Deposit Rules: Clear Limits, Fast Refunds, Zero Hidden Fees

The security deposit is often the most stressful part of renting a car. Travelers worry about blocked credit cards, unfair charges for pre-existing scratches, and refunds that take weeks to process. At Bent, we do not play games with your money. Our deposit rules are straightforward, transparent, and designed to get you on the road with peace of mind.

Why Do We Take a Deposit?

A security deposit is standard practice in premium car rentals worldwide. It acts as a temporary hold to cover potential non-insured costs during your trip. These include traffic fines, missing fuel, lost keys, or minor interior damage that standard insurance policies do not cover.

We do not use deposits as a hidden revenue stream. The hold is strictly a safeguard, and our goal is to release it back to you as quickly as possible once the car is returned safely.

"We document every inch of the car before handoff. You are never held responsible for a scratch that was already there. Total transparency."

How the Hold Works (and How Much It Is)

The deposit amount depends entirely on the vehicle class you choose. A practical city sedan requires a smaller hold than a premium SUV built for mountain expeditions. The exact amount is clearly displayed on the checkout page before you confirm your booking. No surprises at the airport.

When you receive the car, we place an authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge. The funds remain in your account but are temporarily frozen by your bank. We accept all major credit cards. Debit cards and cash deposits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the vehicle class and insurance package selected.

The Handoff: Documenting the Car

The biggest fear renters have is being blamed for old damage. We eliminate this stress completely through our digital handoff process.

When we deliver your car at Tbilisi Airport, your hotel, or any city location, our agent conducts a thorough walk-around with you. We take high-resolution photos and log every existing mark, scratch, or dent into our system. You receive a digital copy of this report instantly. If you see something we missed, we add it. You are protected from minute one.

Fines, Fuel, and Tolls in Georgia

Georgia has an extensive network of speed cameras, especially on the highways connecting Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Parking in central Tbilisi also requires attention, as enforcement is strict.

If you receive a traffic or parking fine during your rental, the local authorities send the ticket directly to us. We deduct the exact amount of the fine from your deposit, provide you with the official receipt, and release the rest. The same rule applies to fuel: return the car with the agreed fuel level, and there are no extra refueling charges.

"We do not add "administrative markups" to your traffic tickets. If the fine is 50 GEL, we deduct exactly 50 GEL. It is your money, we respect it."

When Do You Get Your Money Back?

Speed matters. Once you return the vehicle and our agent completes the final digital inspection, we release the hold on our end immediately.

However, the time it takes for the funds to become available again depends entirely on your bank. Most European and US banks process the release within 3 to 5 business days. Some local banks may take up to 14 days. If your bank is holding the funds longer than expected, we provide the official release authorization code so you can speed up the process with your bank's support team.

Full Coverage: The Zero Deposit Option

If you want complete peace of mind and do not want funds blocked on your card, look for our "No Deposit" or "Full Coverage" options during checkout. By upgrading your insurance package, you can reduce the security deposit to zero for most vehicle classes. You drop the keys off and fly home without thinking about holds or bank processing times.

Rent with Confidence

Clear terms, honest inspections, and fast releases. Book your car with Bent today and enjoy Georgia without worrying about the fine print.