In the UK what is the normal procedure when hiring a car?

[davidk65]

Never having hired a car before what are the normal charges?
I have established the hire rate. I will be driving from one part of the country to Gatwick airport and the charge is for 24 hours hire only.
But I am baffled by having to leave a deposit for fuel of �70. Plus a deposit on the car of �550. This is to be refunded.
But is this the way that hire co. do it?

[auntiebertie]

Remember to take your full driving licence - and that means the paper bit as well as the plastic card! We hired a car just for 2 days, and they would not accept our plastic license, we had to drive home again, find the paper and then drive back.
Can't help with the other bits I'm afraid.

[Dee Sa]

I would take full driving licence as auntiebertie said, plus one aother form of photo ID, normally they hold your credit card number for the deposit, I think and they will see how much fuel that you have used and charge you, then return the rest of the fuel money.
why dont you just phone and ask them what you are not happy about,, do you have a UK driving licence, if not this is why they could be asking for cash up front.have you checked out the car hire firm ?

[sddsddean]

Also make sure the car 'works'...check the lights, tyres (and spare), wipers/washers etc even if they say they have checked it. Got a car from Avis in Miami once and there was a little note saying our car had been checked by Rick. I went back to the front desk and said Rick should be sacked. One indicator not working, one tail light not working and a karbunkle on one tyre. Still, it got us a free upgrade!!

[koster]

I rent from Enterprise (www.enterprise.co.uk). The deposit is only �100 and there is no deposit for fuel.