Two notions come up with every rental: the deposit, a guarantee given at pick-up and returned at drop-off, and the excess, the share of damage you would pay in the event of a claim. Here is how they work at Spar'Car.
The deposit: always required, two ways to give it
- Credit card hold — a pre-authorisation: the amount is blocked temporarily, not charged, then released after you return the car; the release time depends on your bank;
- Swikly — a deposit service that doesn't block your card limit, available to all our customers for a service fee.
Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit: bring a Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit card in the main driver's name; Swikly does not accept American Express. The amount depends on the vehicle category and the pack you choose: it is shown as soon as you book, on the summary page, and in your confirmation e-mail. For example, for a Peugeot 208: €1,000 without a pack, €500 with the Petite Carrosserie pack, €250 with the Tout Compris pack. The deposit is required even with the Tout Compris pack.
The excess, and how to reduce it
All our vehicles are insured. In the event of an at-fault accident, theft, fire or damage, the excess stated in the agreement is payable by you (or the repair cost if lower), plus handling fees. Two packs, offered at booking, reduce it:
- Tout Compris pack — excess brought down to €0 and a reduced deposit; it also includes the "late cancellation" option; reserved for drivers aged 23 and over with 3 years of licence;
- Petite Carrosserie pack — reduced excess, also available to young drivers.
What the excess doesn't cover
Even with the full waiver, some damage remains entirely your responsibility, including: driving by a person not named in the agreement, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, damage to tyres and rims, glass breakage, wrong fuel, misjudging the vehicle's size, interior damage. The full list is in article 7.3 of our terms and conditions.
At drop-off
The condition report is done together, at pick-up and drop-off: report any defect as soon as you collect the car. The unused deposit is returned within 8 days of drop-off and the final invoice (article 8 of the T&C).
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car without a deposit in Martinique?
No: a deposit is always required, even with the Tout Compris pack, which greatly reduces it. You give it by credit card hold, or via Swikly if you don't want to block your card limit.
Does Swikly block my card?
No: Swikly is a deposit service that doesn't block your card limit. It's available to all our customers for a service fee.
When is the deposit returned?
The hold is released after you return the car; timing depends on your bank. The unused deposit is returned within 8 days of drop-off and the final invoice.
What is the excess?
The share of damage you pay in the event of a claim. The Tout Compris pack brings it down to €0; the Petite Carrosserie pack reduces it.