Cheap Car Hire: Slash £100s in hire and insurance costs

Katie789

I'm looking to hire a car in italy (from marco polo Venice airport) for 10 days from 11th June.

It's the first time we've hired a car abroad and I'm really confused. I've read Martin's article and checked the 'screenscrapers' for price comparisons. I'm looking for an economy (Corsa-ish sized) car with 4 doors and air con.

The biggest point that i'm unsure about is deposits. I've found the car we wanted for £205 from easycar but having read the T&C's they want a 800-1100 euro credit card deposit. Is this normal? We'll really struggle to find that.

However I looked at a car from Budget that was £230 but made no mention of a deposit?

Does anyone have any experience with this? Or any recommendations for Car Hire in Italy?

Thanks!

Tickdick00

Hi

Have a look at car hire through the Flybe.com website.

They have a sale at the moment, and the car rental is through Avis so should be good.

They were way cheaper than the screenscrapers I tried.

Can't help you with the insurance side I'm afraid - apparently the high deposits are commonplace throughout Italy.

janinem1974

Hi

I have read some older threads about the problems with trying to hire a car using a DEBIT card - neither my partner or I have a credit card (dont want one and left it too late to get one).
Wanted to see if there is any up-to-date information regarding this???

The only company I have had some joy with is Auto-europe but this is the email they sent be back:

Here is the information avilable regarding a cash rental:

"Client must leave a cash deposit equal to Balance due, tank of gas and local
charges ( apt schg, add driver, equip etc ) and the deductible.(£405)
- Client must meet requirements, final decision is left up to the desk (can be
turned down if
information is insufficient or can not be verified to Avis' satisfaction).
Client must provide the following information:
- Personal Details: Whole name / permanent address / phone number / date of birth / passport number
- Local References: Hotel name or local address of residence in Spain / Return flight ticket
- Business Details: Company name (of where client works) / address / phone number
- Bank Details: Account number / address / phone number
If client purchases super CDW locally : Client must leave a cash deposit equal to Balance due, tank of gas and local charges ( apt add driver equip etc )"


NOTE:
1. the very high deposit £405
2. "final decision is left up to the desk (can be turned down if
information is insufficient or can not be verified to Avis' satisfaction)"
- I rang AVIS (at Gerona) before i received this email - they stated NO DEBIT CARDS and didnt offer me any alternatives!

I have a VISA DEBIT but this seems unacceptable although I can use it for car hire in UK with no problem!

We fly on Thursday!

PLEASE HELP..........THANKS

JAN

BeeUK

Record operate out of Girona, I have used them previously with a Maestro card in Palma. May be worth a look?

janinem1974

FROM AVIS SPAIN T&C

PAYING FOR YOUR RENTAL: The cost of the rental can be charged to an Avis account or any of the leading credit cards accepted by Avis. If other methods of payment are used, a cash deposit for the approximate cost of the rental plus an additional 20% must be paid upfront.
Cash rentals are only valid for car groups A to H and are subject to the final approval by the Avis rental office. If the information required is not presented by the customer or is insufficient, we reserve the right to decline the rental

marc.faulkner

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering whether anybody knew what age restrictions were placed on hiring a car in Canada?

I'm going to be spending 2 weeks there in October, and would love to be able to drive, however I am only 19 (20 in November!) so not sure whether I would be able to hire or not?

Alternatively, my cousin lives over there, so he may add me to his insurance for those couple of weeks - although it will mean I could only use the car when he wasn't.

Cheers,

balsingh

Try www.carhire4less.co.uk or www.carhire3000.com as they ask you to specify your age.

marc.faulkner

Thanks, unfortunately they both specify a minimum age of 21

withabix

I don't think ANY car hire firm in Canada will hire you a car under 21.

Most also charge an under-age fee for 21-25.

Will consult relatives over there when they phone today and will update this post later.

marc.faulkner

withabix wrote: »

I don't think ANY car hire firm in Canada will hire you a car under 21.

Most also charge an under-age fee for 21-25.

Will consult relatives over there when they phone today and will update this post later.

You're a star, thanks.