Freezing Your Credit Doesn't Put the Brakes on Car Rentals

Q If I freeze my credit report to prevent identity theft, will I be able to rent a car? I know some companies check your credit report as well as your credit card.

AIf you freeze your credit report, you can still rent a car this summer and pay with a credit card. Car-rental firms protect themselves by placing a hold on your card for the amount of the rental plus the cost of gas and insurance, if you select those options. That way, the company is assured of payment, and it's covered if you damage the car or keep it longer than your reservation.

However, you might not be able to use your debit card. Avis, Budget and Hertz check your credit report if you elect to pay with a debit card.

You could unfreeze your credit report; it takes up to three business days and costs about $10 per credit bureau. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the largest car-rental firm, generally checks your credit report, too, but might let you present other documentation, such as a utility bill or pay stub, to prove your creditworthiness.

If you carry a cash identification card from Avis or Hertz, you can pay for your car with cash, traveler's checks or a money order. But you must apply for the card as much as six weeks in advance.