Security deposits demystified: why $2,500 to $10,000 and how it's released

The security deposit scares many first-time supercar renters. 'Are you going to charge $10,000 on my card? Will I ever see it again?' Here's the truth, no jargon.

What it actually is

A security deposit is a pre-authorization, not a charge. Your bank holds the amount against your available credit limit, but the money doesn't leave your account. No interest accrues, no fees apply as long as there's no claim.

Typical amounts

Sport sedan (Audi S5): $2,500. Sport coupe (BMW M4, via Turo): $4,000. V10 supercar (Audi R8): $5,000. Lamborghini Huracán: $7,500. Pre-authorization in person on pickup day, released within 5 business days.

Why these amounts

A Huracán bumper costs $4,500 to replace, a forged wheel $2,200. The deposit covers minor incidents that don't rise to an insurance claim (small impacts, scuffs, flat tire without rim damage). Beyond that, insurance takes over.

Release timing

After return without damage, we request release with the payment processor the same day or next business day. The delay for the limit to restore on your card then depends entirely on your bank: 1 to 5 business days on average, sometimes up to 10 for certain foreign banks.

What can delay or partially hold

A missing fuel top-up (billed at premium fuel rate plus service fee), significant mileage overage, or visible damage found on return can trigger a partial hold. Any hold is documented with photos and notified by email with a detailed invoice. The unused balance is released immediately.

How not to worry

Two simple rules: keep the card used for the deposit available during the entire rental (don't close it, don't change banks), and return the vehicle full and undamaged. In 99% of cases, the deposit is fully released within the week following return.