The deposit is often the least understood part of a car rental — and yet the most important thing to clarify before signing a contract.
What is the deposit for?
It covers the agency in case of damage to the vehicle, lost keys, or a breach of contract (for example, a traffic offence committed during the rental). If the vehicle is returned in good condition, the deposit is refunded in full.
Always cash, always dinars
The deposit is paid in cash (Tunisian dinars) directly to the agency when you pick up the keys, then handed back to you in person, on the spot, when you return the vehicle after its condition is checked.
Is the amount negotiable?
The deposit amount mainly depends on the vehicle category (an economy city car generally requires a lower deposit than an SUV) — it's set by the agency and displayed before booking, never negotiable once you're there.
One tip before you sign
Always take photos of the vehicle from several angles when you pick up the keys, even if the agency already carries out a condition report — this avoids any dispute over the vehicle's pre-existing condition when you return it.