Manage your car rental deposits online
Here the online deposit relies on a bank pre-authorisation requested remotely: track its validity and handle every return from one central interface.
Securing a deposit without a card terminal
For a vehicle rental business, securing a deposit traditionally means a physical payment terminal and the driver present at the counter. That constraint becomes a brake as soon as the vehicle is handed over remotely, outside branch hours, or at an unstaffed pick-up point.
Verihost lets you request a bank pre-authorisation remotely, even before the driver arrives, through a simple link sent by email or SMS. The driver completes the journey from their phone, and you track the pre-authorisation's validity from your dashboard.
This remote setup is particularly useful for renters offering key handover via a secure box, an unstaffed pick-up point, or extended hours with no agent present. Because the pre-authorisation is confirmed before handover, the renter has a guarantee in place from the start of the rental, without depending on an on-site payment terminal.
Return and condition report
When the vehicle is returned, the renter compares its condition with the one recorded at departure. If nothing is out of order, the pre-authorisation is simply released: no amount was charged, and the driver's available limit returns to normal once the release takes effect. In the event of damage, a breach of contract (fuel, mileage, late return under the agreed conditions) or an incident, the renter can capture all or part of the pre-authorised amount, within what the transaction allows.
This step remains separate from the contractual condition report itself: Verihost secures the payment method but does not replace the joint inspection of the vehicle, which remains the responsibility of the renter and the driver.
How does it work?
- 1Create the vehicle's case — enter the vehicle concerned, the rental dates and the deposit amount.
- 2Send the link to the driver — before handing over the keys, by email or SMS.
- 3The pre-authorisation is confirmed — the amount is reserved on the driver's card, without being charged.
- 4Release or capture the amount needed — when the vehicle is returned, based on its condition.
What you should know about the bank pre-authorisation
A pre-authorisation can stay valid for up to about 30 days depending on the card network, the issuing bank, the renter's business category and the eligibility of the transaction. Verihost never guarantees that duration: it depends solely on the rules applied by the card network and the driver's bank, which can vary from case to case.
For the whole duration of the pre-authorisation, the corresponding funds are temporarily held on the driver's card, which can reduce their available limit for other purchases. No charge occurs as long as the renter does not trigger a capture.
On return, the renter can capture all or part of the pre-authorisation, when the transaction allows it. A partial capture normally releases the uncaptured balance, according to the rules of the card network concerned. In all cases, Verihost never holds the funds: transactions are processed via Stripe and go through the renter's connected account.
Verihost guarantees no universal compatibility with every existing bank card. A deposit replaces neither the vehicle's insurance, the applicable excess, the rental contract, nor the condition report carried out at departure and return: these remain separate and must be clearly communicated to the driver before the rental.
Vehicles of every category
Verihost fits the rental of cars, vans, motorbikes, campervans, motorhomes and, more broadly, leisure vehicles, whenever a deposit or a bank pre-authorisation is needed before the keys are handed over.
Cars — short or long-term rental.
Vans — commercial vehicles and removals.
Motorbikes — powered two-wheelers.
Campervans and motorhomes — leisure vehicle rental.
Security and compliance
Payments processed via Stripe, a secure and certified payment infrastructure.
Verihost never stores your customers' bank details.
Data hosted in France, within the European Union.
Personal data processed in compliance with the GDPR.
Verihost never holds the funds: transactions go through the professional's connected Stripe account.
Frequently asked questions
How does a car rental deposit work?
Before the vehicle is handed over, the driver receives a secure Verihost link and completes a bank pre-authorisation: an amount is temporarily reserved on their card without being charged. On return, the renter releases that amount or captures all or part of it if damage or a breach is found.
What is the difference between a deposit and an excess?
The deposit is the amount secured from the driver to cover possible damage or breaches of contract. The excess is specific to the vehicle's insurance and sets the share of damage left to the renter or the driver under the insurance contract. The two are linked but distinct: a deposit replaces neither the insurance nor the contractual excess.
How long does the pre-authorisation stay valid?
A pre-authorisation can stay valid for up to about 30 days depending on the card network, the issuing bank, the renter's business category and the eligibility of the transaction. Verihost never guarantees that duration: it depends on the network's rules and the driver's bank.
Is the amount charged?
No, not automatically. A pre-authorisation temporarily holds the funds on the driver's card, which can reduce their available limit, without charging them. A charge only happens if the renter triggers a capture, full or partial, when the transaction allows it.
Can you capture only part of the deposit?
Yes, when the transaction allows it. A partial capture means charging only part of the pre-authorised amount; the uncaptured balance is normally released according to the rules of the card network concerned.
Which cards are compatible?
Compatibility depends on the card network and the driver's issuing bank. Verihost cannot guarantee that a pre-authorisation will work with every existing card: it is advisable to check compatibility beforehand, particularly for cards with systematic authorisation or prepaid cards.
Does Verihost hold the funds?
No. Verihost never holds the funds. Transactions are processed via Stripe and go through the renter's connected account.
Does the deposit replace the condition report and the insurance?
No. The deposit secures a payment method in case of damage or a breach, but it replaces neither the vehicle condition report (to be carried out at departure and return), nor the rental contract, nor the applicable insurance or excess. These remain separate and must be clearly communicated to the driver.
Secure your vehicle rental deposits with Verihost.
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