Three amounts, three different roles

The rental price pays for the service. The deposit is an amount blocked or charged, depending on the supplier’s terms, to secure certain obligations. The excess is the part of a damage claim you may have to pay in situations defined by the agreement. These amounts are not three purchases to add together, and the deposit is not necessarily a liability limit. Coverage exclusions can change your actual exposure.

An example, not an offer

Fictional example: a rental costs €180, with a €600 deposit and €1,000 excess. Compare the €180 plus fees and extras actually due. The €600 is a payment-capacity requirement, not an announced final cost. Any amount retained or claimed would depend on events and the agreement. This is not a DiscoverCars quote.

Check the main driver’s card

Check accepted card types, the required name, currency and available amount. A card that works online for the booking may not be suitable for the deposit at collection. A Visa or Mastercard logo alone does not distinguish debit from credit. Ask your bank how it classifies the card and read the actual offer’s terms. Do not assume a companion can use their card instead of yours.

After returning the car

Ask for a return record and keep evidence. Releasing an authorisation and refunding a charge are different processes. Timing depends on the supplier, bank and circumstances; CARQIVO does not guarantee a number of days. If an amount is unclear, compare the agreement, inspection record and bank statement before contacting the party shown on your booking.

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Sources & checks

Sources support collection locations and general information. Supplier terms, prices and opening hours must be confirmed for your booking.

DiscoverCars: help centre and offer terms

Editorial guide • September 2026 · 2026-09-13