Do I need a credit card to hire a car?

[Hevfev]

I've got a Free car with my holiday package and was wondering if I needed a credit card when I fetch it? I only have a debit card so now I'm panicking TY

[mick]

Most companies accept either a CC or a DC with a Visa or Mastercard logo.

Best to check the FAQs of the company you've hired with. You don't want to get to the barrier to find that Joe Bloggs car hire is the only one who doesn't accept a DC.

Just as important though is the car fully insured? CDW and SLI for $1m for example?

Mick

[Hevfev]

Originally Posted by mick

Most companies accept either a CC or a DC with a Visa or Mastercard logo.

Best to check the FAQs of the company you've hired with. You don't want to get to the barrier to find that Joe Bloggs car hire is the only one who doesn't accept a DC.
I
Mick

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It's with Alamo if that helps? I'll try find out on their website but I thought their cards are different than ours if you know what I mean?
Im going to get added insurance

[mick]

Originally Posted by Hevfev

It's with Alamo if that helps? I'll try find out on their website but I thought their cards are different than ours if you know what I mean?

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Visa and Mastercard are global. Still worth checking Alamo Ts & Cs though.


What do your car hire documents say about SLI (third party)? If it's the state minimum of $20k don't even think about driving the car. Should be $1m.

I only ever hire through the likes of Alamo Brits, usrentacar or DFCH and they all provide the full insurance.

Mick

[minnie29]

We've always had a CC card with us, as I've always thought they take money from your DD card, but with CC it's just a hold (I could be wrong?). And as Mick says, make sure your 'free' car has insurance, because usually they don't.

[Hevfev]

Originally Posted by minnie29

We've always had a CC card with us, as I've always thought they take money from your DD card, but with CC it's just a hold (I could be wrong?). And as Mick says, make sure your 'free' car has insurance, because usually they don't.

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They have basic insurance so I'm going to upgrade and find my own before I get there. I don't and can't get a credit card

[Gally1968]

Only ever used debit card when hiring from Alamo, never had any issues.

Would double check with them though as things do change.

[mick]

Originally Posted by minnie29

We've always had a CC card with us, as I've always thought they take money from your DD card, but with CC it's just a hold (I could be wrong?). And as Mick says, make sure your 'free' car has insurance, because usually they don't.

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Alamo take a $1 hold on your card just to test that it's live. It drops off after a few days.

Mick

[minnie29]

Originally Posted by Hevfev

They have basic insurance so I'm going to upgrade and find my own before I get there. I don't and can't get a credit card

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Sometimes it can be cheaper to not take the free car and just hire your own, we use US rent a car, insurance is covered with your hire, they do Alamo, Dollar and others. Even if u applied for a basic Vanquis CC card which are quite easy to get, you don't have to have a great credit rating etc. but, just make sure you don't use it, other than for Car hire to swipe, because the interest is super high!

[Hevfev]

Originally Posted by mick

Alamo take a $1 hold on your card just to test that it's live. It drops off after a few days.

Mick

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I've checked and they do accept Visa cards so I think I'm safe- phew. I would have preferred to know others have used it but I feel better having read the t&cs. Thanks Mick