Car hire rip off because I'm Irish!?!?

katekm

Hi everyone,

I'm shopping around for car hire at the minute. One quote I got was initially 450 euro for two weeks in france. When I filled in residence as Ireland it doubled. Out of curiousity I entered my residence as UK it was 495 euro, spain 475 and USA 435. Same car, same country different price because I'm Irish. Can someone please explain the reason why? Is it because they think we're still stupid with cash. Is the extra going into some secret IMF account to pay off our debt Would love to know. By the way I tried two other reputable car hire companies and same shenanigans.

Shield

Moved from Newbies & FAQ to Motors with redirect expiring in 7 days. If incorrect, please bounce and advise. Thanks.

kippy

katekm wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I'm shopping around for car hire at the minute. One quote I got was initially 450 euro for two weeks in france. When I filled in residence as Ireland it doubled. Out of curiousity I entered my residence as UK it was 495 euro, spain 475 and USA 435. Same car, same country different price because I'm Irish. Can someone please explain the reason why? Is it because they think we're still stupid with cash. Is the extra going into some secret IMF account to pay off our debt Would love to know. By the way I tried two other reputable car hire companies and same shenanigans.

Could it be down to statistics that the company holds on people of different nationalities?
(The statistics being insurance,accident claims etc)

katekm

you must have read my mind because the next thing I googled was statistics on road safety. We do not have the worse road safety record in comparision to other European countries and some of these had significantly cheaper quotes.

kona

katekm wrote: »

you must have read my mind because the next thing I googled was statistics on road safety. We do not have the worse road safety record in comparision to other European countries and some of these had significantly cheaper quotes.

But we still have some amount of retards driving cars. Im not suprised to be fair, I mean you dont need to sit a test here to drive a car.

kippy

katekm wrote: »

you must have read my mind because the next thing I googled was statistics on road safety. We do not have the worse road safety record in comparision to other European countries and some of these had significantly cheaper quotes.

I'm not talking about our own records regarding road safety etc, I am speaking about the records held in that country in relation to accidents/claims against foreign drivers driving rented cars.
They may even have statistics of drivers who rent their cars but fail to pay any fines that the drivers may have gotten when driving the cars.

katekm

I would agree with you about bad drivers but we are not unique in that. Actually the site on European Road Safety reveals some interesting statistics. It's worth a look. Anyway I'm going to use public transport. It will add to the experience.

katekm

Sorry Kippy, understand you now. Very true. I never thought of it but wow if that's the case that doesn't say a whole lot for us. It's a pity.

katekm

Thanks for your answers as my persecution complex was going into hyper drive.:eek: I feel calmer now.

kippy

katekm wrote: »

I would agree with you about bad drivers but we are not unique in that. Actually the site on European Road Safety reveals some interesting statistics. It's worth a look. Anyway I'm going to use public transport. It will add to the experience.

Do you mind me asking what type of car you were looking at, on what site and for how long, in what country?
Would be interested to look at this.
Have rented cars in Spain before for about 350 a week (Honda civic) was 27 at the time, just want to see what happens when I put in my own details for interest.
Your age may also be a factor.

katekm

Sure, I've just registered so wasn't sure if I could mention companies. It was Europcar in July looking at the very least a renault laguna or bigger. I'm 37. I'd love to think they still see me as young. Oh sorry in France...Perpignan.

Tea drinker

Big name companies like Hertz or Avis work well for me, otherwise I just take a stroll downtowm once I am settled on holidays and see what local car hire companies offer.

Compare with Hertz, see how you go.

katekm

Had a look at avis. I think i'll go with public transport as they're all a bit out of my reach. I probably just vented a bit. Thanks everyone.

n97 mini

I've usually found the best rates are with Hertz but via Ryanair. You don't need to be travelling with Ryanair to book through them... I've never been asked for any proof.

http://www.hertz4ryanair.com/

trasver

Try holidayautos.ie (or .co.uk)

The best quotes I get for car rental are always from this site.

L1011

n97 mini wrote: »

I've usually found the best rates are with Hertz but via Ryanair. You don't need to be travelling with Ryanair to book through them... I've never been asked for any proof.

http://www.hertz4ryanair.com/

Hertz are brutal (for their financial interests) at checking you qualify for discount codes, the AA and "travel industry partner" codes get you 10% off across the board straight away and I've never been asked for proof, even though I do qualify (AA member).

delly

Having hired in France for the last few years now, I would recommend www.auto-europe.com and www.carhire3000.ie

n97 mini

MYOB wrote: »

Hertz are brutal (for their financial interests) at checking you qualify for discount codes, the AA and "travel industry partner" codes get you 10% off across the board straight away and I've never been asked for proof, even though I do qualify (AA member).

When you book through that site the discount is applied. Booking though the regular site is more expensive.

i71jskz5xu42pb

I'd second www.auto-europe.com or better still go to the airport site of which ever airport you are flying to and find out who the independent car rental companies at the airport are. I've never had any joy going direct to the big rental companies.

L1011

n97 mini wrote: »

When you book through that site the discount is applied. Booking though the regular site is more expensive.

I know, thats why I was saying that they're brutal at checking you qualify for their discounts.