Car hire - more info about the amount they block on credit card as a deposit...

Tunstallstoven

Hi there

I am looking to hire a car in the Czech Rep this August. I plan to book this through Auto-Europe and the rental company will be Budget.

I understand that when we collect the car we will be required to leave a deposit in the form of a block on a credit card. I've never done that before and wondered if anyone could give me more information about the process generally. And more specifically, do I need to ensure that my credit card has a sufficient credit limit to cover the blocked amount?

Don't want any last minute hurdles or surprises when I go to pick the car up!

Many thanks

Max

ferf1223

Max_Dread wrote: »

And more specifically, do I need to ensure that my credit card has a sufficient credit limit to cover the blocked amount?

Yes.

They swipe your card, block a certain amount - so it can't be spent so they know it's there if it's needed to recover from you for damage/theft/etc. - when you return the car without damage, they release the block...though it can take a few days/week for it to clear off of your card...it's one of the pitfalls of using a debit card for car hire where you can as you lose access to a chunk of cash for the duration.

Bogtrotter

Yes you need a sufficient balance on your credit card to cover the blocked amount (insurance excess) on the hire vehicle. Even if you take out their super insurance cover there are some exemptions so they still block the full amount.

Block is usually released within a week of returning the vehicle.

Tunstallstoven

OK, so I need to make total sure I have enough of a credit limit then... Hmmm.....

I'll be traveling with my partner. Would we be able to use her credit card?

Bogtrotter

I suppose it depends on the rental firm but I don't see why not as long as she is there to authorise or sign for the amount.

I usually use Hertz and have on occasions got them to swipe my wife's card even though the booking was done on mine. You'll maybe have to ask them though as sometimes they'll automatically use the card details you booked with