Thanks for posting this. I want to hire a car when I'm in Paphos with my family this October. Will have a look at Elephant first.

Off to Paphos at the end of the month and just about to book car rental. After looking at the various offers online, Elephant is top of my list.

However, I'm uncertain what level they (and other rental companies in general) are likely to request for the pre-authorisation credit card charge (deposit for CDW excess, traffic fines and fuel etc)?

A few companies say the renter can reduce the excess to zero by purchasing extra insurance, which I'm prepared to do. And many of those say there are no extra charges. But, none of them are explicit about the pre-authorisation charge. In fairness, they are not actually taking any funds from your credit card (unless something actually goes wrong) so from their perspective they aren't charging you any extra.

The problem is, potentially for me at least, is I don't want to land at Paphos airport with say €500 of available funds on my credit card to be then confronted with "the computer says no" when they attempt to pre-authorise €2000. I really don't relish the trip to the resort via the bus.

I've contacted Elephant Car Rental via email but I don't think they understand my enquiry. Their response simply said there were no additional charges and they included a copy of the FAQs from their website.

So, can does anyone have any insight about Elephant in particular or any other rental company concerning the likely level of deposit?

Sorry for the lengthy post but as you might imagine, after 4 weeks of looking, I'm still no wiser and concerned my first car hire in Cyprus (although I've visited many times before) might go disastrously wrong.

Hi,

as stated above I have used Elephant for many years. I always pay for car rental in Euros therefore unsure of credit card transactions. For the first time, this year they asked if I wanted to take out additional insurance to cover CDW, windscreen and sump damage for 2 euros a day. I did not bother but it is there if you want peace of mind. For fuel they will charge you what is in the car when you pick it up and you take it back empty.

My advice is pay for rental and fuel in cash and take additional insurance if you wish and you will be sorted.

Hope this helps

Thanks Madgolfer100,

It does help a bit. Always good to hear of a real experience. Although I am surprised to hear they didn't ask you for a credit card? Their website seems to state that this is a 'must'... which is the issue I'm having.

I'm more than happy to pay for the entire rental, extra insurances and fuel (card or cash doesn't make any difference to me). I'm also expecting to be asked to present a credit card so thay might pre-authorise a deposit for 'just in case' unforseen happenings (although don't ask me what exactly). And yes I do know they don't actually take the funds, they just block an amount on your card until shortly after the rental ends.

The problem, more of a worry actually, is they'll attempt to pre-authorise €2000 (as once happened to me in Austria), as is common for some of the bigger international rental chains... and which I cannot afford. If its €500 or so, no problems but more would likely not be authorised by the card company. No rental, bus stop this way. Ouch!

By the way, the €2/day to reduce the CDW excess to zero is a bargain. I've often bought this cover through a separate insurance company and even they cannot match that.

Again, sorry for the long post but this seems to be one of those issues that is never spoken about, least of all by the car rental companies. This is a shame because in these days of maxed out credit cards or the funds limited pre-paid equivilents, I'm sure a lot of people are put off renting because they simply fear being hit with a failed pre-authorisation in front of family and/or friends at the airport.

Hi ID,

as I have used this company for years I just book by e-mail therefore I have not been on website for a long time so not aware of needing a credit card. When I got there on 6th of June this year I was not asked for a card so I dont understand why they are asking for one on website. Seems strange!

Personally I would not worry (easy for me to say I know) I am going back on 23rd of July and booked a car again but dont expect to be asked for a card as it has never happened before

Sorry I cannot help you more

Mad

Actually Mad, you've been extremely helpful....

Feeling more reassured due both to your advice and I've also been able to increase my budget slightly. Like I said, I was just worried they'd ask for a credit card (no problem with that) and then try to block an unexpected amount for deposits (risking hitting my credit limit).

I'll get something booked over the weekend and report back to these forums so that others might benefit in the future.

By the way, I'm in Paphos from the 27th July ;-)

Staying at the Hotel Aloe, I'll report on that too.

Hi

when i arrived inPaphos on the 19th May the guy from Elephant cars was waiting for me, it took just a few minutes to fill in the paper work and i was on my way, it really made a change to use a car company who is genuine, honest and professional, there were no hidden extras, what is on the paper work is what you pay, plus i got a free upgrade.

Yes they charge you for a half tank of petrol, and you return the car empty, which i feel is fair, as other companies charge for a full tank, if you hire a car for a few days you are never going to use a full tank, unless you make 2 or 3 trips to Nicosia.

As i said in my first post, i am returning to Paphos on the 10th July, and have rented another vehicle from Elephant, why, because i know i will get a good car, excellent service, a vehicle at a fair price, and i am not going to return home to find i have a lot of hidden extras added to my credit card.

I have a few quick questions about Elephant and wondered if past customers can help ...

Do their rates change periodically? And do they charge a cancellation fee?

I've obtained a quote but haven't booked yet. Would prefer to leave booking until nearer our holiday (Oct this year) in case our circumstances change, but I'm happy with the price I've been quoted now and don't want to loose out.

I'd appreciate some advice as I haven't booked car hire online like this before.

Jester

Worry not, i booked a car on line for the first time in May, you pay for the car on arrival, if you are concerned give them a call, and tell them you are arriving in October,and ask if you can make a provisional booking, if you have to cancel the booking, tell them as soon as you can.

There are plenty of companies advertising on line with cars in Paphos, some with cars for as little as £8 a day, but beware of all the extras in the small print, as you can be paying a lot more than you bargained for, some even charge for collecting the car at the airport, a full tank of fuel, extra insurance and a large excess.

Like me others are more than happy with the service they get, and return to Elephant time and time again, i for one would not even consider using any one else for a vehicle.