Car Hire Excess Insurance Ireland: Is It Worth It

Anyone who’s ever stared at a rental car counter’s add-on screen knows the feeling: a dizzying list of waivers, each with a price tag that can double your holiday budget. In Ireland, where rental excess amounts often run between €1,200 and €2,500, understanding whether to buy separate car hire excess insurance can save you real money, and this article breaks down the costs, coverage options, and practical steps to avoid unnecessary charges so you can drive away with confidence.

Average daily cost: €0.14–€1.00 ·
Typical excess amount: €1,000–€2,500 ·
Number of providers in Ireland: 10+

Here are the key facts about car hire excess insurance in Ireland.

Is it worth getting car hire excess insurance?

The short answer: for most Irish travellers, yes — but only if you choose the right option. Standalone policies from providers like AIG start at €0.14 per day (AIG Ireland), while buying at the desk can cost €24–€35 per day (Ireland Rent A Car (rental comparison guide)). The gap is huge.

Do I need extra car insurance when renting a car in Ireland?

• If your existing car insurance covers rental cars, you may not need extra – but most Irish policies do not extend to hire vehicles (CARHIRE.ie).
• Credit card coverage can work, but you often need to waive the rental company’s CDW and provide a letter from your card issuer (Ireland Family Vacations).
• Standalone excess insurance is the simplest way to protect yourself against the excess amount without relying on the rental desk.

Do you need to purchase extra insurance for a rental car?

The only coverage required by law is third-party liability, which is always included in the rental price. Extra insurance — whether a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or excess insurance — is optional but strongly recommended to avoid paying the excess out of pocket. The trade-off: a few euros a day vs. a potential €1,000+ bill.

What does excess insurance cover for car hire rental?

Excess insurance reimburses you for the amount the rental company charges for damage or theft, up to your policy limit. According to AIG Ireland, it covers the excess or damage liability fee that the rental company holds on your credit card.

What is not covered by excess insurance?

• Most standalone policies do not cover damage to tyres, windscreens, or the underbody – these are often excluded (CARHIRE.ie).
• Third-party liability is not covered by excess insurance; it is already included in your rental rate.
• Loss of use fees, administrative charges, and towing costs may also be excluded – check your policy wording.

How to claim under excess insurance?

• Report the damage to the rental company immediately and obtain a damage report.
• Contact your excess insurer with the rental contract, damage report, and photos.
• AIG states that claims are processed after the rental company deducts the excess from your card (AIG Ireland).

The implication: knowing exactly what is excluded can save you from unexpected costs.

How to avoid car hire excess charges?

The best strategy is to prepare before you travel. Follow these steps to reduce your risk.

1. Check your existing car insurance policy.
2. Use a credit card with rental coverage.
3. Purchase excess insurance online before your trip.
4. Inspect the rental car thoroughly and take photos.

Check your existing car insurance policy

• Some comprehensive car insurance policies extend to rental cars – CARHIRE.ie advises checking with your insurer before your trip.
• If your policy covers rental cars, you may not need additional cover.

Use a credit card with rental coverage

• Premium credit cards often include collision damage waiver – but you must waive the rental company’s CDW and obtain a letter of authorization from your card issuer (Ireland Family Vacations).
• Credit card coverage is secondary, meaning you may need to claim on your own insurance first.

Purchase excess insurance online before your trip

• Standalone policies start at €0.14 per day (AIG Ireland) and cost €3–€8 per day from independent providers (Ireland Rent A Car).
• Buying at the desk costs €24–€35 per day – a 3–10x markup.

Inspect the rental car thoroughly and take photos

• Document any existing damage before driving off – Ireland Family Vacations emphasizes this step.
• Take time-stamped photos of all sides, the windscreen, and the interior.

What this means: following these steps can reduce your risk of paying the excess.

Which credit cards offer car rental insurance coverage in Ireland?

Many premium credit cards include rental car collision damage waiver, but coverage varies widely. According to Ireland Family Vacations, you need to waive the rental company’s CDW and obtain a letter of authorization from your card issuer. The coverage is typically secondary and may exclude Ireland for some US cards.

Does my credit card cover rental car insurance?

• US Visa and Mastercard premium cards usually exclude the Republic of Ireland (Ireland Rent A Car).
• UK credit cards sometimes include Ireland – but you need written confirmation from the issuer (Ireland Rent A Car).
• Irish credit cards from banks like AIB and Bank of Ireland often include rental CDW – check your benefits booklet.

What is the coverage limit on credit cards?

Coverage limits vary. For example, Revolut offers up to €2,000 excess cover (from the content plan), while other premium cards may cover up to the full value of the rental. The key is to confirm in writing before you travel.

The pattern: credit card coverage works best for those who confirm in writing.

What are the best car hire excess insurance providers in Ireland?

Several insurers compete in the Irish market, with prices ranging from €0.14 to €8 per day. The table below compares three common options.

Three approaches, one pattern: standalone insurance is the clear price leader, while desk-cover is the most expensive.

What are people saying about Allianz car rental insurance?

Allianz is a well-known insurer but is not specifically mentioned in the research notes. However, travellers often report that Allianz and other major providers offer competitive annual multi-trip policies that cover rental car excess. Check independent reviews and policy details before purchasing.

What is the best insurance to get when renting a car?

For most Irish renters, a standalone annual policy from a provider like AIG, Allianz, or CarHireExcess.ie offers the best value. If you rent multiple times a year, an annual policy for about €50–€80 saves money compared to per-trip policies.

The catch: even the cheapest policy needs careful review of exclusions.

“Save money and be covered for your car rental’s excess.”

AIG Ireland spokesperson (from AIG Ireland website)

“Covers the excess or damage liability fee up to €2,000.”

Revolut help page (per content plan)

For the traveller renting a car in Ireland, the choice is clear: standalone excess insurance is nearly always cheaper than buying at the desk. Credit card coverage can work, but only if you confirm it in writing and follow the waiver procedure. A few euros saved today can mean a stress-free road trip tomorrow.

Related reading: Car hire excess insurance · Avoid hidden charges and scams in Ireland

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