Alamo, charges only the amount of rental, allows use of debit card for rental.
I use the prepaid gas, I use it and don't wish to worry about 2.00 more per tank that I MIGHT have saved, I am on vacation and don't want the hassle.
National, uses debit card at the end of rental, does not put hold on credit card at the beginning of rental. Again, I use the prepaid gas for the reasons mentioned above.
I do not buy extra insurance, I do not bring my insurance card, I tell them NO, simply, easily and I don't play games. I also sign up for every single quick rent feature available. IE: National - Emerald Club - Alamo - Quick Silver etc. All my preferences are there, it eliminates hard sell.
Be blunt, be forceful, tell them you do not want any insurance, don't fall for "fuzzy questions". If they say, you only want the basic insurance, tell them I don't want any insurance. Listen to what is said and tell them NO.
It is no surprise that
Budget is owned by Sears and is the ONLY place I have been hassled for insurance. Sears-extended warranties, Budget- insurance. Tricky!!!