Hiring a Car Abroad? Don't Assume You're Fully Covered

Hiring a car can be a convenient way to make the most of your holiday abroad, whether you're planning family excursions, a road trip or simply want the freedom to explore more.

Before collecting the keys however, it's worth taking a few minutes to understand what's included in your rental agreement. With four in ten Irish holidaymakers reporting issues with their rental while abroad in 2025, knowing what to look out for and what to do if something goes wrong can help you avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected costs.

With this in mind, here are five things worth checking before you drive away.

 Check What's Included

While most hire cars come with insurance included, due to them only having to offer basic third-party insurance with their initial quote, the level of protection provided can vary significantly.

As a result, it's important to review the rental agreement carefully and pay particular attention to:

• What level of cover is provided.

• Whether there are any exclusions or limitations.

• Any deposits or additional charges that may apply.

• The fuel policy and return requirements.

• Whether driving the vehicle across borders is permitted under the rental agreement.

• Any age-related restrictions or additional charges that may apply to younger drivers

Understand the Excess

Put simply, an excess refers to the amount you may have to pay towards a claim if the vehicle is damaged, stolen or involved in an incident. In other words, it is the first part of the claim that you pay yourself.

Rental car excesses can sometimes be higher than people expect, so it's worth checking how much you could be responsible for before getting behind the wheel.

Before agreeing to the rental:

• Check how much the excess is.

• Understand when it may apply.

• Ask questions about the excess if anything is unclear before agreeing to the booking.

Consider Additional Cover Carefully

When collecting your vehicle, you may be offered additional insurance options or extra protection products at the rental desk. Before deciding whether to purchase them, consider:

• What is already included in your rental agreement.
• Whether you could get similar cover elsewhere at a lower cost.

Additional cover may offer peace of mind, but make sure it meets your needs and offers value for money.

 Inspect the Vehicle Before You Leave

Before driving away, take a few minutes to inspect the vehicle and ensure its condition has been accurately recorded by the rental company. In most cases, having a clear record of the vehicle's condition can help avoid disputes later.

When checking the vehicle, consider:

• Taking photos or videos of the vehicle for your own records.

• Checking the tyres, lights and windscreen.

• Ensuring any damage is recorded by the rental company.

• Confirming that you are satisfied with the vehicle's condition.

When returning the vehicle, make sure it is inspected by the rental company and that any damage is agreed and recorded. Remember to also look over your final bill carefully and ask for details of any charges you do not understand.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

While hopefully your holiday goes smoothly, it's worth knowing what to do if your hire car breaks down or is involved in an accident.

Take some time to familiarise yourself with the rental company's breakdown and emergency procedures and keep key contact numbers and rental documents easily accessible.

If the vehicle is damaged or involved in an accident:

• Contact the rental company as soon as possible and follow their instructions.

• If you booked through a comparison website or booking intermediary, you must also contact them if there is a problem with the rental.

• Avoid arranging repairs yourself unless specifically authorised to do so.

• Gather the names and contact details of anyone involved.

• If anyone is injured or there is a dispute, contact the police.

Enjoy Your Holiday with Confidence

Ultimately, hiring a car can help you make the most of your trip, but it's worth understanding the rental agreement, insurance cover and key conditions before you travel.

Doing so can help you avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected costs, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with confidence.

Need More Assistance?

If you have further questions, you can contact Insurance Ireland's Information Services team:

Email: feedback@insuranceireland.eu
Tel: (01) 676 1820