How the Security Deposit Works at Chill RV
At Chill RV, we want every guest to feel confident and informed before their trip begins. One of the most common questions we receive is about the security deposit: how it works, when it is collected, and when it is released.
Here is a simple breakdown of what guests can expect.
What Is the Security Deposit?
The security deposit is not an upfront charge. It is a temporary hold, also known as an authorization, placed on the card on file for the booking. This works very similarly to the “incidentals” hold that hotels place on a credit card at check-in. The funds are not withdrawn from your account, but your available balance may temporarily be reduced while the hold is active.
Is the Security Deposit Actually Charged?
No, the security deposit is not charged unless there are post-trip charges, damage, or an insurance-related deductible that applies.
When the hold is placed, you may see it reflected as a pending authorization depending on your bank or credit card company. However, this is not the same as a completed payment.
Once the hold is released, you usually will not see a “refund” posted to your account because the money was never actually withdrawn. Instead, the held funds simply become available again.
How Much Is the Security Deposit?
For standard bookings, we collect a $1,000 security deposit authorization, for Burning Man it's $1,800.
This amount is collected as part of the guest’s responsibility toward the insurance deductible and potential post-trip charges.
How Does the Insurance Deductible Work?
If there is damage during the rental and a claim is filed through our insurance, the guest is responsible for the insurance deductible.
Our insurance deductible is $1,500.
Because we only collect a $1,000 security deposit, if there is an insurance claim and the guest is using our insurance, the guest would still be responsible for the remaining $500 needed to meet the full deductible.
For example: If a covered insurance claim is filed, the deductible is $1,500. Since the security deposit hold is $1,000, the guest would be responsible for an additional $500 to satisfy the deductible.
What Can the Security Deposit Be Used For?
The security deposit may be used toward items such as:
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Damage to the RV
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Missing or damaged items
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Excess cleaning, if applicable
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Late return fees
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Mileage overages
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Refueling charges
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Dumping fees
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Insurance deductible amounts, if a claim is filed
Most guests do not have any issues, and their security deposit hold is released after the trip.
When Is the Security Deposit Released?
If there are no post-trip charges, damage, or claims, the security deposit authorization is released after the rental has been reviewed.
Typically, the hold is released around 7 days after the trip return date, unless additional review is needed.
Please keep in mind that once Chill RV releases the hold, the exact timing of when the funds become available again depends on the guest’s bank or credit card company.
Why Do Holds Sometimes Get Reauthorized?
Depending on the bank or credit card company, authorization holds may expire after a certain period of time. This can happen anywhere from approximately 5 to 30 days.
If a rental period or review period extends beyond the bank’s authorization window, the hold may be released and reauthorized. This simply keeps the security deposit authorization active for as long as it is needed.
This does not mean the guest has been charged twice. It is part of how banks manage temporary authorizations.
Why Don’t I See a Refund?
This is a common question.
Because the security deposit is a hold and not an actual charge, there usually is no visible refund transaction when it is released.
Instead, the funds that were temporarily held become available again on your card or account.
Final Thoughts
The security deposit is there to protect both the guest and Chill RV in the event of damage, post-trip charges, or an insurance claim. For most rentals, the process is simple: the hold is placed before the trip, the RV is returned in good condition, and the hold is released after the trip review is complete.
Our goal is always to be transparent, fair, and helpful so guests understand exactly how the process works before they hit the road.