Three small lines in a rental agreement — deposit, fuel policy and kilometre policy — cause more arguments at the return desk than anything else. Understand them before you book and there are no surprises. This guide explains how each works at Indian rental companies and uses S.S. Travels' own figures for examples.
The security deposit
A security deposit is money the company holds against costs that arise after you return the car: fuel shortfall, tolls not yet billed, traffic challans, cleaning, minor damage up to your excess, and late returns. It is not an extra charge; if nothing is owed, it is released in full.
How much? It depends on the car. In our own fleet, deposits range from about ₹5,000 for a Mini to ₹10,000 for a compact SUV, ₹12,000 for a 7-seater MPV, ₹20,000 for a traveller van and ₹30,000 for a luxury sedan. Supplier deposits vary and are shown on every offer.
How is it taken? Usually as a card pre-authorisation: the amount is blocked on your credit limit but not debited, and released after the return. Some desks accept a debit card or UPI payment held as a refundable amount; in that case the refund is an actual transfer. A credit card in the driver's name is the easiest and fastest option.
When do you get it back? For pre-authorisations, the hold is released immediately by the company but your bank may take 5 to 10 working days to show the credit again. For refundable payments, expect 5 to 7 working days. Challans and tolls that arrive after you return can be deducted later — an Indian traffic fine can take weeks to appear on the system, so companies often keep a small amount for up to 30 days. Ask the desk what the policy is and get it in writing.
Fuel policy
Full to full. You receive the car with a full tank and return it full. This is the fairest and most common policy. Keep the receipt from the last fill-up within a few kilometres of the drop-off point; some desks check it. If you return it with less fuel, you pay the missing fuel at a rate that is typically higher than the pump price plus a refuelling fee.
Same to same. You get the car with whatever fuel is in it and return it with the same level. Photograph the fuel gauge and odometer at pick-up and return, because "same" is hard to prove without evidence.
Pre-purchased fuel. Rare in India but occasionally offered: you pay for a full tank upfront and return it empty. This is convenient but rarely cheaper, because you cannot get a refund for unused fuel.
Tip: Petrol or diesel? The fuel type is written inside the fuel cap and on the key. Putting the wrong fuel in is not covered by any protection plan and can cause a very expensive repair.
Kilometre policy
Unlimited kilometres. Common for economy and compact cars and for weekly bookings. Check the fine print on one-way trips; some operators cap them even when the rental is "unlimited".
Limited kilometres. The daily allowance is typically around 250–300 km per day. In our fleet, SUVs and vans on limited plans include 300 km a day with extra kilometres charged at ₹12 each. On a three-day trip, you would have 900 km included; a 1,000 km trip would add about ₹1,200.
Do the maths before booking: a Hyderabad to Goa round trip is over 1,300 km, so a limited plan would likely cost more than unlimited.
Other charges to know about
- Tolls and FASTag. Cars carry a FASTag and tolls are billed at actuals — either deducted from the tag balance or invoiced when you return. See our tolls article for details.
- Challans (traffic fines). You are responsible for any fine issued during your rental, plus an administration fee in many cases.
- Late return. Usually billed hourly up to a limit, then as a full extra day.
- Cleaning fee. Charged for excessive dirt, food stains or smoking.
- Airport service fee. A flat fee for airport pick-ups; ours is ₹250 and is displayed in your price breakdown.
- One-way fee. A flat charge when the drop-off is different from the pick-up.
- Young-driver surcharge. Applies below age 25.
All of these are listed in the price breakdown on S.S. Travels before you pay, plus 18% GST. If a charge is not on the screen or the voucher, ask the desk before signing.
Protect yourself at pick-up and return
- Photograph or video the car all around, including roof, bumpers, wheels and interiors.
- Take a picture of the odometer and fuel gauge.
- Check that the spare wheel, jack, FASTag and papers are present.
- Write down every existing scratch on the checklist and have the agent sign it.
- At return, ask for a written inspection sign-off and a receipt for any fuel charge.
What if there is a dispute?
Stay calm and keep your evidence: photos, the checklist, fuel receipts and your rental agreement. Raise the issue with the company in writing and quote the booking reference. If the deposit is deducted unfairly, escalate to the company's support team; most issues are solved quickly when you have documentation. Card pre-authorisations can be disputed through your bank if a company keeps money without justification.
Checklist before you book
- Deposit amount and method
- Fuel policy (full to full is best)
- Kilometre allowance and extra-km price
- Tolls, challans and late-return rules
- Excess on the protection plan
- Cancellation terms — ours is free up to 48 hours before pick-up on most offers
Know these six items and your rental will be as predictable as it is affordable.
