Credit/debit cards

[AnitaCB]

We are going for the first time this year and are hiring our car through Dollar. I have read that you need to have a credit card to hire a car. Is this true or is a debit card ok (visa)? Don't really want to get a credit card if I don't need one - it's too much of a temptation!

Thanks for any advice.

 

[carolfoy]

They prefer a credit card, so they can authorise a deposit amount i.e. 3k if its a debit card then its theoretically only good for the amount thats in your account so you could let it authorise for 3 grand then clear out your account and there'll be no money to cover if you then went AWOL with the car

 

[Minniespal]

FYI the credit card needs to be in the name of the person who is going to be driving the car.

 

[patdavies]

FYI the credit card needs to be in the name of the person who is going to be driving the car.

No it doesn't.

On my last trip, I was with my mother and she was picking up all the bills. We booked on-line using her card and presented that when collecting the car. She wasn't a driver - she doesn't have a licence.

 

[carolfoy]

I've arranged a lot of car hire for people who have used the non drivers cc foe deposit.

 

[RachaelAitken]

This might seem like a silly question but does that mean you have to have a large amount of available balance on the credit card you give them??? or do they never check that and just take the card number in case of problems.

 

[Tinker74]

Yes I'd like to know this as well......I only have £500 credit on my visa....will I be able to use it when I pick up my car.....we are with TCD.

Starting to worry now? Surely they can't xpect everyone to have 3 grand credit available

 

[Tinker74]

Also what driving licence is required? Does it have to be the new photo type?

Does it matter if you have points on it?

 

[RachaelAitken]

I just rang Virgin as was getting in to a bit of a panic!! They said if you have their platinum package insuarance as we do there would be no need to put a hold on a card.
Interestingly reading the small print at the back of the brochure it seems some hotels may also put a hold on your card which could restrict your spending power in those malls!! I think i will just request to pay as we go and not charge to the room to avoid this

 

[carolfoy]

They don't 'hold' the amount just merely swipe to see if the card would authorise that much. Even if you've got a limit of £300 your card issuer would be able to 'lend' you several thousand pounds at the drop of a hat! and you'd find your subsequent credit limit would shoot right up!
The card company ie visa or mastercard can then pay the few thousand and charge you extra interest as you've 'gone over the limit'
just to add though, you'll only ever be charged if you damage it and you don't have adequate insurance

 

[gavvy]

If you book any sort of package in the uk which includes insurance then they dont hold a deposit on your credit card. If you have booked a package that does not include a free tank of petrol then they will ask for this to be paid at the desk by a credit card or cash.

Its only if you do not pre book any sort of insurance or take out their insurance at the desk then they will ask for a large holding deposit on a credit card, normally they insist that this car is in the leed drivers name, the amount is not taken off the card but held by your credit card company so it reduces the amount of free credit to spend.

Hope this helps

 

[Tinker74]

Thanks gavvy thats really helpful.
I've booked a fly drive with Travel city direct....does that mean I have car insurance?....I know I have paid £90 for insurance but is this the holiday insurance or does the price include car insurance?

 

[gavvy]

Check your invoice but normall TCD almost force their car insurance on you so you should be covered, if you have paid £300+ for your car its safe to assume you have all the insurance!

 

[Tinker74]

Thanks Gavvy... ...I just checked my invoice and i have paid £480 for a car package....so i must me ok.

 

[Miffy2003]

Also what driving licence is required? Does it have to be the new photo type?

Does it matter if you have points on it?

The old style is fine and points don't matter

 

[rpbert1]

have Virgins fully inclusive package, will i need a CC , and is there any extras to pay, things like cfc and hsf or something like that , probably have to pay for tank of petrol, do you bring it back empty

 

[Miffy2003]

have Virgins fully inclusive package, will i need a CC , and is there any extras to pay, things like cfc and hsf or something like that , probably have to pay for tank of petrol, do you bring it back empty

We didn't have to leave a CC imprint when we booked the Virgin fully inclusive option, and I am pretty sure we didn't have to bring the tank back full - but check what you have selected as there may be different options for different prices. We did not have to pay for any extras - it was all inclusive.

 

[gavvy]

Normally with virgins/ TCD and the likes insurance package if you have not pre purchased fuel they will ask for payment at the desk before you pick up the car, they perfer a card and will bill you after you return the car, but you can also pay cash too- in which case no card will be needed at all as all your insurance have already been paid

I have done this on a few occasions with Dollar with no problems

 

[rpbert1]

thanks guys, think i would prefer to pay cash rather than use CC

 

[Claire L]

VH's Fully Inclusive Insurance includes - This includes LDW and UMP, plus all State Taxes, Airport Fees, Handling Fees and includes CFCs and HSFs

But for an extra £3 a day you get this as extra in the Platinum Insurance - This allows you to pay absolutely ALL charges in advance. It includes All Additional Drivers, a Full tank of Petrol and includes CFCs and HSFs. In addition to these, EXCLUSIVELY to Virgin it also includes Drivers Under 25 and FREE baby seats.

HTH

Claire