The deposit when renting a sports car: amount, refund, alternatives

The deposit is part of every vehicle rental and protects the company against possible damage. Especially anyone who wants to rent a sports car should understand how the deposit works: how high it is, when it comes back and what alternatives exist. This guide answers the most common questions about the rental deposit.

How high is the deposit?

The deposit amount depends on the vehicle and its value – with powerful sports cars it's naturally higher than with a small car. With us, the deposit is shown transparently for each vehicle, so before booking you know exactly what to expect. There are no hidden amounts.

When do I get the deposit back?

The deposit is fully refundable provided the vehicle is returned undamaged, fully refuelled and as agreed. After the documented return – with photo record and checklist – the deposit is released or refunded. The exact timing depends on the payment method.

2026Sport

Audi RS 3 Sedan

• 400 PS
• Automatic
• 3.8 s
• 250 km/h

from €230 / day

View details

2025Luxury

Audi A8 L 50 TDI quattro

• 286 PS
• Automatic
• 6.1 s
• 250 km/h

from €300 / day

View details

Deposit without a credit card

Unlike many providers, no credit card is needed with us: the deposit is placed securely online via our payment provider. How exactly that works and why it's a real advantage, you can read in the guide on renting a sports car without a credit card.

Your own car as security

As a flexible alternative we accept your own car as security on request. That's especially practical if you don't want to tie up the deposit. Just get in touch – we'll clarify the terms individually and without fuss.

What happens in the event of damage?

Should damage occur during the rental, the comprehensive insurance applies; you're only liable up to the agreed excess. The deposit then serves as security from which any own contribution can be retained. If the car stays undamaged, the deposit is of course refunded in full. This clear arrangement protects both sides and ensures transparency from the start.

How to get the full deposit back

So the deposit comes back without deductions, you should observe a few simple points: return the car fully refuelled and clean, keep to the agreed return time and openly mention any new wear. At the documented return we compare the condition with the handover record. If everything is in order, nothing stands in the way of a full refund – fair and traceable.

Don't confuse deposit and rental price

Many lump the deposit and the rental price together – yet they are two completely different items. The rental price is the fee for using the car and stays with you as a cost. The deposit, by contrast, is only a temporary security that you get back in full after a damage-free return. Keeping that in mind lets you judge offers more realistically: a low daily rate with a high, opaque deposit is often less attractive in the end than a clearly calculated overall package with a fair, stated security.

The deposit in your overall budget

Important to know: the deposit is not part of the rental cost but a refundable security – so it should be considered separately from the actual rental price. How the rental price is made up, you can read in the guide on what renting a sports car costs.