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mini cooper rental reservation requirements

Posted by on

I would like to rent a mini cooper in Italy, picking up at the Florence airport, make a loop around Lucca, Pisa and Tuscany for about 7 days. A rep with http://powerservicenoleggi.it is offering a reasonable price. To make a reservation, however he are asking for

  • PASSPORT
  • DRIVING LICENSE
  • BILLING ADDRESS
  • CREDIT CARD (VISA, MASTERCARD. american express +4%)

Of course we will provide this info when we get there and receive the car, however I am a bit leary about sending this information beforehand just to reserve, given how rampant identity theft is these days.

Does anyone have any experience with this firm and/or is this up-front information requirement "normal?"

Thanks,

Posted by
16899 posts

I would have no concern about providing the passport number and driving license details, in addition to the usual billing info. It sounds like they're trying to be organized.

Posted by
4152 posts

I would email them and ask if you can give all the information except the passport number. Explain your fears and see if they will allow that to be presented at pick up time. It shouldn't be an issue since you are giving them most of the information as well as a credit card number.

Donna

Posted by
23784 posts

Why hold back the passport number? It is absolutely meaningless. As is the passport since it contains less info than a driver's license. It is common for them to request that type of info in advance. You should also get the International Drivers Permit as that is required in Italy.

Posted by
4152 posts

Frank, I've never had a car rental agency ask for my passport number. I don't really see why they would need it. I've had rental properties ask for it, as well as hotels but never from a rental car agency. I would be hesitant to give it to them without knowing why they wanted it.

Donna

Posted by
23784 posts

But the question remains, what are they going to do with it? The number has no value other than being tied to your passport. One they have your drivers license (address, birth date, physical description), billing address, and your credit card number, someone can do a lot of damage with that information. Adding a passport numbers does nothing. Give them the passport and keep the other information if truly worried about identity theft.

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