked Questions

We are fully aware of the importance of your car rental to you. If you are traveling on business or for pleasure we want to ensure that you receive the very best service and vehicle possible. Please browse through the following Frequently asked questions if you are looking for further detail on your impending car rental. We look forward to assisting you.

Are my booking details secure on this website ?

Yes. Irish Car Rentals make use of Verisign 128 Bit SSL certificates ensuring any data entered to your web browser is encrypted. As an added safeguard any payment details are removed from our web servers immediately after your booking is made. Because of this you can pass your credit card and personal details through our booking system with confidence. We have strict guidelines as to our client’s privacy and we will not pass on your details to any other party for any reason.

What happens when I submit a reservation ?

When you click on the "submit" button you will receive your booking number beginning with "ICR" followed by a six (6) digit number e.g. ICR125636. You will automatically receive an e-mail to the address you have supplied outlining your booking details. When you create a booking a secure confirmation is transferred to the Irish Car Rentals reservation system desk in Limerick, Ireland. The rental is then added to the system and the car is made available for hire. A booking deposit is charged to your credit card at this stage. Please ensure that you complete the Booking Form in Full, (paying particular attention when noting your Credit Card Details and E-mail address), and that you have ensured that you are aware of the costs involved.

When you arrive at the rental desk at the airport you will sign a rental agreement, pay any local charges or additional costs, be taken to your vehicle and then be given any instruction on the vehicle as may be required. Once you have started to drive the car you are liable for any accidents, damage or other costs incurred until the vehicle is safely returned to the airport compound.

All Irish Car Rentals Internet Quotations are "Drive Away Prices" and include

If you collect your vehicle from an Airport in Ireland you will have to pay an airport desk surcharge of EUR 25.00 exclusive of 13.5% VAT. This charge is payable locally at the rental desk and is common to most car rental companies in Ireland. When you collect your vehicle you will also be asked to pay a Fuel Deposit.

What kind of car can I expect ?

We operate the most modern fleet of cars in Ireland and 95% of our vehicles will be under 6 months old. When you ask for a quotation you will see that there are often 2 or more models or makes offered within the "Car Group".

Irish Car Rentals cannot guarantee a particular make or model of car but we will guarantee a car within the "Car Group" will be available for collection as required. Specific requests for Cars with CD Players, airbags etc: and or other features cannot be guaranteed as being available but we will make every attempt to supply if you request them in the "additional comments" field of the booking form. It is recommended that travelers with additional luggage such as Golf Clubs or Fishing equipment rent a vehicle one grade above the normal requirements shown on the quote form. If you have a specific requirement for options please state them in the comments box of the rental booking form. Irish Car Rentals will try to comply with any reasonable request but cannot guarantee availability of a specific model.

What Driver Information & drivers license requirements apply ?

All drivers must be in possession of a full-unendorsed driver's license at the time of rental. (Certain minor endorsements may be acceptable, please call us prior to booking). All drivers must have held a full driver's license for at least 12 months prior to hiring a car with Irish Car Rentals and must present themselves with their full-unendorsed driver's license at the pick up location at the time of rental. Holders of US, Canadian, Australian and All EU member states are NOT required to supply an International Driving License (IDL). An International Driving License (IDL) is required if your national driver's license is not in Roman script. International driver's licenses MUST BE accompanied by the original domestic license of the driver. (This is clearly stated on the international license).

What are the driver's license and age requirements ?

Drivers must have held their full license for at least 12 months prior to the date of pick up. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 25 years, there is no maximum age. All drivers must present their unendorsed full license at the Irish Car Rentals desk and must sign the rental contract. Only named drivers may drive an Irish Car Rentals vehicle.

Can more than one person drive the car ?

Yes. Additional drivers can be added locally for an additional EURO 7.75 per day per driver. All additional drivers must present their unendorsed full license at the Irish Car Rentals desk and must sign the rental contract. Only named drivers may drive an Irish Car Rentals vehicle.

Can I drive my car into Northern Ireland ?

Yes. If you wish to drive in Northern Ireland it is a requirement of rental that you inform Irish Car Rentals that you wish to do so on collection of the vehicle. (Usually at the airport desk) An additional charge of EUR 25 applies. This is to extend the AA 24 hour roadside assistance to cover Northern Ireland and is compulsory. The renter is free then to drive throughout Northern Ireland. Cars can not be taken off the island of Ireland.

What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) ?

Collision Damage Insurance covers damage to the rental car and limits the liability for damages to a vehicle whilst on hire. In case of an accident resulting in damage to a rental vehicle the Customer is liable for the first EUR 1,200 of damage to the rental car. This liability of EUR 1,200 can be reduced to EUR 100 at an additional charge of EUR 9.95 per day. The excess on luxury cars, minivans and minibuses is EUR 1,800 and can be reduced to EUR 100 for an additional charge of EUR 15 per day. These charges are collected at the point of collection by the reservations agent. Irish Car Rentals include CDW insurance in the quoted rate unless you indicate on the booking page that you do not wish to have this included.

What is Theft Protection or Theft Loss Insurance

This is included in the rate (unless you indicate on the booking page that you do not wish to have this included) and covers the value of the car if it is stolen while in possession of the renter. The hirer is responsible for the excess insurance charges for the vehicle. Customers are liable for the first EUR 750 of damage to the rental car Excess liability of EUR 750 can be reduced to EUR150 at a charge of EUR 9.95 per day. The excess on luxury cars, minivans and minibuses is EUR 1500 and can be reduced to EUR 150 for an additional charge of EUR 15 per day. This insurance does not cover for loss of personal possessions.

Can I use my Credit card to waive the "Auto Rental Insurance"

Irish Car Rentals has been informed that Mastercard may have restricted its Auto Rental Insurance package to hirers in the Republic of Ireland. Mastercard have not confirmed this in writing yet. Please contact your credit card issuer before you make a booking where you wish to use your credit card to cover the Auto Rental insurance in the Republic of Ireland.

MasterCard Auto Rental Insurance and Canadian Visa Card Auto rental Insurance may allow you to waive the cost of Theft Protection and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for rental cars in some countries. This coverage is may ONLY be available with certain MasterCard's issued by US bank's and some Canadian Visa card programs. If you pay for the full rental with your eligible MasterCard card or Canadian Visa Card you may be covered for up to $50,000 Auto rental Insurance for your rental without excess. This insurance covers the rental vehicle.

This is an insurance program, restrictions and exclusions apply. In order to establish if your MasterCard or Canadian Visa includes Auto Rental Insurance in the Republic of Ireland please call your credit card issuer and/or MasterCard/Canadian Visa before making your reservation. This coverage is a service provided by MasterCard/VISA Canada to the cardholder and therefore it is the card holders responsibility to ensure that they are adequately covered for the entire duration of the rental period. We reserve the right to refuse third party insurance. Please note Mastercard US may have restricted the insurance in provides in the Republic of Ireland from September 1st 2006. Please contact your credit card issuer before making a rental exclusive of our car rental insurance.

Contact Details for Mastercard and Visa Canada Mastercard can be contacted from the U.S. by calling 1-800-MC-ASSIST Visa Canada can be contacted from Canada by calling 416.367.8472 In order to establish if your MasterCard or Canadian Visa includes Auto Rental Insurance in the Republic of Ireland please call your credit card issuer and/or MasterCard/Canadian Visa before making your reservation. It is important to confirm to your credit card issuer that the Republic of Ireland is your place of rental.

Please Note: Irish Car Rentals unfortunately can not accept Auto Rental Insurance Programs offered by European Banks and Credit card institutions.

Can I hire a baby seat ?

Baby seats are available by prior notification at an additional cost of EURO 49 per rental. Baby seats are NOT available for children under 6 months old. Child seats are mandatory by law in Ireland for children aged from 12 months to 4.5 years.

Children under the age of 3 years must not travel in a car unless restrained in the correct child seat.

Children aged 3 years or over who are under 150cms in height and weighing less than 36 kilograms (i.e. generally children up to the age 11/12 years old) must use the correct child seat, booster seat or booster cushion when travelling in the car.

Rearward-facing child car seats must never be used in the front passenger seat of cars with an active airbag.

Drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure passengers under 17 years or age use the correct seat, booster seat, booster cushion or seatbelt.

What is the Fuel Policy of Irish Car Rentals ?

We are pleased to offer you the convenience of the Prepaid Fuel Option. You may now purchase your initial tank of fuel from Irish Car Rentals at the time of rental at a price that is very competitive with local fuel stations. This method eliminates the need for you to refill the tank before returning your rental vehicle.

Please be aware that we are unable to give a refund for unused fuel

How do I change or cancel my reservation ?

If you wish to change or cancel your reservation please send an e-mail to Irish Car Rentals using the following form please mark on the subject line if you wish to "amend" or "cancel" the reservation. Please always note your reservation number on the e-mail.

Can I travel out from one location and return the vehicle to another ?

Yes. Charges may apply for some locations. You can see what charges may apply if you calculate your rate on the booking engine.

Where do I go when I arrive at my destination ?

Full details of the locations of our Irish Car Rentals reservation desks is shown our locations page, please click here for further information.

What happens if my flight is cancelled ?

If you flight is cancelled please contact us via e-mail or to one of our Toll Free numbers. UK and Europe: 00800 4747 4227, United States 1 877 347 3227. Our international number is + 353 61 206088. We will make every effort to keep you car until you arrive.

Will my personal Auto Policy cover me in Ireland ?

Unfortunately we can not accept the insurance coverage of a hirer if his/her policy is not a fully comprehensive Irish policy. Insurance coverage from overseas companies or insurers is not accepted due to past problems experienced. This is normal policy for Irish Car rental companies.

What credit cards does Irish Car Rentals accept ?

Irish Car Rentals accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. We can not accept Irish Laser Cards and or UK Switch cards for payment purposes. Unfortunately we do not accept cash as payment method.

What if I get a traffic violation while in possession of a rental vehicle ?

If you get a traffic violation while in possession of a Irish Car Rentals vehicle please advise our staff on return.

What happens if the car breaks down ?

In the very unlikely event of a breakdown with Irish Car Rentals help is never far away. You are covered by 24hour AA Roadside assistance insurance. Details of this service will be provided in the rental agreement wallet you receive on arrival.

When do I have to include my credit card number ?

We need your credit card number when you are booking the car. Please note the Irish Car Rentals site is secure. Your personal details will not be shared with third Parties at any stage.

Can I take the seats out of a minivan ?

Unfortunately this is not possible. By law the seats have to stay in the van. However Cargo vans are available on request. Please contact the reservations team.

Who do I contact if I have any questions after I have rented the car ?

Full contact details are on your rental documentation. You can contact us here, please submit your booking or rental agreement number also.

What happens if I don't like my car ?

In the unlikely event that you are not completely satisfied with your rental car please call the nearest office to you. The telephone numbers will be supplied to you on arrival.

How old are the vehicles in your fleet ?

On average vehicles are less that six months old. Every effort is made to have the best vehicle available.

What do I do if I lock my keys in the car, get a flat tire or break down ?

Every Car is covered by a 24-Hour AA Roadside assistance policy. The Free phone details in Ireland are available with your rental agreement when you pick the car up. has a specific Policy with the AA in Ireland (The AA in Ireland is similar to "AAA" in the U.S.)

What do I do in the event of an accident ?

In the event of a traffic accident please notify Irish Car Rentals as soon as possible Contact the Irish Police (Gardai) on 999 and ensure that the police (Gardai) are called, so that they can report the accident. Do not admit liability at any stage.

How much does petrol cost in Ireland ?

Petrol varies around the country, but generally costs between . Euro 1.10 and Euro 1.20 per litre. You can check the latest petrol costs in Ireland here: 

Should I Hire a Manual or Automatic ?

If you drive a stick shift (manual transmission car) at home and are well used to it, you should have no trouble in Ireland, except that the gear stick is on your left-hand side. With the small country roads and all the hills in Ireland it is sometimes better to have automatic.

Is the local tax (VAT) included in my rental rates ?

Yes. The rate is at 13.5%. This can not be claimed back by non-US Nationals as car rental is a service not a product. VAT is applicable on all extras purchased. All additional services and insurances are subject to VAT @13.5%

Can I extend my rental dates ?

Yes. You can call the nearest car rental location to extend your rental. Our phone number will be on the rental agreement.

Can I tow with a rental car ?

Unfortunately this is not permitted. Towing is a violation of the rental agreement and is not permitted under any circumstances.

Can I rent a car with a roof rack or bike rack ?

Unfortunately roof racks and bicycle racks are not available for hire and may not be attached to the rental car.

What if I have another question ?
If you have another question please email our reservations team  we will be more than happy to assist. We have provided some very useful information on this website in respect of Road signs, Driving Information and other useful resources. Should you need further information or want one of our expert Car Rental staff to contact you please do not hesitate to contact us.

version coh 25/09/07