GoCar Issues & Problems: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

GoCar is generally a smooth, reliable service, but like any car, things can occasionally go wrong. Whether it's a technical glitch, a breakdown, or a billing question, this guide covers what to do in every situation so you can get back on the road quickly.

The Car Won't Unlock

This is the most common issue new users face. Here's how to troubleshoot:

1. Check your booking time — the app only unlocks the car during your active booking window
2. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled — GoCar uses Bluetooth to communicate with the car
3. Stand close to the car — within 2-3 metres for the best signal
4. Force-close and reopen the app — this refreshes the connection
5. Check your internet connection — you need a data signal to initiate the unlock
6. Try the "Honk" feature in the app to verify you're at the right car

If none of these work, contact GoCar support through the app — they can sometimes unlock the car remotely.

Breakdown During Your Trip

If your GoCar breaks down while you're driving:

1. Pull over safely to the side of the road or a car park
2. Turn on hazard lights and ensure all passengers are safe
3. Open the GoCar app and report the breakdown
4. Call GoCar's 24/7 roadside assistance — the number is displayed in the app and usually on a sticker inside the car
5. Wait for assistance — GoCar will arrange a tow or repair

GoCar covers the cost of roadside assistance for mechanical issues. You won't be charged for the time while waiting for help if the breakdown isn't your fault.

For general breakdown advice on Irish roads, see our roadside emergencies guide.

Accident or Collision

If you're involved in an accident:

1. Ensure everyone's safety first — call 999/112 if anyone is injured
2. Do not move the vehicles unless they're blocking traffic dangerously
3. Take photos of all vehicles involved, the scene, and any damage
4. Exchange details with other parties (name, insurance, registration)
5. Report the accident through the GoCar app immediately
6. File a Garda report if there are injuries or significant damage
7. Do not admit fault at the scene

Insurance Coverage

Every GoCar trip includes standard insurance — third party, fire and theft — but it comes with a €2,000 excess. This means you're liable for the first €2,000 of any damage to the GoCar vehicle.

After completing 3 incident-free trips, you can purchase GoCar's Damage Excess Waiver (DEW), which reduces your excess to just €250:

• Annual DEW: €200/year
• Per-trip DEW: €2.40/hour, capped at €20/day

See GoCar's DEW details for the latest terms.

For more on car insurance in Ireland generally, see our car insurance guide.

The Car is Dirty or Damaged

If you find the car in poor condition when picking it up:

1. Document everything — take photos through the app before starting your trip
2. Report existing damage — use the pre-trip inspection feature in the app
3. Report cleanliness issues — GoCar may offer you an alternative vehicle or credit

Important: Always complete the pre-trip inspection. If you don't report existing damage before driving, you could be held responsible for it.

Late Return

If you're running late returning the car:

1. Extend your booking through the app — do this before your end time to avoid penalty fees
2. If you can't extend (another booking follows yours), contact GoCar support immediately
3. Late fees apply — typically a premium rate per additional hour plus a penalty fee

How to Avoid Late Returns

• Build in buffer time — book 30 minutes longer than you think you'll need
• Set a phone alarm for 30 minutes before your end time
• Check traffic before heading back, especially during Dublin rush hours
• Allow time for parking — finding the exact designated spot can take a few minutes

Fuel Issues

GoCar includes fuel in the price, but you may still encounter fuel-related situations:

The Car is Low on Fuel

If the fuel gauge is below a quarter tank when you pick up:

• Report it through the app
• Use the GoCar fuel card (in the glovebox) to refuel at any Circle K station
• You may receive a credit for the inconvenience

How to Use the Fuel Card

1. Find the Circle K fuel card in the glovebox
2. Drive to any Circle K station (fuel cards only work at Circle K)
3. Fill up the car
4. Pay with the GoCar fuel card — the PIN is shown in the app under "refuelling information"
5. Daily maximum of €100 for refuelling
6. No Circle K nearby? Refuel at any station, keep the receipt, and contact GoCar — they'll credit your account

Billing Disputes

If you notice an unexpected charge:

1. Check your trip summary in the app — it shows a detailed breakdown
2. Common extra charges include: late return fees, excess mileage, damage excess, parking fines
3. Contact GoCar support through the app or email if you believe a charge is incorrect
4. Provide evidence — screenshots, photos, or timestamps to support your case

GoCar typically responds to billing queries within 2-3 business days.

GoCar Customer Support

You can reach GoCar through:

• In-app support — the fastest way for most issues
• Phone — for urgent matters (breakdowns, accidents)
• Email — for billing disputes and general enquiries
• Social media — GoCar is active on Twitter and Facebook

Support is available during business hours for general queries, with 24/7 coverage for roadside emergencies.

When GoCar Might Not Be the Best Option

While GoCar is excellent for city-based trips, consider traditional car rental if:

• You're starting from a rural area with no GoCar vehicles nearby
• You need a car for more than 3-4 days (rental may be cheaper)
• You need a one-way trip (GoCar requires round-trip returns)
• You need a specific vehicle type not available in the GoCar fleet

Compare your options on our car rental hub, and don't forget to use promo code 31k65h for €25 off your first GoCar trip.