Deposits are one of the most asked-about parts of car hire, and one of the most misunderstood. At R3ntal Central, there are two: a £100 booking deposit and a damage deposit, which we also call the security deposit. Here's what each one is for, how much it is, and when your money comes back.
The short version
- Booking deposit: £100, paid when you book, taken off your hire price.
- Damage deposit: £500 or £1,000 depending on your age and the car, paid when you book, returned after the hire.
The £100 booking deposit
The booking deposit secures your car for your dates while we check your licence. It isn't an extra charge. It comes off your hire price, so the balance you pay later is £100 less.
If you cancel:
- 48 hours or more before your hire starts: the booking deposit is refunded.
- Within 48 hours of your hire starting: it isn't refunded.
The damage deposit
The damage deposit is held while you have the car and returned once the hire is complete.
| Driver and car | Damage deposit |
|---|---|
| Drivers aged 23 and over | £500 |
| Drivers under 23 | £1,000 |
| Performance and luxury cars, any age | £1,000 |
Some cars can be hired by drivers under 25, depending on the vehicle. Call us to discuss before you book.
When your damage deposit comes back
- You return the car, and it's inspected with you and photographed.
- After a clean check-in, half of your damage deposit is returned.
- 14 days later, the rest is returned.
If there's damage, it's recorded with photo evidence and the cost is taken from the deposit. Outstanding charges from the hire are also taken from the deposit balance.
Why half is held for 14 days
Holding part of the deposit for 14 days means anything outstanding from the hire can be settled before the deposit is fully returned. Returning the first half straight after a clean check-in means most of your money comes back quickly.
Deposits and insurance
Insurance is included in the hire for drivers over 25. Insurance and the damage deposit do different jobs: insurance covers the car under the terms of your hire agreement, and the deposit is held against damage and anything outstanding while you have the car. Your hire agreement sets out the cover and any excess that applies, and you can read it in full before you sign. See insurance.
An example
You're 30 and you book a saloon for a weekend.
- When you book: you pay the £100 booking deposit and a £500 damage deposit.
- Before you drive away: you pay the balance, which is your hire price minus the £100 already paid.
- After a clean return: half of the damage deposit comes back, and the rest 14 days later.
The exact hire price for your dates is shown before you book.
How inspections protect your deposit
At collection, the car is inspected with you and photographed, so anything already on it is on record. At return, it's inspected again. A hire can't be closed without both inspections, so your deposit is judged on evidence, not memory.
Read more
Ready to book? Choose your dates on our cars page.