Ireland is a difficult rental market. I've always waived coverages everywhere I've rented--except Ireland. Narrow roads, odd constructs--last year, I thought I had left plenty of room as I turned a corner only to hear a sickening scraping sound on the driver's side of the car which turned out to be something that looked just like a rock outcropping extending a couple of feet from what should have been the edge of the curb--makes paying for what is called "super cover" over there worthwhile.

Super cover, however, more than doubles the price of a rental. Many rental car companies in Ireland will not rent to you if your CC insurance coverage is secondary. And even if primary, rental car companies generally want a letter from the CC company dated within a week or so of your trip that confirms the extent of your coverage.

Add in that the rental car company has the home court advantage while you've returned to the US. I'm willing to pay $24.95 for ​the primary coverage. Otherwise, it really is easier to accept the super cover in Ireland despite its cost. I generally decline coverage anywhere else in the world. Outside Ireland, I haven't caused damage to a car in decades. Turning a $225 expense into $95 with the peace of mind AMEX provides is appealing to me.