Car hire minefield!

confusedgranma

Sorry I didn't get back to reply yesterday but thank you for the comments, I had a wee chuckle this morning reading them so thanks for making me smile today even if it wasn't intended :T!

I wish I was 23!! :rotfl:

To clarify some things. I haven't had a problem hiring yet, I am looking at all eventualities so I am prepared, it looks so easy on the comparison sites, choose your car, book it, turn up with documentation and drive it away. But nothing is ever as easy as it looks so I did a bit of digging and found it is not that easy after all!

I don't have a credit card because I don't want one but unfortunately that means I am stumped now when I need to hire a car! I looked at one yesterday that said if using debit card you need an extra 3 evidence of id, BESIDES passport and driving licence! ie utility bill ( dont get them, paperless billing online) council tax bill (has to be less than 3 months old, they arrive in April) etc etc. I will have to make some phone calls! There isn't any one else that can support me with a cc. Its ridiculous that cc is demanded, when it will be covered by insurance. They sell their own excess insurance which is almost as much as the car hire!

spiro

Just because you have paperless billing doesn't mean you can't print the latest bill, you just need to confirm that's acceptable. I've done it before.

confusedgranma

I have ordered a bank statement and a credit card so hopefully they will be here before I go. I hate that I have had to take a cc when I dont want to but it seems to be a necessary evil these days. Will just have to be very careful with it and not give in to sob stories from grandchildren , its not for much and will be paid in full when it's used. Maybe use it for just petrol or learn the ropes so it saves money!

agrinnall

It may be a bit late but this guide should help you find a card that will pay you for using it. I made £31 on my 123 card last month, which more than pays for the annual fee (although I'll need a bit more now it's going up from £2 to £3 a month).

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/cashback-credit-cards