A car rental deposit is a necessary step before you can actually rent a car. When picking up your booked vehicle, the car hire company usually requires a security deposit as a guarantee, which can be paid by credit card or, in some cases, in cash.

The car rental deposit is a sum of money requested from the customer who wishes to rent a vehicle. For the company, it acts as a form of protection in case of damage to the vehicle, fines, or other additional costs not covered by the insurance or excess waiver. The amount held as a deposit remains frozen for the entire rental period and is released once the vehicle has been safely returned.

In this article, we’ll explain how the car rental deposit works, answering the most common questions and doubts raised by our customers over the years.

Car rental with cash deposit: is it possible?

Most car rental companies require a credit card to hold the deposit, as it is considered a safer payment method than prepaid cards or cash.

Ellepi, however, strives to meet every customer’s needs and offers the option to leave a cash deposit, as well as the possibility to rent a car without a credit card. This flexibility makes car hire in Sardinia easier and more accessible to everyone.

How much is the car rental deposit?

The amount of the deposit depends on the company’s policies and internal rules. Generally, the deposit can range from €300–€500 for economy models to higher figures for larger or premium vehicles. The exact sum varies based on factors such as car model, country of rental, and insurance coverage.

Ellepi clearly specifies the car rental deposit amount in the booking form. The cost may vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and any additional cover options selected during the booking process.

Refund and release of the car rental deposit

As mentioned earlier, the rental company temporarily blocks the deposit amount. When using a credit card, the money isn’t charged but simply held as a pre-authorisation, making it unavailable until it is released.

The company requests this pre-authorisation from the card issuer, and once the deposit is released, the funds become available again according to the bank’s policies. The credit card pre-authorisation for car rental is therefore a temporary hold, not a charge, applied to the customer’s card.

Difference between car rental deposit and excess

The terms deposit and excess are often confused because their amounts can sometimes coincide, but they represent different concepts.

The deposit is the money held as a guarantee by the rental company against potential damages not covered by insurance. The excess (also known as deductible) is the actual amount the customer must pay in case of damage or accident.

Both deposit and excess depend on the vehicle category, pickup location, and rental duration. Most car hire companies offer several insurance and coverage options, and some allow you to choose a zero-excess car rental to avoid any financial responsibility in case of damage.

For any further questions about car rental deposits, insurance coverage, or booking procedures, feel free to contact us.
Ellepi Rental – your trusted car hire at Olbia Airport – is always happy to help you plan a smooth and worry-free trip across Sardinia!