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 at Durrow Viaduct, County Waterford, Ireland

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Ireland Rental Car Insurance and CDW Coverage

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.

Corkscrew Hill, a wonderful ride on the N67. Ireland travel tips | Ireland vacation |IrelandFamilyVacations.com — Ireland's narrow, winding roads and stone walls are one reason most credit cards don't include Ireland rental car insurance and CDW coverage.

So, what is CDW coverage and why do you have to have it?

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.

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How to Use Credit Card Insurance Coverage for Car Rental in Ireland

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.

What About Travel Insurance Policies that Cover Car Rental?

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 S...