How much is the deposit amount?
When you collect your vehicle, a security deposit is held (pre-authorised, not debited) on your payment card to cover potential additional charges such as missing fuel, extra days, tolls, or damage.
- Standard Rentals (Basic Cover Included):
The standard deposit matches your vehicle’s damage excess, typically between €1,800 and €3,500 depending on the vehicle category, plus any estimated optional extras. - Reduce Your Deposit with Protection Packages:
Purchasing excess reduction at booking or at the counter significantly lowers your required deposit: - Medium Protection: Reduces the deposit/excess to €300.
- Premium Protection (Zero Excess): Reduces the excess to €0 and a reduced fuel deposit may be taken on arrival.
- Third-Party / Credit Card CDW Waiver:
If you choose to waive Europcar’s CDW to use personal/credit card insurance, a pre-authorisation deposit of €5,000 is required on an eligible credit card.
- Prepaid Bookings: Only the deposit amount (plus any additional on-site extras) is held on your card.
- Pay on Arrival: Your card will be charged for the Rental Price and pre-authorised for the Security Deposit.
Once the vehicle is returned with no outstanding charges, Europcar releases the pre-authorisation within 4 working days. Depending on your bank or card issuer, the hold usually clears within 3 to 10 business days.
Renting outside Ireland
Deposit rules and amounts differ by country and vehicle category. Please consult the Specific Terms & Conditions for your destination or check your booking confirmation for exact local amounts.