Two different deposits
People mix these up, so it's worth being clear:
- The reservation deposit holds your dates. A 30% deposit reserves your dates and the balance is due at delivery. Cancel 72+ hours ahead for a full refund; inside 72 hours the reservation deposit is forfeited.
- The security deposit is refundable and covers the car while you have it. That's what this post is about.
How much is it?
$1,000 to $2,000, set by car. Every car's page lists its own deposit next to the daily rate. For example, the BMW M3 Competition is $1,500, the Lamborghini Urus in gloss black is $1,500, and the McLaren 720S is $2,000.
It's paid by Zelle or cash at or before delivery.
What can come out of it
Only costs from your rental:
- Tolls. Orange County has toll roads (the 73, 133, 241 and 261). If you use them, the tolls are charged to the car and come out of the deposit.
- Tickets. Parking and camera tickets that arrive for your rental dates.
- Fuel. Return the car at the level you received it, or the difference is deducted.
- Cleaning. Beyond normal use: sand, smoke, pet hair, spills.
- Extra miles. Every day includes 100 miles; after that it's $3 to $7 per extra mile, depending on the car.
- Damage. Anything found at the joint return inspection.
How to get all of it back
- Do the walkaround properly at the handoff and point out anything you see. We note it together.
- Keep the car clean and the fuel where it started.
- Stay off the toll roads unless you're happy to pay them, and watch the mileage on a long trip.
- Do the return inspection with us.
The deposit, less anything above, is released 24 to 48 hours after the car is returned and inspected.
