Rental 'check code'

[gareth3685]

I've just been reading up on the new process for requesting a 'check code' for when you rent a car as I'll be doing so in a couple of weeks time.

Are rental companies actually using/asking for them? I know from experience that I've seldom been asked for my paper counterpart in past.

Edited by gareth3685 on Monday 3rd August 10:11

[DJFish]

Dublin
Last week
Nope, although since they ask to see your license they may well run their own checks, but they never mentioned 'the code'.
HTH.

[Roo]

Wasn't asked for it a couple of weeks ago in France.

Never been asked for the paper counterpart in the past.

[AndyNetwork]

Wasn't asked for it in the USA when I went a few weeks back.

[talksthetorque]

Sweden 1 month ago, no. Cheap as chips Shed van hire place Notts, last week, no, but did ask for NI umber so presume they did it themselves.

[jeremyc]

For the sake of 30 seconds work, why not simply generate your code?

It'll also give you an option to download a PDF document containing all your licence information together with the code that you can easily carry with you on your smartphone/tablet/laptop (or indeed a printed version on paper).

[andy-xr]

Was asked at AVIS/Budget last week for hiring a van for a house move

[GC8]

talksthetorque said:

Sweden 1 month ago, no. Cheap as chips Shed van hire place Notts, last week, no, but did ask for NI umber so presume they did it themselves.

Breaking the DPA. Id tell them to fk off! Generate the code yourself and don't tell anyone your NI number.

[surveyor]

Hertz on Friday (UK) - nope, although I'm registered with Gold so they do have my driving license number on record. Not NI number though.

[zed4]

I ask for the code, but I ask in advance so I can check the licence before the customer arrives. Saves time during the handover that way.

[toerag]

Hired a van the other week and was required to hand it over.

[mcflurry]

My friend had hired a car, but needed someone else to drive it (he was getting married, so needed the hire car taken from church to the reception, whilst he was in the wedding car)

I called the local hire company, gave them the code and they added me to the insurance, without sight of each other or my licence

[talksthetorque]

GC8 said:

Breaking the DPA. Id tell them to fk off! Generate the code yourself and don't tell anyone your NI number.

Why are they breaking the DPA?
I think you are getting posting sober in GG mixed up with posting whilst inebriated in SP&L

[GC8]

Read the page. There is a DPA warning. They access the information as you - quite illegal.

[LotusOmega375D]

I've hired a couple of cars in Europe in the past few months, but not one of the reputable hire companies asked for a DVLA check code (which I had with me). They just want the plastic Driving Licence card. The whole check code idea seems like it's been a complete waste of time and tax payers' money.

[Fartgalen]

Renting through Hertz - had to provide a code. I hadn't gotten one before so they rang DVLA to get my permission to access records. I didn't book that rental.
Booked a couple of weeks later myself using my Gold profile - then not asked to provide. Just get keys and go. And then I had prepared a code

[Howard-]

Had to provide one this morning in fact, to get a loan car from the Ford garage. It only takes 20 seconds to get one in fairness, and it's easier than trying to remember where the hell you put your paper counterpart for the 364 days a year when you don't need it..

[Fartgalen]

Howard- said:

Had to provide one this morning in fact, to get a loan car from the Ford garage. It only takes 20 seconds to get one in fairness, and it's easier than trying to remember where the hell you put your paper counterpart for the 364 days a year when you don't need it..

Paper counterpart is no good now anyway. You need to provide a code (though seemingly they don't care anyway in some cases). Renting in Europe I don't think you'll get asked. But in UK you most likely will if not on a preferential scheme.

[Howard-]

Fartgalen said:

Paper counterpart is no good now anyway. You need to provide a code (though seemingly they don't care anyway in some cases).

I know.

I was just referring to how I think the code is better.

[JZZ30]

I hire stuff most weeks and always need the code (plus codes for others I want on the insurance too)