Please help! Credit cards and European car hire

kelly_8

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I have booked a hire car in Italy this weekend and it has been paid for already by debit card. The terms and conditions state that we will need to present a credit card as a deposit and they will block a certain amount in case of damages when we return the car. Unfortunately he can't remember his PIN and only realised this yesterday so we might not receive the PIN reminder in time.

Does anyone know if we will need to enter the PIN when we pick up the car? Or will they just take down the details from the card and do it like an internet transaction?

Please help!

BoGoF

A lot of cards let you view your PIN online - who is the card with?

PeacefulWaters

He'll need the PIN.

bigadaj

Assume that neither of you have an alternative card.






The other option is to take their full excess insurance, it'll be expensive but is an alternative.

kelly_8

BoGoF wrote: »

A lot of cards let you view your PIN online - who is the card with?

It's with Nationwide - select credit card

kelly_8

bigadaj wrote: »

Assume that neither of you have an alternative card.






The other option is to take their full excess insurance, it'll be expensive but is an alternative.

We've already taken that out so should it be okay?

killergibbo

All my credit card company accounts online am able to view my pin online and change it aswell...if you ain't got the online account running then get it set up and go from there

eDicky

kelly_8 wrote: »

We've already taken that out so should it be okay?

Unless you purchase the excess cover from the hire firm they will need to block the full amount on your credit card. Excess cover purchased separately is of no interest to the hire firm because you will be covered and paid in case of a claim. not them.

bigadaj

kelly_8 wrote: »

We've already taken that out so should it be okay?

Have you taken that out directly with the hire card provider and with no or limited excess?


If so you shouldn't need anything further.


If you've done this with a third party insurer, as normally recommended to get the best value, then you'll still need a card to cover you and them.

eDicky

bigadaj wrote: »

Have you taken that out directly with the hire card provider and with no or limited excess?

If so you shouldn't need anything further.

If you've done this with a third party insurer, as normally recommended to get the best value, then you'll still need a card to cover you and them.

Thanks for clarifying what I was trying to say, perhaps too concisely.

A credit card may still be required as surety for fuel, fines, tolls etc.

bigadaj

eDicky wrote: »

Thanks for clarifying what I was trying to say, perhaps too concisely.

A credit card may still be required as surety for fuel, fines, tolls etc.

Yes, I thought with the expensive hire company insurer they may not need a credit card but there are potentially other charges and fees that they would need to cover.