Car hire - Page 2

How is a credit card deposit a ‘con’? It’s standard practice across the industry.

Maybe should have worded it better than a “con” but have heard of people not getting their deposits back etc.

I personally don’t own a credit card either so again am a bit nieve and assume that you can use a debit card instead or again does that depend on the firm hiring the vehicle?

We had the whole package 

Understood, but usually, no, you can’t use a debit card. This is because they aren’t actually taking the money, just blocking the amount against one’s available credit until the end of the contract and settlement. Yes of course there are unscrupulous companies, and this is one reason for taking out independent ‘excess’ insurance. The hire companies dont like it but brandishing the paperwork shuts them up, never take out the hire company’s excess insurance, its seriously overpriced. But very very difficult to undertake any of these arrangements these days without credit card.

Hi there

We use Wheels in Spain.  We have just returned from a 4 night break and the cost was 70 euros for a Fiat Tipo.  Exellent service, they meet you at the airport (Alicante, they dont go to Murcia) and hand the car over outside Costa coffee which is where you return the car at the end of your stay. Always been on time, no deposit, no hassle, cars reliable, etc. highly recommend.  You can pay by card in advance or cash on collection. 

Have used 2 different companies operating in Alicante Airport in last few months. They both took the large credit card deposit and we had it back straight away on return of the cars. The staff were very good, we did joint inspections at pick up and drop off. As others have said, do not take out the additional insurance these people offer, get your own before you go.

The only scare I had was on the first trip where the car was taken away for parking in the wrong place. In my defence, the apartment owner advised me to park there as the gate wouldn't work. It was a bit of a panic for sure when I realised the car had gone but I contacted the owner who came to pick me up, took me to the council compound, paid the fine, and then guided me back to the apartment where he had sorted out the gate for the car park.

I think the prices you get out of season are an absolute bargain and will be doing it again.

Pete.

One company I would not use would be Algorfa Cars. Quoted us a fantastic price for a month (280 euros all in), but soon as we called to book, said they didn't have any cars left at that price. Magnum Car Hire in Algorfa has been recommended to me, but been a Hertz Gold Awards member got a pretty good deal from them.

EDI is a company we have been recommending for years, both on and off this forum.  There are NO hidden extras, all included.  No extra for fuel, no extra for children's car seats, no extra for a second driver and no extra insurance: the price they quote is the price you pay.  www.edirentacar.com  Good, honest family run business that has been established for many, many years.

Hi Adge, 

We have had smartsell in playa flamenca recommended to us and was thinking of giving them a try when we are next out. 

They are also an estate agents, I think the guy who runs it is named Craig. 

The cars aren't all that new which doesn't really bother us but may be a problem to others. 

Not sure if they would deliver/collect from the airport though. 

Very good-let us know how you get on.