What the deposit is for
A deposit protects you against damage, unpaid fines, fuel shortfalls and other charges. It is returned at the end of the rental if nothing is owed.
Setting the amount
Many companies set deposits by vehicle group, so a premium car carries a higher deposit than an economy car. Keep the amount consistent and written in the agreement.
Holding and releasing
Decide whether you take cash, a card hold or another method, and state when the deposit is released after return. Fines can arrive weeks later, so say how late charges are handled.
Document every deduction
Use the check-in and check-out inspections as evidence, and itemise any deduction for the customer.
Frequently asked questions
Can a deposit cover traffic fines?
Only if your agreement says so and local rules allow it. Fines often arrive after the deposit is released, so a separate process is safer. See billing traffic fines.
Where is the deposit set in FleetSense?
The deposit comes from the rental plan for each vehicle group and appears on the contract.