Hiring car without a credit card

Black_Eyeliner

Does anyone know if it is possible to hire a car in Carcassonne, France without a credit card?

All the major companies state that a credit card in my own name is required for a security deposit.

I don't have a credit card but my partner (who is travelling with me but can't drive) does and is happy for it be used for the deposit, but this is not good enough for the car hire companies.

Has anyone else recently managed to hire a car without a credit card?

happyhappygal

Hi,
I had this same problem when I was going to Spain last year as I don't have a credit card but I do have a pre-paid one. I had heard that as a security deposit was in the region of £500 and there was no way I could of loaded that upon the card. However there was no problem at all, they didn't take anything apart from the payment for the vehicle, so if you have time to get one of these cards with CashPlus (takes about 10 days altogether) then I would recommend this. We hired a vehcile with Nisa car hire who were excellent. Hope this helps....

http://www.cashplus.co.uk/faq/using-a-cashplus-prepaid-gold-card.aspx#carHire

Black_Eyeliner

Thanks happyhappygal, but we leave on Monday...

cifpower

I would have suggested you become an additional cardholder on her account so you get a CC in "your name" but I don't think you could get it in time.

Black_Eyeliner

Have been trying to get a second card in my name but this has not been easy. The credit card companies require proof if ID - I have had to pay £14 to get my GP to validate a copy of my driving licence and also send original bank statements and utility bills. I sent this off last week and they've received it, but unsure if I'll get the card before we go away on Monday.

Black_Eyeliner

Thought I would update:

Managed to book through a small, local car hire company (https://www.lovlocation.com) who are willing to accept my partner's credit card for the deposit. (At least I hope I made a booking - my French is not that great!)

It's a bit more expensive (€244 = £194, when booking through a broker is around £150) but at least I know I can get a car!

At last I can start looking forward to my holiday!