First Credit Card. Car Hire Abroad.

eDicky

MisterBaxter wrote: »

Don't be surprised if you have to have an argument with the people at the car hire place over this. They don't seem to like it when you bring your own, much cheaper, insurance with you. I picked up this advice from MSE and have to say it is cheaper but on the three occasions I've hired a car in the Canaries it has been a battle to convince them I don't need to pay their insurance as well.

You need to learn how to 'just say no thank you'. If you enter into any discussion or 'battle' you give the impression of lack of certainty and experience, so perhaps can be persuaded. Your separately purchased cover is no business of the hire firm and should not even be mentioned as a reason to decline their own excess waiver. Just 'thanks but no thanks'!

eDicky

Adamc wrote: »

Would you suggest the Halifax card? I do have a Halifax ISA.

If you can get it, not so easy with a limited credit history, try the MSE eligibility checker.

The Aqua Reward card is easier, fee-free for overseas purchases and 0.5% cashback.

With some firms and locations a debit card is acceptable, you don't say where you're going.

PRAISETHESUN

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

Just keep in mind that if you have no/limited credit history, then there is a decent possibility that you may not get a credit card with a limit high enough to cover the hire car security deposit - the hire car companies will place a hold on the card, which will be declined if your limit isn't high enough. This is particularly likely if you opt to bring your own insurance (as suggested above). Although bringing your own insurance is much cheaper in the long run, the security deposit can be several thousand pounds which you will have to pay if something goes wrong - you then reclaim this from your separate insurance policy so you aren't actually out of pocket.

Adamc

Hi all - I was approved for the Nationwide Select - thank you for your kind responses!

eco_warrior

MisterBaxter wrote: »

Don't be surprised if you have to have an argument with the people at the car hire place over this. They don't seem to like it when you bring your own, much cheaper, insurance with you. I picked up this advice from MSE and have to say it is cheaper but on the three occasions I've hired a car in the Canaries it has been a battle to convince them I don't need to pay their insurance as well.

This is such a common dispute at this time of year, when people agree to additional insurances.

I’ve known customers who have had to walk away without taking the car due to the hard sell and so lost the money they paid for the hire.

There is one particular car hire company who purposely decline card transactions just to get customers to take more insurance. The decline is when the car is picked up and the holding payment is supposed to be taken.

Adamc

eco_warrior wrote: »

This is such a common dispute at this time of year, when people agree to additional insurances.

I’ve known customers who have had to walk away without taking the car due to the hard sell and so lost the money they paid for the hire.

There is one particular car hire company who purposely decline card transactions just to get customers to take more insurance. The decline is when the car is picked up and the holding payment is supposed to be taken.

If operating in Greece - you couldn't kindly PM the name to avoid could you please?