Have you ever had a rental car agency charge your credit card when you didn't pick up the car and you forgot to cancel your rental car reservations (like when hotels charge your credit card when you're a no show?)

I've never had it happen personally, but a couple years ago one of the major agencies was alerting renters that it was preparing to start charging for no shows. I don't know if that policy disappeared, but you're always wise to ask about such policies when making a reservation to avoid unpleasant surprises. There is a LOT of fine print in those rental contracts and you could be left without any recourse.

No, but I have been warned when making reservations that I would be charged if I didn't cancel. That makes sense to me. Why wouldn't they charge if they say they will?

How exactly would that work? I seem to recall the last time I made online reservations they only asked for name, address & phone number. I didn't have to give a credit card number, so how could there be a penalty?

Judy, I think it may depend on the rate you get, or if you register as a "club" member with a particular agency, often getting better discounts, they do have that information on file.

I was always surprised when they didn't require such information and had no penalty. I never understood what kept everyone who had a reservation from getting to the counters and going agency to agency to get a better price, leaving thousands of reserved cars available.