Deposit and insurance guide
Understanding rental deposits and insurance
The rental price, online card authorisation and deposit serve different purposes. Check the vehicle-specific information and complete rental terms before booking.
What the deposit covers
The deposit secures documented amounts that are lawfully owed. Its value depends on the vehicle and is shown before booking. It is currently collected at pickup rather than with the online rental payment.
Vehicle condition, mileage and fuel or charge level are documented after return. A deposit does not create unlimited liability.
Insurance and excess
The rental vehicle has the mandatory motor-vehicle liability cover. Any responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle depends on the agreed protection, any disclosed excess and mandatory law.
Do not rely on assumptions from another rental agreement. The details for the selected vehicle and the version of the terms accepted with your booking are the relevant record.
Authorisation, capture and refund
At online checkout the rental amount is first authorised on the card. It is captured after RentCars24 accepts the reservation. If a request is rejected or expires before acceptance, the authorisation is released.
Releasing an authorisation is different from refunding a captured payment. The bank and card network also affect when either change becomes visible.