Car hire with a debit card

I would never use a debit card for car rental. When using a debit card they have your money, good luck getting any of it back in the event of disputed charges. I had a disputed charge on my credit card, called Visa and it was settled. I can't imaging going to my bank and having the bank resolve a dispute in Italy. Most credit cards have some perks for car rental.

I would never consider renting a car without the consumer protection offered by a credit card. I've rented a car three times in Italy with no complication other than a parking ticket, but the possibilities are too great. You have to cover insurance separately anyway, so I am thinking of other issues that could arise and the ability to contest a charge with your company.

Thank you Brad and Valadelphia for your prompt replies. Yes I was thinking along those lines but was unsure. I think I will go with the credit card. It's just you read so many horror stories regarding car rentals charges.

Regards Paul

Exactly--the horror stories mean proceed with protection. I assuage my anxiety by going with a major company, but many swear by the company AutoEurope, which is a broker.

It's just you read so many horror stories regarding car rentals charges.

Use of a Debit card will not fix anything in that regard, and could be worse off for you. Basically you are authorizing them to charge you any additional fees. Your debit card, if charged, will take real funds from your account, even overdraw you (leading to additional costs) and your debit card issuer offers far fewer protections to dispute any charges.

Unfortunately, many of the "nightmare charges" you hear about are legitimate, and brought about by people failing to understand their contract, or related to damage incurred.

My advice, use a credit card, understand where additional charges can occur (Tickets, itinerary changes, etc.) and get full coverage insurance. All that leads to worry free rentals, at the end, just drop off the keys and go.

I think there is a potential problem using a DC if there is less money in your account than the amount they want to put on a reserve hold. As I understand it, using DC for any purchases is much less common over there than in the US.

I just clicked through to Palermo Airport Car Hire, they certainly make a big deal about using a debit card. Don't know if it means anything or nothing curious though. Look at Auto Europe, favored by many on this forum.

Yes Autoeurope for many years, getting zero-deductible collision; Avis/Budget, Hertz or Europcar.

Thank you everyone for your assistance, it is very much appreciated.

As many said ALWAYS use a credit card. I know Amex is not widely used in Europe, but I will use my Amex whenever possible because I believe they have the best fraud detection, and if something does happen, they seem to be the best to deal with. Note, never use your debit card in the US either for car rentals (Car rental companies will immediately put a pending action for the full value of the rental on your debit card).

I also like to use "cash" when traveling, and for me, the definition of "cash" means I have the $ in my account prior to travel. HOWEVER, I prefer to use a Visa card - specifically Capital One - as much as possible in Europe for security, and also since Cap One does not charge conversion fees. My last trip in spring, I took out a few hundred Euros upon arrival, but ended up using my Cap One for almost everything. It also helps when you trip is done and you are home, as you have a record of all transactions and you can see how much you really spent (plus it gives you time to look at your expenses, and figure all out before you pay).

Glenn

One other thing to consider is that by using your DC you will incur in Foreign Transaction Fees (unless your DC does not charge you for it). My Capital One CC does not charge me FTF so I save a little money.

One way to avoid bogus charges and shifty damages is to get every possible insurance that is offered. Zero deductible, interior protection, windshield protection, etc. You will pay more, but the peace of mind is worth it imo. Cars get messed up in italy

AutoEurope and full protection! We had a great experience with AutoEurope using Hertz during July with a rental at MXP. We had no issues until the last day when I miscalcualted a turning radius and dinged up a wheel/tire of our rental. Very nice to have walk away protection. No questions asked when they saw I bought the added protection.