Security deposit

1. Standard Security Deposit

A refundable $200 security deposit applies to the majority of standard vehicles in our fleet.

If a vehicle requires a higher deposit, the exact amount will be clearly displayed on the vehicle’s reservation page before you confirm your booking - no surprises.

ABC AUTOCARS also reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to require a higher deposit of up to US $3,000 in special high-risk cases, such as suspected fraud, incomplete or unverifiable driver information, or a history of rental violations.

Any requirement for a higher deposit will be communicated before the start of the reservation and must be approved by the renter prior to pickup.

If such a request is issued after the Free Cancellation Period and the renter does not accept the updated deposit amount, the renter may cancel the reservation without penalty, and the reservation will be treated as a free cancellation with a full refund of any payments made.

2. When the Deposit Is Charged

The deposit is fully charged as a separate transaction to your payment method shortly before your scheduled pickup.

This is not a temporary hold - the funds are actually withdrawn from your account.

3. Refund Eligibility

Important:

The deposit remains securely held by ABC AUTOCARS until your rental is completed and final verification is finished.

⚠️ Please note that there is no immediate refund at the time of vehicle return.
The deposit is released only after final inspection and verification are completed

Your security deposit - which is fully charged to your payment method before pickup - will be refunded within 3 - 4 business days after your rental ends, provided that:

• ABC AUTOCARS has not identified any vehicle damage, misuse, or violation of the rental agreement
• There are no unpaid balances, tolls, traffic citations, cleaning fees, fuel charges, or other reimbursement charges pending

4. Important - Deposit May Be Fully Withheld

If any vehicle damage or rental agreement violation is detected, your security deposit will not be refunded.

In such cases, the full deposit may be withheld to cover repair, loss, or liability costs. Additional charges may apply if the confirmed damage exceeds the deposit amount.

Selecting Maximum Protection or any optional coverage does not guarantee deposit refund - renters remain fully responsible for any damage, misuse, or rule violations during the rental period.

5. Bank Processing Time

ABC AUTOCARS initiates the deposit refund within 3 - 4 business days after taking possession of the vehicle, regardless of whether the return occurs earlier or later than the scheduled time.

If the vehicle is left in a different state, distant city, or any location beyond the nearest ABC AUTOCARS office, and the company decides to use a towing or recovery service, possession is considered taken only after the vehicle has been physically delivered to ABC AUTOCARS and a complete inspection (including possible mechanical assessment) has been performed.

Once ABC AUTOCARS releases the deposit, your bank or credit card provider may take additional time to complete the refund.
Processing time varies by bank and country, and is not controlled by ABC AUTOCARS.

6. Refund Method & Vehicle Return Condition

All refundable deposits are returned only to the same payment method originally used at the time of booking or payment.
For security and compliance reasons, cash refunds are not permitted under any circumstances.

The deposit refund process begins only after the vehicle has been returned properly - directly to an authorized ABC AUTOCARS representative or at a pre-approved location.

If the renter leaves the vehicle without an ABC AUTOCARS representative present, the renter must:

• Immediately notify ABC AUTOCARS by call, text, or WhatsApp;
• Provide comprehensive photo and video documentation clearly showing the vehicle’s exterior and interior condition (including any existing damage, if applicable) and its exact parking location, with surrounding area, parking signs, or valet stand visible;
• Provide the exact location address and a brief description of where the vehicle is parked;
• Indicate where the keys were left (e.g., with a valet attendant, receptionist, or inside the vehicle).

⚠️ If a vehicle is left unattended, parked at an unauthorized location, left at any valet service, paid parking facility, or returned without prior notice, ABC AUTOCARS reserves the right to forfeit the security deposit and apply additional administrative, recovery, towing, or parking fees as necessary.

⏱ The 3 - 4 business-day refund period begins only after ABC AUTOCARS has taken possession of the vehicle and completed initial verification. The return date itself is not counted as part of the refund period.

Renters may be responsible for any recovery, towing, parking, or administrative costs incurred as a result of improper return or lack of communication.

ABC AUTOCARS is not responsible for any damage, loss, or liability that occurs after the renter leaves the vehicle without proper handover or required notification.

7. Conduct & Compliance Notice

ABC AUTOCARS is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional environment for both customers and staff - during all interactions, whether in person, by phone, through text, email, or any other form of communication.

Any form of aggressive, threatening, or abusive behavior toward employees, representatives, or other customers is strictly prohibited.

In cases of misconduct, intimidation, or harassment:

• The rental agreement may be immediately terminated without refund;
• The security deposit may be withheld or forfeited until all related matters (vehicle recovery, damages, or claims) are fully resolved;
• ABC AUTOCARS reserves the right to contact law enforcement and pursue legal action if necessary.

8. Reservation Cancellation and Deposit Refund Conditions

If a reservation is cancelled by the renter, the following rules apply regarding the security deposit:

• If the cancellation occurs before the deposit is charged (prior to verification or payment processing), no deposit will be collected or due.
• If the deposit has already been charged and the reservation is cancelled within the Free Cancellation Period (as defined in the ABC AUTOCARS Cancellation Policy), the deposit will be fully refunded to the same payment method.
• If the cancellation occurs after the Free Cancellation Period, or the renter fails to appear for the scheduled pickup (“No Show”), the deposit may be partially or fully withheld to cover administrative and holding costs.
• If a reservation is cancelled by ABC AUTOCARS (for example, due to verification failure or operational reasons), the full deposit amount will be refunded to the same payment method used at the time of booking.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about the deposit process or your eligibility for refund, our team is here to help - simply contact us at any time.