9 September 2019

Can I buy excess insurance when hiring a car with a debit card?

We explain how car hire excess insurance works when you are booking with a debit card

When running a quote with MoneyMaxim for car hire excess insurance we ask you to tick a statement saying 'You will use a credit card at the car hire desk'. This does not mean that you can only use the policies if you have a credit card. The car hire excess insurance policies can all still be used with a debit card car hire but in these circumstances there are just a few extra points to bear in mind.

We ask for this statement to be ticked to bring it to our customers' attention that these are reimbursement policies. You will need to leave any security deposit required at the car hire desk. If you were to be charged, you can claim the money back through the policy. More information for debit card users is available by clicking on the link next to the statement shown below. If you do not have a credit card, you will need to book a car hire that is suitable for debit card holders.

• With debit card car hire bookings you may still be required to leave an excess or security deposit amount on your card. As it is not a credit card, any funds will actually be debited rather than just blocked, so it can take longer for any monies to be refunded. You will also need to make sure that you have enough funds in your bank account to cover any costs that could arise during your hire which may fall outside of your Collision Damage Waiver such as a chipped windscreen, a puncture or a speeding ticket. These will need to be paid at the end of your hire, so include them in your holiday budget!

• You can often book and pay for a car hire using a debit card but these bookings will still require you to have a credit card in the lead driver's name when you arrive to pick up your car. If you do not have a credit card that can be used, you will need to find a car hire company that offers debit card car hire such as those available through our sister site Clarify Car Hire.

• When you book a car hire with just a debit card, you may be required to purchase the car hire company's own excess waiver as a condition of the booking. This may mean there is no excess on your car hire. Do check though whether you are still liable for the cost of damage to the wheels, glass, roof or underbody as these areas could still be covered by an independent excess policy. Excess policies are also available for motorhome, campervan, minibus and van hires too.

If you have any queries regarding excess insurance or need help with booking car hire with a debit card we are available either on the telephone by calling 0118 321 8197 or through our webchat service by clicking the green tab at the bottom of our website.

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