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Auto Europe

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Additional fees may apply for drivers under 26 or over 69 at the time of rental. Please see the Terms and Conditions for further details.

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FAQ for Credit Cards and Car Rental Deposits

Q: Do I need to leave a Security Deposit even if I opt for the Auto Europe Full Damage Protection?

p>Yes – the security deposit is paid directly to the car rental supplier. If you opt for the Auto Europe Full Damage Protection , this does not mean that the supplier won’t request the security deposit. The Full Damage Protection is for any damage caused to the vehicle during your rental. In this case you would still have to pay the supplier the excess amount , and Auto Europe would then refund this once all the refund rules are adhered to. Please contact us for more details.

Q: Where can I get more information?

p>For transparency we provide all relevant information in relation to your car rental booking via the online booking process. Either by clicking the blue info icon or on the right column under your booking. You can also check our FAQs , or our General Business Terms section. The same information is also contained in your voucher’s terms and conditions. You will receive this once you have made your reservation. We understand that it is often a lot of information but do highly recommend you taking the time to read and understand it fully. If you have any questions, please contact our team.

It is important to note that when collecting your vehicle from the car rental supplier via Auto Europe, you will have to leave a security deposit via a valid credit card. You must be able to provide a physical version of your credit card. This is an industry requirement which cannot be avoided. Failure to do so, will mean that the vehicle will not be released and you may lose your booking. When leaving a security deposit, there are a few general rules that must be met. These are discussed in this guide. Pre-pay credit cards and debit cards are not accepted by the vast majority of suppliers, and those that do, charge an over inflated security deposit.

Paying your security deposit

We strongly advise reading within the terms and conditions of the relevant section on security deposits, payment types accepted and deposit restrictions. This will keep you fully informed of the requirements with your personal booking. This information can be found by clicking the blue info icon located by each supplier’s rental offer. It can also be found at ‘Book your car rental’ under the heading ‘Important information’. Once you have placed your booking, the details will also be contained in the terms and conditions of your voucher.

Not all credit card types are accepted as forms of deposit. Please consult your voucher’s terms and conditions to see what your supplier accepts, and for information on how much the security deposit is. In general, all car rental suppliers will accept Mastercard and Visa. Although no Pre-pay credit cards are acceptable. It is also important to make sure that you have your PIN activated, that the credit card has a chip and that it is under your name. The names must match between your credit card and the car rental contract. This card does not have to be the same credit card initially used for the booking.

Debit cards are not accepted by the vast majority of suppliers. To check if your card is a credit or debit card, consult the card itself. The majority have the card type written on the surface. If in doubt, please contact your bank to confirm your card type.

Where to find out if you card is a credit or debit card

Please Note: If you fail to provide a valid credit card for the security deposit, some suppliers will not release the vehicle booked and you may lose your rental. A minority of suppliers may instead ask for an additional insurance to be purchased which will greatly reduce or eliminate the security deposit altogether.

Credit Cards and Security Deposits Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Credit Card Required?

All car rental suppliers request a credit card for security deposit purposes. Depending on the car category and your age, some suppliers may even request more than one credit card. All major credit cards are accepted, however consult your voucher for specifics. No prepaid credit cards are accepted. Credit cards presented must be under the same name as the main driver. Please also make sure you have enough funds for a security deposit to be held. You must be able to provide a physical version of your credit card. Debit cards are seldom accepted. Read your voucher’s terms and conditions to find out more.

Why do I need to leave a Security Deposit?

A security deposit is requested by a car rental supplier to cover the full tank of fuel and the Collision Damage Waiver. If the vehicle is stolen or damaged the amount to rectify the situation is taken from the deposit. To find the exact amount, please consult the right-hand side of the payment screen. This is also noted on your voucher’s terms and conditions. You must read and accept the terms and conditions, including the deposit amount before placing your reservation.

Do I need to leave a Security Deposit even if I opt for the Auto Europe Full Damage Protection?

Yes – the security deposit is paid directly to the car rental supplier. If you opt for the Auto Europe Full Damage Protection, this does not mean that the supplier won’t request the security deposit. The Full Damage Protection is for any damage caused to the vehicle during your rental. In this case you would still have to pay the supplier the excess amount, and Auto Europe would then refund this once all the refund rules are adhered to. Please contact us for more details.

When is the Security Deposit returned?

Once the rental vehicle has been returned and it is confirmed to be in the same condition as when it left the premises by a member of the car rental supplier team, then your security deposit will be released back onto the same credit card. This process is done immediately, however, please allow up to 14 working days for this to show on your credit card statement.

Where can I get more information?

For transparency we provide all relevant information in relation to your car rental booking via the online booking process. Either by clicking the blue info icon or on the right column under your booking. You can also check our FAQs, or our General Business Terms section. The same information is also contained in your voucher’s terms and conditions. You will receive this once you have made your reservation. We understand that it is often a lot of information but do highly recommend you taking the time to read and understand it fully. If you have any questions, please contact our team.

It is important to us that you have the very best experience during your car rental through us. Not only with the type of vehicle you chose, but also with the rental rate, the offerings and the process. It is therefore important that you make yourself fully aware of your commitments and obligations. Fully understanding pick-up times, processes and fees. Those of which are requested by the individual suppliers and specific to your booking.