Security Bond

What is a security bond?

A security bond is a deposit or pre-authorisation hold that the rental company places on your card when you collect the car. It is security for extra charges that can arise during the hire, such as:

• damage to the car
• late return fees
• traffic fines or toll charges
• fuel charges if you don't return the car with the required fuel level

How much is it?

The amount varies between rental companies, locations and the type of car. Check the bond in the Important information on your quote before you book, and make sure you have enough available credit on your card to cover it. Some rental companies offer cover that reduces the bond or removes the need for one. Our insurance and excess reduction guide explains where to find these amounts.

At the counter

When you collect the car, the counter staff will go through the liability options and the security bond with you. The bond is usually held on your card, and released to the same card when you return the car without damage and in line with the rental terms.

When is the bond released?

The branch releases or refunds the bond after it has inspected the car, if the car comes back without damage and in line with the rental terms. It can take a few days or weeks for the money to reach your account, depending on the rental company and your bank.

• If the bond was a hold: no money left your account. The hold drops off your statement once it is released, and no refund is needed.
• If the bond was charged: the rental company refunds it to your card.

If you are still waiting for a bond to be released, contact your bank and let them know. If the rental company has kept some or all of the bond, see unexpected additional charges for what to do.

Always check your rental agreement for the exact bond terms.

Next steps

• Charges at pick-up: what else you pay at the counter
• Vehicle inspection: record existing damage so it isn't charged to you

Part of Picking Up Your Car in the Car Hire Handbook.