First Time Car Renters.....help!

[TheRatPack]

We've never rented a car to drive to Disney, we've always just driven our personal car. This trip we're renting, and I've gotten what I think is an awesome rate for 8 days, but one thing just keeps coming up when I'm going over travel plans.....credit card! We do not have a credit card, we have 3 debit cards with Visa/Mastercard logos on them but not an actual credit card. Lots of the sites that I've been to say that Debit cards will not be accepted....how do you pay for the rental then? We're renting from Budget, does anyone know their policy? They took my number over the internet when I made the reservation, but will it be a problem when I show up to pick up the car? And one final question, none of the sites I went to said that insurance/other fees were included....just tells me that it's for unlimited mileage and all taxes are included. What other fees am I looking at? We just don't want to show up with our 'good' rates and end up paying more for stuff we don't need.

 

[Finback670]

We are using Alamo to rent a minivan in December. We are using a debit card too. Since we are flying down, we just need to show our tickets to use a debit card. I think they also take cash deposits if I remember correctly. They do have a page on their website with their policies on debit cards. You can also try using rate codes QV, US, or TV for better rates. QV got us a minivan for $209 a week (Dollar was $199 but you needed a credit card (or a debit card and an at the counter credit check!) Not a good time for surprises!

Hope it helps,

 

[pogo123]

I don't know about the debit cards, but as far as the insurance...check with your auto insurance company. Mine covers car rentals. If so you can waive the insurance Budget will try to get you to buy. Might want to bring a photocopy of your insurance card just in case anything happens (terrible thought, but it is good to be prepared).

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

This is what I got from their site. I would call them and ask about thier policy and if you can take thiscar out of state.
Terms & Conditions:
Additional Fees & Credit Holds:
Failure to cancel a reservation at least 24 hours before scheduled pickup may result in a 1-day rental charge.
Drivers must be 25 or older. Some locations may allow underage drivers for an additional daily charge.

Additional drivers may be subject to a fee.

Quoted rates do not include additional optional equipment costs.

Vehicles are rented on a daily (24 hour) basis. There is a 59-minute grace period for returns. After one hour, hourly charges may apply. After three hours, a full-day charge may apply.

Tax and tax related surcharge rates are subject to change without notice.

A vehicle license recovery fee may be charged. Check surcharge information for additional details.
Required Credentials:
Drivers must present a major credit card and valid driver's license. Both must be in the driver?s name.
All drivers must have a safe driving record.
If applicable, please provide an Association, CorpRate, or Government credentials.
Additional Terms & Conditions for:
US Rentals:
Some locations in CT, DE, NJ, NY, OH and PA do not accept debit cards at time of rental but do accept debit cards for payment at time of car return.

In the US, you may be asked to sign a driving record addendum or be subject to a computerized Department of Motor Vehicles check. Based upon such search, Budget reserves the right to deny a rental opportunity.

Rentals require a credit card deposit of $200 or total estimated charges + 25% (whichever is greater).

The US Government imposes a $5/day Admin Rate Supplement (GARS/GA) for US government rentals.

At many airport locations, concession recovery and facility fees may be charged.
AK Rentals:
In Alaska, driving is prohibited on these highways/roads: Dempster, Denali, Dalton, Elliot, Stesse, Taylor, McCarthy & gravel or dirt roads not regularly maintained by the State of Alaska.
Travel outside of Alaska is prohibited.
CA Rentals: In California, a consolidated facility charge (CFC) of $10/contract applies.
HI Rentals: In Hawaii, a vehicle license recovery fee of up to $1.98/day may apply.
NJ Rentals: In Newark, rates quoted on Budget.com apply to "Fly-in" reservations only. "Fly-in" reservations are those made by renters who are airline travelers with confirmed airline reservations who fly into Newark Airport on the day of rental or within 72 hours before rental. "Fly-in" renters may be asked to show proof of itinerary to receive quoted rental rates. Rental rates and restrictions vary for non "Fly-in" renters.
NV Rentals: In Nevada, there will be no fee for the first additional authorized driver; each additional authorized driver may be subject to a fee of up to $5/day fee.
Canadian Rentals:
Rentals require a credit card deposit of $300 CAD for the first day and $75 CAD for each additional day.
In Toronto, the Pearson Airport facility services are limited and restricted to deplaning passengers only. Customers must present current airline ticket or boarding pass at time of rental.

 

[TheRatPack]

Well, I phoned Budget and the customer service rep just told me what I pretty much already knew. You can make the reservations with a debit card and even pay for the rental when you drop it off with that debit card but you have to show a major credit card when you pick the car up. I asked about other options, paying in cash...etc and he said they don't offer anything like that. So 11 days to go and no vehicle Maybe it's time to think about buying that second vehicle....LOL and breaking it in on the family vacation. Ugghhh, after last years fiasco every vacation makes me panic with last minute double checking. (by the way, last year we showed up after making resies and double checking everything only to be told they didn't have a rental house for us!) Talk about disaster....here it was the week of Thanksgiving and we were stuck with no place to stay, luckily we found a great hotel and we've reserved their again this year since it worked out so well. Oh well, so now on to trying to find other vehicle options.....even with Hotwire or other reservation systems they require you show a credit card at check in. Still I'm not giving in and getting one! Especially since Christmas is just around the corner....I would not have the will power to not spend with it.

 

[safetymom]

Hertz allows the use of debit cars for rentals. But you have to be a member of #1 Gold. That costs $50 or there are free links for it. Then you have to have the debit card listed in your profile and you wouldn't have a problem but you just can't show up and use a debit card.

 

[DisneyFan09]

I just rented a van about three weeks ago from National using my debit card! I think as long as it has the visa/mc logo on it it can be used as a major credit card. I didn't have any problems at all and didn't even think about until I saw this thread. Good luck!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by DisneyFan09
I just rented a van about three weeks ago from National using my debit card! I think as long as it has the visa/mc logo on it it can be used as a major credit card. I didn't have any problems at all and didn't even think about until I saw this thread. Good luck!

You got lucky, National normally does not accept a debit card at the beginning of a rental (visa or mc logo or not) but, in some locations will accept it when you return the car. From their website: Debit Cards

National Car Rental will not accept debit cards at the start of a rental. A credit card or cash qualification is required. Debit and check cards may only be used as a form of payment at the end of the rental (once the vehicle has been returned).

 

[TheRatPack]

Originally posted by safetymom
Hertz allows the use of debit cars for rentals. But you have to be a member of #1 Gold. That costs $50 or there are free links for it. Then you have to have the debit card listed in your profile and you wouldn't have a problem but you just can't show up and use a debit card.

I just went to the free sign up link provided by the Mouse site and above where you enter 3 cards that you'd like to use with Hertz it says::: In order of preference, list up to three credit cards you wish to use for Hertz rentals. Please note: Debit, bank and Visa Electron are not acceptable forms of payment.::: So it looks like they've changed that rule, or either their very lenient on it with you.

Oh well, I'm sure something will work out

 

[safetymom]

It has always said that. If you call and talk with Hertz they will tell you that as long as the debit cards are listed in your profile you will not have a problem. You can't just show up and use a debit card.

This has worked for several friends so I suggest you call Hertz. I have #1 Gold so if that is what you are applying for call and ask them.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Did you call the Budget 800# or the one at the airport? I've rented at Budget here with a debit card and no problems. They told me it was dependant on each franchise.

I also rented at Hertz with a debit card (that was in Oct).

I don't like using credit cards.

 

[TheRatPack]

Can someone tell me from their personal experience what amount of a hold that the rental cars (Budget or Hertz) puts on your credit card when you pick the car up? I was thinking if nothing else maybe I could get a prepaid Visa with that amount on it and then pay with my debit upon return of the car? I really do want to try the Hertz thing with the club, but then I'm afraid that it would back fire on me when I arrived to pick up the car and then I'd be down to the last second and no back up plan. It's down to the last 5 days as it is and I'm stressing major over what to drive Really do wish I planned better for these sorts of things, but I just can't give in to the idea of a credit card.....and even worse to go finance another car when we just finished paying one off. Ugghhh, choices choices.

 

[pilgrimage]

You might want to call the Orlando franchise you're renting from and have them email or fax their policy. Get the name of the person you spoke with.

Another option might be prepaying the car rent using priceline.

 

[safetymom]

The hold that Hertz puts on your debit card is the amount of the rental plus $50.

If you sign up for #1 GOLD you shouldn't have a problem. I can't say what the policy is for #1 Express.