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.

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.

Basic Information- 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. ICR125623.

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 sent to the Sixt Irish Car Rentals reservation office 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 shown 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.

What kind of car can I expect?
irish Car Rentals 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".

Unfortunately 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 travellers 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 a renter has 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?

Drivers License Requirements
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. Drivers under 25 must have held their full license for at least 24 months prior to the date of pick up.

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 Age Requirements - Restrictions ?
Drivers under 25 must have held their full license for at least 24 months prior to the date of pick up. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years (maximum 75). Drivers under 25, i.e. drivers aged 21,22, 23 or 24 are subject to an insurance surcharge of 25 Euro per day and drivers 70 or over are subject to an insurance surcharge of 25 Euro per day. All drivers under 25 and over 70 are liable for the first 1,200 Euro of damage to the car (excess). The surcharge is paid when collecting the car and is not included in the quoted price.

The minimum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 25 years.
The maximum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 70 years.

Can we have additional drivers ?
Additional drivers can be added locally for an additional EURO 7.50 per day per driver. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years (maximum 75) and drivers under 25 must have held a full driver's licence for at least 24 months prior to hiring a car. Drivers under 25, i.e. drivers aged 21,22, 23 or 24 are subject to an insurance surcharge of 25 Euro per day and drivers 70 or over are subject to an insurance surcharge of 25 Euro per day. All drivers under 25 and over 70 are liable for the first 1,200 Euro of damage to the car (excess). The surcharge is paid when collecting the car and is not included in the quoted price.

The minimum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 25 years.
The maximum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 70 years

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Explained
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 EUR750 of damage to the rental car.

This liability of EUR750 can be reduced to EUR 100 at an additional charge of EUR 9.50 per day. The excess on luxury cars, minivans and minibuses is EUR 1500 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 the situation in relation to Theft protection for the car ?
Theft Protection Explained
Theft Protection ss 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 600 of damage to the rental car Excess liability of EUR 750 can be reduced to EUR150 at a charge of EUR 9.50 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.

What are your CDW waiver options ?
(For US Residents holding a MasterCard Gold or Platinum or some Canadian VISA card holders)

Master Card & Canadian VISA card Auto rental insurance - CDW waiver
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 ONLY available with Gold or Platinum 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, certain 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.

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 cerdit card issuer that the Republic of Ireland as 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 use my own car rental insurance to cover me ?
This is not an option if your car rental insurance policy is not an Irish Policy.
Please note Irish Car Rentals can not accept your personal car rental insurance cover if it is not a fully comprehensive Irish Policy. Strict guidelines govern short term insurance transfers in Ireland and any client wishing to avail of this must contact his/her insurance company before making a booking. The insurance company in question must contact Irish Car Rentals to confirm the rental vehicles is fully covered for the defined period.

Can I hire a baby seat?
Yes. baby seats can be ordered when you make your booking. You will be asked the age of your child. This will help us have an appropriate seat ready for you when you arrive. The baby seat will be available when you arrive. An additional cost fee of EUR 6 per day, EUR 42 per week to a maximum cost of EUR 84 on any rental applies. INFO: In the front seat all children must either be in a child seat or wear a seat belt. There are no exceptions to this rule. In the rear seat children less than four years must use an appropriate child restraint. Children over 4 years must use an appropriate child restraint, where available, or a seat belt. Where airbags are fitted the renter should check the enclosed handbook about special precautions to be taken when using a child restraint in the front seat.

Can I drive my car into Northern Ireland?
Yes. If you wish to drive in Northern Ireland it is a requirement of rental that they inform Sixt Irish Car Rentals that you wish to do so on collection of the vehicle. (Usually at the airport desk) An additional charge of EUR 20 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 the Fuel Policy of Sixt Irish Car Rentals?
The Irish Car Rentals policy is to supply all cars with a full tank of fuel. You are charged a deposit for this tank of petrol.

Peace of Mind Option
The majority of Irish Car Rentals clients avail of the Discount Petrol offer where you pre pay the initial tank of petrol at a very good discount price. This method eliminates the need for you to refill the tank before returning. 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 at the following email address: 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. 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 the 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.

What credit cards does Sixt Irish Car Rentals accept?
Methods of Payment
For reservations made via the internet Irish Car Rentals accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club credit cards.
Unfortunately Irish Car Rentals are unable to process payment on Debit Cards for internet bookings.
Unfortunately Irish Car Rentals can not accept cash as a method of payment.

The holder of the credit card used for the reservation and payment must be present at the time of pickup. We regret we cannot accept the credit card of a third party who will not be present at the time of the rental. At the time of rental there must be sufficient credit on your card to cover all charges.

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 Sixt 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 Sixt 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?
Irish Car rentals require your credit card number when you are booking the car. Please note the Sixt 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 e-mail 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 Irish Car Rentals 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 Irish Car Rentals 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. Sixt 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 Sixt 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 & Diesel costs vary around the country, but generally costs between .Euro 0.92 and Euro 1.10 per litre.

Should I Hire a Manual or Automatic?
If you drive a stick shift 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 Sixt 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 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

If you are having difficulty booking or require further information please contact us