Four in Ten Irish Holidaymakers Had Problems with Car Hire Abroad Last Summer

New research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has found that four in ten Irish holidaymakers encountered problems when renting a car abroad last summer, with hidden fees, long waiting times, and vehicles not matching their booking among the most common complaints.

The research, carried out by the CCPC in collaboration with Ipsos B&A, interviewed 451 adults who rented a car outside Ireland between May and August 2025. It found that 43% experienced at least one issue with their rental, while 31% paid more than they originally expected.

Grainne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications, said:

"Our CCPC research reveals a shocking level of consumer problems with car hire abroad. 43% experienced issues ranging from hidden fees to long waits and cars not matching the booking. This reflects really poorly on the sector, and while the CCPC has tackled and will continue to tackle individual traders, consumers planning on booking a car this summer need to be aware of the real, and potentially expensive, risks. A summer holiday should be a time for rest and relaxation. Instead, consumers are being hit with long delays, unexpected costs and stressful disputes."

Among those who reported hidden fee issues, 24% were caught out by toll charges added after returning the car, while 23% were hit with unexpected fuel charges.

The CCPC helpline has already received 78 contacts in 2026 about car rental issues, mostly relating to unexpected or excessive charges. Reports included a consumer whose booking was cancelled on arrival because the company did not accept debit cards, another who was charged €274.40 for insurance they say they were never informed about, and one consumer facing a €2,000 damage claim they dispute, having not taken a video of the car at collection.

Insurance costs adding up

Seven in ten consumers purchased at least one type of insurance during their rental, with over four in five of those buying their cover directly through the rental company. Notably, those who purchased insurance were twice as likely to report spending more than expected as those who did not.

Ms. Griffin said:

"Accidents can happen - a small scratch can become a huge cost if you're not covered. Most companies will offer basic third-party insurance, but you may want to consider extra cover to protect you from a high excess charge. Consider this at the booking stage so you don't feel under pressure at the desk.

To avoid overpaying for insurance, shop around. You can buy extra cover directly from the car hire company, but you may be able to get a better deal from another insurer. If you are planning multiple trips, an annual policy could save you money."

Credit cards still a barrier

Three in four consumers were required to provide a credit card for the security hold, even where they had paid for the booking by debit card. One in four said they hold a credit card for the sole purpose of renting a car.

Ms. Griffin said consumers who do not have a suitable credit card could find their booking cancelled without a refund if they fail to check the terms and conditions before collection.

Tips for renting a car abroad this summer

The CCPC is advising consumers to document any existing damage with photos and video before driving away, check the fuel policy before departure, clarify how toll charges will be handled, and allow enough time at return to have the car inspected and the bill closed before leaving. Those collecting from airports should also factor in queuing time, as long pick-up waits were among the most frequently reported problems in the research.

The CCPC previously participated in an EU-wide sweep of third-party car rental websites in 2022, led by the European Commission. Following this, the CCPC engaged directly with major intermediaries, resulting in improvements to consumer information and contract transparency.

Full consumer guidance is available at www.ccpc.ie/carrental.

The research was conducted by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in collaboration with Ipsos B&A. Fieldwork was carried out online between 19 September and 22 October 2025, based on 451 interviews with adults aged 18 and over who rented a car while abroad between May and August 2025.