Car rental question ??

[disneydolphin2]

I have been reading through the small print on the Dollar website and came across this quote

Loss Damage Waiver ("LDW"): At the time of rental, a renter may purchase LDW. If purchased, DOLLAR will waive a renter's responsibility for any loss or damage to a Dollar vehicle, unless the renter has not complied with the Rental Agreement. LDW is not insurance

As I have a platinum package on my rental car which includes LDW,SLI and UMP I am slightly confused as to why the rental company would need an imprint of my credit card as security.
Surely that quote above relieves me of any responsibility etc so why would they need security?.

Have I got my wires crossed - does the credit card security only apply if you don`t have their insurance or will they take an imprint of my credit card and tie up $1500 of my available credit even though I seem to have all the insurance bases covered?

"What a minefield this insurance is"

 

[Red-Snapper]

They take an imprint - but dont debit anything so your credit limit will be ok.

This covers them for anything not covered by insurance. i.e minor damage you do, extra days rental if you return late etc etc.

Dont worry though - they give you the original slip back when you hand the car back to them.

 

[Sue & Co.]

It is also because none of the 'insurances' will usually cover you if you are doing something illegal like drink driving and the hire compnay wants to make sure it will get its money one way or another. (Not that any of us would do such a thing).

 

[UKDEB]

I think you'll find that you may well get $1500 of your credit limit eaten up for the duration of your trip. I'm pretty sure they will get the payment authorised, but not process it. In other words, the money is not debited to your card, but that amount is allocated against your limit, in case they need to do so. This is pretty standard practice within the travel industry - you will find the same thing happens if you stay in a hotel. If you opt for spending privileges on your room key this amount will be authorised with your credit card company and, even if you don't use it all, your credit limit will be temporarily reduced.

Also, we've never had a slip, or anything else, handed back to us when we return the car.

 

[Scottish Mouse]

Hi

I've booked with Travel City direct and I'm sure they use Dollar renatl cars. They've specifically told me that as I've taken the upgraded insurance option, I don't need to leave a credit card imprint.

Given what's being said here is that incorrect information?

 

[disneydolphin2]

Thanks for all your responses - you can see from the varying answers why I am a bit confused about this.

 

[UKDEB]

Well, I've just spoken to dh and he says we haven't had to leave any credit card details since we started taking the all-inclusive packages. Which explains why we're never given a slip back when we return the car!

 

[fester]

Our car rental has been through Dollar at both MCO and Sanford using all-inc packages and we have never been asked for Credit Card details. Although i hear that Alamo, Avis, hertz etc may be different.

 

[disneydolphin2]

Thanks everyone ....i feel a little better hearing about your positive experiences.

I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens in a few days.

 

[UKDEB]

Have a great time, dd2. We'll no doubt see you there and never know!