Legal

Security Deposit Policy

Last Updated: June 2025 | Effective: June 2025

Security Deposit Structure

Security deposits on Drive Connect are a direct transaction between the Renter and the Operator. Drive Connect does not hold, administer, or control security deposit funds. Deposits are authorized at vehicle pickup and released by the Operator upon successful return.

1. Security Deposit Overview

Operators may require a security deposit as a condition of rental. Security deposits protect Operators against damage, excessive mileage, late returns, and other costs that may arise during the rental period.

Security deposits are disclosed in the vehicle listing before booking. Renters who do not agree to the security deposit terms should not book the vehicle.

Drive Connect does not administer security deposits. The security deposit is a direct financial arrangement between the Renter and the Operator.

2. Deposit Amounts

Security deposit amounts are set by Operators and vary by vehicle category and value:

STANDARD VEHICLES: Deposits typically range from $200 to $500 PREMIUM VEHICLES: Deposits typically range from $500 to $1,500 LUXURY VEHICLES: Deposits typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 SPECIALTY/EXOTIC VEHICLES: Deposits may exceed $5,000

The specific deposit amount for each vehicle is disclosed in the listing. Operators may require higher deposits for renters with limited rental history on the platform.

3. Deposit Authorization Process

Security deposits are processed as authorization holds — not charges — on the Renter's payment method at vehicle pickup. An authorization hold reserves the deposit amount but does not transfer funds.

The authorization hold is placed by the Operator at vehicle pickup. Renters must have sufficient available credit or funds to support the authorization hold.

Authorization holds typically expire after 7 days if not captured. Operators must capture the deposit within the authorization window if damage has occurred.

4. Deposit Release

The security deposit authorization is released by the Operator upon:

- Successful vehicle return in acceptable condition - Completion of post-rental inspection - Confirmation that no damage, excessive mileage, or other charges apply

Release typically occurs within 24-48 hours of vehicle return. The time for the authorization hold to clear from the Renter's account depends on the Renter's bank or card issuer — typically 3-7 business days.

Operators who fail to release deposits within 72 hours of a clean return may be subject to platform action.

5. Deposit Claims

If the Operator identifies damage or other chargeable conditions at vehicle return, the Operator may capture all or part of the security deposit. The Operator must:

- Document the damage with post-rental photos - Provide the Renter with written notice of the deposit claim - File a damage claim through the Drive Connect platform within 48 hours - Provide repair estimates from licensed repair facilities

The Renter has the right to dispute deposit claims through Drive Connect's dispute resolution process.

6. Deposit Disputes

If a Renter disputes a security deposit claim, the dispute is handled through Drive Connect's dispute resolution process:

STEP 1 — INTERNAL REVIEW: Drive Connect reviews the pre-rental and post-rental documentation and facilitates resolution between the Renter and Operator within 5 business days.

STEP 2 — FORMAL MEDIATION: If internal review does not resolve the dispute, a neutral mediator is appointed.

STEP 3 — BINDING ARBITRATION: If mediation fails, the dispute proceeds to binding arbitration under the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules.

Drive Connect's role in deposit disputes is documentation review and mediation support. Drive Connect does not hold or control deposit funds and cannot force deposit release or capture.

7. Renter Rights

Renters have the following rights with respect to security deposits:

- The right to review deposit terms before booking - The right to complete pre-rental documentation to protect against false damage claims - The right to dispute deposit claims through Drive Connect's dispute resolution process - The right to receive written notice of any deposit claim - The right to review the documentation supporting any deposit claim

Renters who believe a deposit has been improperly withheld should contact Drive Connect immediately to initiate the dispute resolution process.