Rental Terms, Qualifications and Requirements

Collision Damage Waiver is an optional service which, if accepted, reduces your financial liability for damage to the Hertz vehicle, its parts and accessories, except for theft, attempted theft or vandalism, provided the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. CDW may be mandatory and included in some contract or preferential rates.

If you have purchased CDW or it is included in your rate you may be required to leave a security deposit to cover the Damage Excess for the specific car group, fuel and any additional rental costs. This is a pre-authorisation only and not a charge to your credit card. There must however be sufficient funds to cover the authorised amounts.

If CDW is declined, you will be responsible up to the full replacement value of the vehicle including any expenses for towing, storage impound fees, an administrative fee, legal fees and a reasonable charge for loss of use. Regardless of whether CDW is accepted or included, all rentals are subject to a non-waivable excess for which you are responsible in the event of damage to the Hertz vehicle during the rental (listed below).

You can further eliminate your excess liability - Please refer to "Super Cover (Excess Waiver)". 

Please note your liability for damage to or loss of the vehicle will not be reduced where you or an authorised driver are grossly negligent (for example failure to assess the vehicle’s height, driving on unsuitable road conditions, improper use of the vehicle, contribution to damage to / theft of the vehicle) and in particular, but not limited to, in the following circumstances:

• Striking overhead or overhanging objects;
• Driving into a barrier that is too low for the vehicle to pass beneath;
• Driving into a barrier in a car park before it fully opens;
• Driving on a road in bad condition without due care resulting in damage to the undercarriage;
• Driving on a beach causing damage by salt water and/or sand;
• Driving through flooded roads causing damage to the engine;
• Putting wrong fuel in the vehicle or otherwise contaminating the fuel;
• Damage occurring as a result of ignoring a warning light;
• Burning  a clutch (which requires persistent ill use) or using the handbrake incorrectly;
• Damage to the wheel rim caused by driving with a flat tyre;
• Fitting unauthorised objects to the interior or exterior of the vehicle;
• Carrying especially dirty or smelly materials that require extra cleaning costs or that damage or burn the interior;
• Damage resulting from locking the keys in the vehicle or losing the keys;
• Damage resulting from leaving the windows open;

If you decide not to purchase CDW, you may be required to provide a security deposit of € 5,000.00 at the start of the rental using your credit card. If this amount is not available on your credit card, you will have to purchase Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP), or you may be refused a vehicle.

If you book a basic rate and do not take the cover products available at time of rental you understand that you are financially liable for the full value of the vehicle and related costs.

Reliance on an external policy or eligible credit card for coverage will require documentation that this cover is applicable for the Republic of Ireland. As these products are limited, to protect against shortfall in cover a € 10.22 (including tax) per day Supplementary Liability Waiver (SLW) charge will apply.

Customers declining CDW and TP are required to leave a pre-authorisation of € 5,000.00 on their credit card.

We strongly recommend that you fully understand the terms and conditions of any cover provided by your credit card company including your personal liability level and any impact on your private insurance before you decline any of our optional services.

You must have paid for the full rental with the eligible Credit Card to instigate the card companies’ auto rental insurance.