Why do I have to pay a deposit for a rental car?

Important facts described briefly below:

Car rental companies often require a security deposit that is a safety net to rely on in case of damage or theft. Please note that a valid, embossed credit card issued to the main driver is mandatory for the deposit. You may need a PIN code to confirm the deposit payment / pre-authorization. Visa Electron, Maestro / EC, debit cards, as well as pre-paid and digital credit cards are not accepted on-site. Please refer to the voucher and rental Terms and Conditions for more detailed information on the amount of the deposit or the accepted credit cards. 

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Why do I have to leave a deposit for the rental car?

The car rental company protects its property by making you leave a deposit. It is a protection in case of damage or theft of the rental car.

How much is a rental deposit?

The amount of the deposit depends on the car rental, country, and the category of the rental car. Many car rental companies take a deposit that is equal to the deductible so that in the case of damage, it is paid. The amount is often between 350 and 2,700 dollars. We strongly recommend that you check Terms and Conditions to verify the exact deposit amount.

How do I pay my rental car deposit?

It is required that you pay the deposit with a credit card. The card must be issued in the name of the main driver. The credit card of another person is usually not accepted. A credit card must meet the following requirements:

• Embossed credit card
• Valid for 6 months after the drop-off
• Issued to the main driver
• With the sufficient funds to cover deposit
• Internationally recognized (Visa, Mastercard or sometimes Amex)

Hint: 1: Credit cards with name initials may not be accepted by the car rental company.

Hint 2: Check Terms and Conditions to make sure AMEX is accepted by the car rental companies as a form of deposit payment.

Hint 3: Some car rental companies require two credit cards for luxurious rental cars. This information is included in Terms and Conditions.

Can I use two different cards for the rental car payment and deposit?

Yes, you can. Please bear in mind that the credit card for deposit needs to be issued to the main driver, and meet the requirements mentioned above.

Can I pay the car rental deposit in cash or by a debit card?

No. Rental deposit should be blocked on the main driver’s credit card. Most car rental companies do not accept cash or debit cards for deposit.  Please note that in case the rental deposit is accepted by using a debit card, the extra fees may apply.

Will the deposit change if I want to travel abroad?

It can. Some car rental companies require a higher deposit in case you want to cross the border. Should that be the case, the information will be outlined in Terms and Conditions of the respective offer. 

Do I still have to pay a deposit if I take out the insurance?

Yes, you do. Even if you choose the option with a refundable deductible, you still will have to leave a rental car deposit. In the event of a damage claim, the car rental company will retain the deposit which will be refunded by the rental provider in accordance with their Terms and Conditions (after successful assessment by the insurance company). This process may take up to some weeks. Should you experience such a situation, contact our Customer Support team for further information.

Attention: Even if you have fully comprehensive insurance with a refundable deductible, you often have to pay for the damage yourself in the case of gross negligence. This includes, for example, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and losing the car keys.

What else do I need to pay attention to while blocking deposits?

We recommend that you check the condition of the car before hitting the road. In case there are any defects, make sure the car rental employee includes them in the check-out document. This is a proof that the damage was not caused by you, and therefore your deposit should not be affected.

What happens with the car rental deposit?

Most car rental companies block the deposit on the credit card. In rare cases the amount is debited and refunded after the car is returned if there is no damage to the vehicle. Some car rental companies deduct the deposit in case the rental period is very long. In general, some rules for long-term rentals may vary from the short- to mid-term rentals.

When will I receive my deposit back?

This varies depending on the car rental company and bank. If you return the rental car in a proper and undamaged condition, the rental deposit should be released within a couple of days. In some cases it can also take a whole billing period.

Are there any car rentals that don’t require deposit?

Most car rentals require a rental car deposit. In some cases, it is possible to book a rental car without a deposit. This depends on the specific offer, the car rental company, and the country. Such offers are very rare.