Do I have to own a credit card to hire a car?

jackcregan

I bought a car rental deal with ebookers to use in Kerry, Ireland with Budget. When i arrived they said i needed to buy the full insurance although i already had basic cover. Once i refused i was told i'd need to put £1300 plus on a credit card in order to take the car away. This was on top of £80 for the fuel that would be refunded after i returned the car with a full tank. My credit card only has a £1000 limit so i asked to use my Visa debit instead and was refused. In no uncertain terms the staff at Budget told me i had two choices: pay for the full insurance or walk away. The full insurance cost me €50, which was more that the original rental cost of £32! Needless to say i'm absolutely furious with this kind of practice

bigadaj

That's standard for car hire companies, much manipulation in rates. Better to take cover out before you go, annual cover is very cheap for regular trips.

jay1181

No you just need a debit card (not that whats it called electric one no electron or something like that) Most just need your driving licence and a debit card. I don't think the prepay debit cards are accepted tho but i may be wrong on that. The insurance is standard as they want to make sure the cars covered just remember if anybody's going to rent a car take a video/pics of the condition of the car before you leave the hire place. so you dont get stung with the there is damage excuse and bill