A security deposit is a standard part of car rentals that protects both you and the vehicle supplier. This guide explains how deposits work on Sicarro, what to expect, and how to ensure you get your full deposit back.
💡 Tip: The deposit is fully refundable when the car is returned in the same condition. Most renters receive their full deposit back within a few days.
What Is a Security Deposit?
A security deposit is a refundable amount held as a guarantee during your rental period. It protects the vehicle supplier against potential damages, missing fuel, late returns, or other issues that may arise during the rental.
Think of it as a safety net — if everything goes smoothly (and it usually does), you get the full amount back after returning the car.
How Deposit Amounts Are Determined
The security deposit amount is set by each individual supplier based on the vehicle's value and type. Here are typical ranges:
| Vehicle Category | Typical Deposit |
|---|---|
| Economy / Compact | $100 - $200 |
| Mid-size / Sedan | $200 - $300 |
| SUV / Pickup | $250 - $400 |
| Luxury / Premium | $300 - $500 |
The exact deposit amount is always displayed on the vehicle listing and in your booking summary before you confirm, so there are never any surprises.
When Is the Deposit Paid?
The security deposit is not charged online. You pay it in cash to the supplier when the vehicle is handed over, together with the delivery fee if you chose one.
- Cash at pickup: the full deposit, in US dollars
- Refund: the supplier returns it at the end of the rental if the vehicle comes back in the same condition
- Before you confirm: the exact amount is shown on the listing, in your booking summary, and in your confirmation
What the Deposit Covers
The security deposit may be used to cover:
- Vehicle damage: Any new damage discovered at return that wasn't documented at pickup
- Missing fuel: If the car is returned with less fuel than required by the fuel policy
- Late return fees: Charges for returning the vehicle past the agreed-upon time
- Traffic fines: Any traffic violations or parking tickets incurred during the rental period
- Excessive cleaning: If the car is returned in an unreasonably dirty condition
- Missing accessories: Lost keys, missing spare tire, or other equipment provided with the vehicle
Deposit Refund Process
After you return the vehicle, here's what happens with your deposit:
- Vehicle inspection: The supplier inspects the car at return (ideally with you present)
- Condition assessment: The supplier compares the return condition to the pickup documentation
- Refund initiated: If everything is in order, the supplier releases the deposit
- Funds returned: The refund is processed to your original payment method
Refund Timeline
- Credit/debit card: The hold is released within 3-7 business days. Some banks may take up to 10 days to reflect this on your statement
- Bitcoin Lightning: Refund is processed within 1-3 business days to your Lightning wallet
- Cash: Returned at the time of vehicle return, upon successful inspection
✅ Good news: The vast majority of Sicarro renters receive their full deposit back. Return the car in the same condition you received it, and you're all set.
When the Deposit May Be Partially or Fully Retained
In certain situations, the supplier may deduct from or retain the full deposit:
Partial Deduction
- Minor scratches or dents not documented at pickup
- Fuel tank not filled to the required level (difference charged at local fuel rates plus a service fee)
- Car returned excessively dirty requiring professional cleaning
- Late return of a few hours (charged at the supplier's hourly/daily rate)
Full Retention
- Significant damage to the vehicle (costs exceeding the deposit may result in additional charges)
- Traffic violations or fines discovered after return
- Failure to return the vehicle (treated as potential theft)
In all cases, the supplier must provide documentation and evidence (photos, receipts, police reports) to justify any deposit deductions.
Tips to Ensure a Full Deposit Refund
Follow these best practices to protect yourself:
At Pickup
- Do a thorough walk-around: Inspect the entire vehicle with the supplier before driving away
- Take photos of everything: Document all sides, interior, dashboard (including fuel gauge and mileage), trunk, and any existing damage
- Note existing damage: Make sure any scratches, dents, or issues are recorded in the rental agreement
- Photograph the fuel gauge: Take a clear photo showing the fuel level at pickup
During the Rental
- Drive carefully: Especially on unpaved roads common in rural El Salvador
- Park in safe areas: Avoid tight spots where door dings are likely
- Report any issues immediately: If any damage occurs, contact the supplier right away
Before Return
- Fill up the fuel tank: According to the fuel policy in your agreement
- Clean the car: Remove trash, wipe down surfaces, and give it a basic clean
- Check for personal belongings: Don't leave anything behind
- Return on time: Be at the return location at the agreed time or earlier
At Return
- Be present for inspection: Always return the car when the supplier can inspect it with you
- Take return photos: Document the car's condition at the time of return, including fuel level and mileage
- Get confirmation: Ask the supplier to confirm the car's condition is satisfactory
💡 Pro tip: Photos with timestamps are your best protection. If there's ever a dispute about damage, dated photos from pickup and return will resolve it quickly.
Disputes About Deposit Charges
If you believe a deposit deduction is unfair, here's what to do:
- Contact the supplier first: Discuss the charge directly — many issues can be resolved with a conversation
- Gather your evidence: Collect your pickup photos, return photos, and any communication with the supplier
- Contact Sicarro support: Email support@sicarro.com with your booking reference, evidence, and description of the dispute
- Resolution: Sicarro will review both parties' evidence and mediate a fair resolution
We take deposit disputes seriously and strive to resolve them within 5-7 business days.
