Do I need a credit card to use car hire excess insurance?

When you run a quote for car hire excess insurance we include the statement ‘You will use a credit card at the car hire desk’. You do not, however, need a credit card to use or to purchase a car hire excess insurance policy.

Our reason for including the statement is that some customers are not aware that they are still liable for the excess and it can flag that their chosen car hire company may require a credit card.

Car hire excess insurance policies work on a reimbursement basis. If you are charged for any part of your excess or for damage to areas that fall outside of your Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection such as the windows, mirrors, roof, underbody, wheels or tyres, you can submit a claim for reimbursement from the excess insurer. They do not remove your excess liability, nor do they mean you don’t need to leave any requested security deposit at the desk.

If you have chosen a debit card-friendly car hire package and understand how car hire excess insurance works, you can just click on the button to confirm you have read the statement and proceed.

Car hire excess insurance policies are a separate purchase from your car hire. You do not need to use the same card to hire the car as you use to buy your car hire excess insurance.

What are the benefits of using a credit card when hiring a car?

Keep your money in your bank account

When you use a credit card, the car hire company are able to put a pre-authorisation on the card for any security or fuel deposit amount. This is not always the case with debit cards. If they have to charge the funds to the debit card rather than place a pre-authorisation, not only will those funds not be available to you during your trip but, due to the banking systems, they can also take up to 30 days to go back on to your account.

Greater flexibility

When you book using a credit you have complete flexibility when it comes to car hire options. You can choose the package that suits your needs best. With a debit card you may be required to take the car rental company’s own insurance and therefore be more restricted in the car hire package options that are available to you.

Wider choice

Credit card car hire is available in car hire offices worldwide so you have the freedom to choose from all of these locations. You can opt for pick up at an airport or a downtown location, choose between budget or premium suppliers and take your pick from a full range of vehicles. Debit card car hire is not offered at all rental facilities so any trip may need more careful planning.

If you need to hire a car and you do not have a credit card, our sister company, Clarify Car Hire offers a wide range of debit card car rental across many different locations.

Whether you are booking a car hire with a credit card or a debit card, car hire excess insurance can give you the peace of mind that, should you be charged any of your excess, you can submit a claim to get your money back in your pocket.

Compare car hire excess insurance with MoneyMaxim