The deposit is the part of car rental everyone dreads, usually because it is explained badly or not at all. Ours is deliberately simple: a refundable security deposit that matches the insurance excess, taken at handover and returned after the car comes back. Here is exactly how it works, what it covers, and what happens at each stage, so there are no surprises on the day.

How the refundable deposit works

The deposit is a security amount held for the duration of the rental and returned to you afterwards. It is not a fee and it is not part of the rental price. Depending on the vehicle it is 300, 600 or 1000 euros, and the figure for any particular car is shown on that car’s page, so you know it before you book rather than at the counter.

The amount is not arbitrary. It equals the insurance excess, which is the maximum you would be liable for in the event of damage. Setting the deposit at the same level means the two figures always match, and you are never exposed to more than the number you were told at the start.

You can leave it by card pre-authorisation, in cash, or by transfer. A pre-authorisation places a hold on your card rather than taking the money, so the funds are reserved but not charged. After the car is returned and inspected, the deposit is released within three to ten days. That window depends on banking processes rather than on us, which is why we quote a range rather than a single day.

What is and isn’t covered

In the ordinary case, nothing is deducted. You take the car, you drive it, you bring it back in the same condition, and the full deposit is released. That is what happens on the overwhelming majority of rentals, and everything below is the exception rather than the expectation.

The deposit may be partially or fully retained in a defined set of circumstances: new damage to the vehicle, breach of the rental terms, traffic fines and penalties incurred during your rental, smoking in the car, and breaches of the fuel policy. Each of these is specific and documented rather than open to interpretation, which is the point of listing them.

Two details save most disputes. The fuel policy is full-to-full: you receive the car full and return it full, and if fuel is missing, refuelling plus a service fee is charged. And the car should come back in reasonable condition; an excessively dirty vehicle can attract a cleaning fee. Neither is unusual in the industry, but both are worth knowing on day one rather than on the last morning.

The handover, step by step

There is no rental desk and no queue, because we do not operate a permanent office. We bring the car to you, at an address you choose, at a time you choose. Delivery within the south of Tenerife is free; more remote locations may carry an additional charge, which is agreed in advance rather than added afterwards.

Bring two things: a valid driving licence and your passport. You need to be present in person, since the person named on the agreement is the person who takes the car. Drivers must be at least 26 with a minimum of three years of driving experience, and national licences are accepted where they meet international requirements. You do not need to be a Spanish resident, and you do not need a credit card, since cash is accepted.

The handover itself is unhurried. We walk around the car together and record its condition, go through the controls, including how the roof operates, confirm the fuel level, complete the agreement and settle the deposit. The full rental amount is paid at this point. Then you drive away, and if anything comes up during the trip there is a real person to contact rather than a call centre.

Your questions, answered

How do I confirm a booking? A booking is confirmed once documents are verified and a prepayment of 100 euros is received. That prepayment secures a specific car for specific dates, and it is separate from the deposit. It is non-refundable and counts towards the rental price: the balance is settled at handover.

Can I pay in instalments? No. The full rental amount is due at handover, by bank transfer, cash, card terminal or another method agreed in advance. A receipt or invoice is issued on payment, and prices include IGIC where applicable.

What if my flight is delayed, or my plans change? Tell us as early as you can and we will work around it; that is far easier when we know in advance. A change of dates is treated as a new booking and needs a new prepayment, and a no-show means the prepayment is not returned. Returning the car early does not generate a refund, and extensions are possible if the car is available. If you would rather ask before you book, message us and we will answer plainly.