Debating whether you need insurance in general for all types of situations is a proposition that is murky enough to cause substantial confusion — enough to the point where it seems like little more than gambling — and renting vehicles is no different in the United States; but did you know that declining insurance is a paid service when renting a vehicle from Avis Rent A Car System, LLC in Ireland?
Declining Insurance is a Paid Service?
Under the heading Waiver and protection options as part of the official location specific conditions of renting a vehicle from Avis in Ireland is the following text, which is found in the subsection called How do I get Collision Damage Waiver?:
In most cases, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it’s included, it will be stated on your rental agreement and in your booking confirmation email. If it isn’t included, it can be purchased at the rental counter. The price depends on the car group you have booked. If you choose not to purchase Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) you are assuming financial responsibility up to the full value of the rental car. You must also provide proof of coverage by a third party. A hold for €5000.00 will be placed on your payment credit card and a €30.00 administration fee will be added to your rental.
In the wording found on a document — which does not seem to be available via the Internet — is “An administration fee of 30.00 Euro applies for the use of this service.”
“Service”?!?
Keep in mind that many credit cards do not provide Collision Damage Waiver insurance coverage in Ireland; so declining it may not be the best option.
Final Boarding Call
Since when is charging a fee for declining insurance coverage considered to be a service? That seems to enter the realm of the mandatory resort fee at hotel and resort properties and the carrier-imposed surcharge from airlines.
Although rental car companies in Ireland charging that fee may apparently be considered normal, not all rental car companies charge that fee. Hertz and Sixt are two rental car companies in Ireland which come to mind.
Every time you book a reservation for a rental car, always carefully read the rules, terms, conditions, and policies of the rental.
In other words, as with most everything else: arm yourself with knowledge before agreeing to a contract.
All photographs ©2014 and ©2022 by Brian Cohen.
