Car hire warning re use of Debit Cards

[lollipop]

Hi, daughter arrived late yesterday evening, no problem with car but they will not accept Debit cards. This was checked also with Record who said that no car hire company at the airport will accept cash or debit cards. Eentually they let the car go with debit card and cash deposit!!!! but it took time and production of our residencia cards before they agreed.

[eleanor]

Hi, I have heard of this actually. I think it is something to do with the insurance - Or it could be petrol. I think some companies need to know they can charge credit card companies should the car not come back in perfect condition. We always insist on paying for 'total insurance'. Some companies do not offer this unless you insist on having it. If you don't have this insurance you need to be very careful as they state that wheels etc are not covered. One little spec of dust on the hubcap (if thats what they are called!) and you are charged big time. Even with the 'total insurance' my husband always insists of photographing the car (bit over the top but he is American and it is matter of course in the USA).
Also some companies insist on a full tank of petrol on return. If this doesn't happen, then you pay over the top with your credit card. Obviously if cash or debit are accepted they have no redress.
Hope your daughter has her deposit returned to her at the end of her stay without any problems.

[pollensa]

Re the insurance issue, if you visit several times a year you can actually buy your own annually & it works out cheaper www.puertopollensa.com/car-hire-majorca.html#insurance. However I don't think this solves the need for a Credit Card which I think may have been raised before.