FAQ - Ireland Car Rental

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.

1. Are my booking details secure on this website ?
2. What happens when I submit a reservation ?
3. What kind of car can I expect ?
4. What Driver Information & drivers license requirements apply ?
5. What Age Restrictions Apply ?
6. What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) ?
7. Is theft protection included ?
8. Can I hire a baby seat?
9. Can I drive my car into Northern Ireland ?
10. What is the Fuel Policy of Sixt Irish Car Rentals ?
11. Can I pickup the car from one location and return it to another ?
12. Where do I go when I arrive at my destination. ?
13. Will my personal Auto Policy cover me in Ireland ?
14. Will My Credit Card Cover Me for CDW and Theft insurance’s ?
15. Do I Need Proof of MasterCard Insurance ?
16. What credit cards does Sixt Irish Car Rentals accept ?
17. What if I get a traffic violation while in possession of a rental vehicle ?
18. What happens if the car breaks down ?
19. When do I have to include my credit card number ?
20. Can I take the seats out of a minivan ?
21. Who do I contact if I have any questions after I have rented the car ?
22. What happens if I don’t like my car ?
23. How old are the vehicles in your fleet ?
24. What do I do if I lock my keys in the car, get a flat tire or break down ?
25. What do I do in the event of an accident ?
26. How much does petrol cost in Ireland ?
27. Should I Hire a Manual or Automatic ?
28. Is the local tax (VAT) included in my rental rates ?
29. Can I extend my rental dates ?
30. Can I tow with a rental car ?
31. Can I rent a car with a roof rack or bike rack ?
32. What if I have another question ?

1. 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.

2. 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 five (5) digit number e.g. ICR12345.
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 desk 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 taken 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.

3. What kind of car can I expect?
Sixt operate the most modern fleet of cars in Ireland and 95% of the 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".
Sixt 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.

4. What Driver Information & drivers license requirements apply?
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.
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).

5. What Age Restrictions Apply ?
The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years (maximum 75) and drivers 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 1,500 Euro of damage to the car (excess). The surcharge is paid when collecting the car AND IS NOT INCLUDED in the quoted price.
NOTE !The minimum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 25 years.
NOTE !The maximum age to be a named driver in a minivan, minibus or luxury car rental is 70 years.

6. What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) ?
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.

7. Is theft protection included ?
This is 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.
(US Residents holding a MasterCard Gold or Platinum) MasterCard CDW waiver
Master Rental Insurance may allow you to avoid the additional cost of the theft 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 banks.
If you pay for the entire rental with your eligible MasterCard card, you may be covered for up to $50,000 without excess. This is an insurance program; certain restrictions and exclusions apply.
In order to establish if your MasterCard includes Auto Rental Insurance in the Republic of Ireland please call your credit card issuer and/or MasterCard at 1 800 6227747.
This coverage is a service provided by MasterCard to the cardholder and therefore it is the cardholders responsibility to ensure that they are adequately covered for the entire duration of the rental period.

8. Can I hire a baby seat?
Yes. Please indicate in the "additional comments" field on the booking for that you require a baby seat. Please advise us your child’s weight. 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.

9. 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.

10. What is the Fuel Policy of Sixt Irish Car Rentals ?
Our policy is to supply all cars with a full tank of fuel. We have two fuel options available when your hire a Sixt Irish Car Rentals vehicle.
Option A: - Peace of Mind Option
The majority of our clients avail of our 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.
Option B: - Standard
You receive the car with a full tank or petrol and are charged the normal Premium petrol rate that is available around Ireland. A EURO15 Petrol Service levy is imposed at this point. You will receive a refund on return only when the car is completely full. We require you to refuel your rental car within 5kms of the Sixt return location. (Please note in Option B there is no refund unless the car is returned completely FULL)

11. Can I pickup the car from one location and return it to another ?
Yes  Charges may apply for some locations. You can see what charges may apply if you calculate your rate on the booking engine.

12. Where do I go when I arrive at my destination. ?
Full details of the locations of our Irish Car Rentals reservation desks is shown our locations page, please click here for further information.

13. 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.

14. Will my personal Auto Policy cover me in Ireland ?
We can not accept the insurance coverage of a hirer if his/her policy is not a fully comprehensive Irish policy. Insurance coverage from overseas companies or insurers is not accepted due to past problems experienced. This is normal policy for Irish Car rental companies.

15. Will My Credit Card Cover Me for CDW and Theft insurance’s ?
The only credit card insurance that covers for Auto rental insurance in the Republic of Ireland is MasterCard Gold or Platinum (issued in the United States). Please contact MasterCard direct to have this confirmed to you. Toll Free 1 800 622 7747

16. Do I Need Proof of MasterCard Insurance ?
It is always best to receive written confirmation from MasterCard that you are covered. Please pay particular attention to the fine print in relation to the rental duration permitted.

17. What credit cards does Sixt Irish Car Rentals accept ?
Sixt Irish Car Rentals accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. We accept Irish Laser Cards but unfortunately we can not accept UK Switch cards for payment purposes.

18.
If you get a traffic violation while in possession of a Sixt Irish Car Rentals vehicle please advise our staff on return.

19. 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

20. When do I have to include my credit card number ?
We need 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.

21. 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.

22. 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 office to you. The telephone numbers will be supplied to you on arrival

23. 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.

24. What do I do if I lock my keys in the car, get a flat tire or break down ?
Every Sixt 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.)

25. 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.

26. How much does petrol cost in Ireland ?
Petrol varies around the country, but generally costs between .Euro 0.80 and Euro 0.90 per litre.

27. 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.

28. 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%

29. 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.

30. 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

31. 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.

32. 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