Word of the wise to fellow travelers to avoid HolidayCars.com when renting cars, lest you find yourself left out of both your payment and rental, as did we. We reserved with Dollar through HolidayCars months ago while traveling in England, yet learned upon arrival in Boston that Dollar would not honor the rental (which was prepaid in full) because it was made from England and under a price agreement that required a non-US driver's license. We were forced to pay an over the counter rate that was more than four times the rate we had prepaid for the two week rental. Inquires to HolidayCars for reimbursement have thus gone unanswered. Does anyone have any similar experience, or tips for resolving this unhappy situation?

Bummer But I'm confused - are you American or British? It sounds like you were vacationing in England and booked a car for when you were back home in the US. Is that right? If so, there are several international brokers (Holiday being one) who book cars with all-inclusive rates for international travelers to the States -- but they are NOT for US residents.

Similarly, I (American) can often get cheaper rental rates in the UK than locals can.

I don't know what recourse you have -- I would guess the requirement for a UK or at least non-USA drivers license was in the terms and conditions.

I'm American, and paid with a credit card with a US passport. Yes, the requirement for a non-US passport is buried in the t&c language, but I have issues with the fact that they accepted prepayment to a US address without question. They are dragging their heels on a refund, too, even though the reservation was cancelled at the counter and I had no choice but to pay four times the fee for a two week rental.

They may not owe you a refund -- if you get one good for them.

The location of a credit card is not the same as residency. I know two people in the UK who have US-issued credit cards (they both have business connections here)