Putting down a deposit on a rental car can quickly add hundreds of dollars in upfront costs to your road trip or vacation budget. While deposits give rental companies additional assurance, they can seriously limit travelers who want to stick to a budget.
The good news is there are many ways to avoid paying a deposit on a rental car if you know where to look and come prepared.
In this guide, we’ll break down rental car deposits, waiver eligibility requirements, how to use credit cards and loyalty programs to your advantage, tips on negotiating with rental companies, alternative rental options, your legal rights, and key things to remember when booking a car.
How to Skip Deposit on a Rental Car?
Rental car deposits, sometimes called a “security deposit”, refer to an upfront charge drivers pay that is in addition to the actual car rental costs. Often ranging from $100 to $500, it serves as the rental company’s insurance should the car be damaged or stolen. But, how to avoid a deposit on a rental car?
Deposits are common because rental cars suffer over $4 billion in losses annually in the United States alone, frequently due to crashes, weather events, vandalism, or theft.
These losses leave rental companies footing the bill for repairs, lost revenue, or replacement inventory.
Requiring deposits shifts some of the potential financial risk back to the renter.
What will happen If I give a deposit to a rental car company?
If you can’t avoid a deposit on a car rental, probably you will be charged a partial or full amount at the end of the rental period. You must be surprised. You returned the car in the same condition. Why do they charge?
Deposits are simply additional or in some cases main revenue streams for some companies. They will charge little scratches on a car that you have not seen on a rental day.
Eligibility for Deposit Waivers
While anyone can be asked for a deposit, companies often waive them for drivers who meet certain criteria. This includes:
- Good credit score – 720 or higher
- Positive rental history – No past incidents with damages or legal issues
- Renting high-end/luxury vehicles – More risk for the company
- Young renters – Under 25 years old represent a greater risk
Enterprise, for example, doesn’t require a deposit for drivers at least 25 years old renting standard cars with a valid credit card. Hertz and Avis have similar waiver qualifications. Understanding eligibility standards can prepare you to qualify for a no-deposit rental.
Using Credit Cards to Your Advantage
The right credit card can be your deposit waiver, allowing you to skip an upfront payment. Cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and many premium travel rewards cards include primary rental car insurance when you use that card to pay for the rental.
This means any valid loss claim would be covered by your credit card company, not the rental agency or your car insurance. Just be sure to understand the full terms of the rental coverage your credit card company provides. Some may exclude certain types of vehicles or rental periods over 30 days.
Choosing the Right Rental Company
Shopping between rental car providers can reveal major differences in deposit policies. National Car Rental, Avis, Payless, and Sixt are a few companies with more generous no-deposit qualifications or lower deposit amounts averaging $200.
Read our:
- Avis Car Rental Review
- Why is Fox Rental Car So Cheap and Good?
- Avis vs National Car Rental: Which is the Better Choice for Your Next Trip?
- Hertz vs Avis: Which Car Rental Company is Better?
Local rental companies and car-sharing services like Turo and Getaround may also have more flexibility on security deposits but might have fewer physical locations or vehicle options. So there are pros and cons to avoiding rental car deposits.
Review deposit fine print across multiple companies until you find one that fits your situation.
Membership Programs and Loyalty Benefits
Free membership programs like Enterprise Plus, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Emerald Club offer expedited service, roomier rides, and crucially – the ability to avoid deposits.
After just a few qualifying rentals, National’s Emerald Club waives deposits on midsize cars and below. Hertz Gold members who’ve completed at least one rental enjoy deposit-free rentals across car classes. Leverage loyalty perks to keep more money in your wallet instead of paying upfront deposits.
Negotiating with Rental Companies
Even if you don’t initially qualify for a no-deposit waiver, simply asking if one can be provided can work wonders. Rental agents have the authority to make exceptions or lower deposit amounts on a case-by-case basis for savvy customers.
Come prepared to politely discuss your positive rental history, loyalty membership status, future rental plans, or anything else that shows you’re a reliable customer. The worst they can say is no, while negotiating could slash your upfront costs.
Alternative Rental Options
Skipping traditional airport rental counters opens money-saving possibilities like waived deposits that third-party brokers or local companies can provide.
Costco Travel’s rental car program leverages bulk discounts to pass along things like prepaid rentals with no deposit. Local rental companies like grocery store U-Haul locations or neighbourhood auto shops may publicise no-deposit policies to compete with big national brands.
Car sharing through Turo or ZIPCAR could also help avoid deposits, just be sure to verify protection options in case of accident or damage.
Legal Considerations and Rights
Deposits do afford agencies financial protection, but also grant renters certain legal rights that limit their maximum scope.
In California for example, rental car deposits are capped at $500 even for expensive luxury vehicles. New York caps deposits at $600 for rentals a week or shorter in duration. Understanding regional laws restricting extreme deposits prepares you to challenge unreasonable upfront fees.
If insurance does wind up covering an accident’s expenses instead of your deposit, the remaining deposit funds get returned to you per state laws once repairs or claims conclude.
Renters maintain the legal right to get unused deposits reimbursed rather than letting companies indefinitely hold onto funds after the rental period ends.
Preparing for Your Rental
Methodical preparation can set you up for deposit-free renting success. This includes:
- Confirming no-deposit status ahead of time in writing
- Having a deposit-waiving credit card ready as a payment method
- Bringing documentation like loyalty memberships and ID
- Review rental agreement terms before counter-signing
- Inspecting car thoroughly at pickup for any prior damage
- Considering supplemental insurance options in advance
Staying organized and on top of rental details makes it easier to capitalize on ways to rent sans deposit.
Final Thoughts On Avoiding Rental Car Deposits
Car rental deposits can take a big bite out of travel budgets, especially with additional fees and taxes tacked on. But coming prepared and leveraging all available options makes skipping deposits entirely doable.
Evaluating credit card coverage, rental company policies, loyalty program benefits, and negotiation strategies helps keep more money in your pocket instead of paying sizeable upfront deposits. Renting a car without a deposit just takes some savvy preparation.
By understanding industry standards, and legal protections, and conducting smart comparisons, your next rental car can be hassle-free and deposit-free. Now you can hit the open road or jet off to your destination without deposits draining your vacation fund.
FAQs: How to Avoid Deposit on a Rental Car?
What are typical car rental deposit amounts?
Typical deposit amounts range from $100 to $500 depending on the rental company, vehicle type, rental duration, and driver eligibility status. High-end luxury cars may require higher deposits.
Can I use a debit card to rent a car without a deposit?
Most rental companies require a credit card to qualify for deposit waivers. Debit cards typically don’t activate benefits like rental car insurance coverage used instead of deposits.
What if there’s damage during my rental period?
Even with waived deposits, you remain liable for all damage and loss-related costs per the rental agreement terms. Having rental car insurance through your credit card or other policy protects you in case repairs or replacements are needed after an incident with the vehicle.
Can I negotiate a lower deposit?
Yes, politely negotiating deposit terms, amounts, or waivers is often effective since agents can make case-by-case exceptions. Highlighting things like loyalty status, past rentals, or future rental plans can boost your chances of successful negotiation.
What if I return the car with damage?
The rental company can charge your credit card on file for repair costs once the vehicle is inspected. Any unused portion of an upfront deposit you paid would also be returned to you per state laws once damage claims conclude.