A deposit is a common way for rental companies to protect themselves. Usually, a set amount is temporarily held on a credit card and released once the vehicle has been returned in accordance with the rental terms.
The problem is not the deposit itself, but discovering its actual amount, the required card type or additional conditions only when collecting the car, when these details were not clearly explained beforehand.
In some cases, the initial rental price looks very attractive, but an unexpectedly large amount is requested as a card hold at the rental desk. If the card does not have enough available credit, the customer may be offered expensive additional insurance as the only way to collect the car they have already booked.
That is why comparing daily rates alone is not enough. You need to check the final price and the full rental terms.
What should you check before booking?
Before confirming your booking, ask for clear answers to the following questions:
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What is the exact deposit amount?
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Is a credit card required?
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Can I use a debit card or cash?
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What is the excess if the vehicle is damaged?
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What does the basic insurance cover?
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Is mileage limited?
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Are there fees for airport collection, an additional driver or cross-border travel?
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When will the card hold be released?
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How much does it cost to cancel or change the booking?
A reliable company provides this information before you arrive, rather than waiting until you are already at the airport or rental desk.
Pay attention to the cost of additional insurance
Additional SCDW cover can be useful because it reduces the excess or removes it entirely for covered damage. However, it must be presented as a clearly explained optional extra.
Before purchasing it, check:
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the excess without additional cover;
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the amount the excess will be reduced to;
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which types of damage are covered;
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whether the windscreen, tyres, wheel rims, underbody and interior are included;
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the circumstances in which the cover does not apply;
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whether a police report is mandatory after an accident.
A label such as “full insurance” is not enough on its own. What matters is what the agreement actually says.
What should you do when collecting the car?
Before setting off, inspect the vehicle together with the rental agent.
Take photos or a video of:
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the front and rear bumpers;
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both sides of the vehicle;
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the wheel rims and tyres;
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the windscreen;
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the interior;
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the fuel level;
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the odometer reading.
Check that any existing damage has been recorded in the inspection report. If you notice anything that has not been documented, report it before leaving.
Also check who is authorised to drive. As a rule, only people named in the agreement may drive the vehicle. Allowing an unauthorised person to drive can invalidate the insurance cover.
What should you check before returning the car?
Before returning the vehicle, check the agreed fuel policy, return location and exact return time.
Keep photos of:
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the vehicle at the return location;
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the fuel level;
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the odometer reading;
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the keys and equipment handed back.
If a deposit is held on your card, ask for confirmation that the rental company has initiated its release. Bear in mind that your bank may continue to show the funds as reserved for several days after the company releases the hold.
Why is a standard KLS rental simpler?
Standard rentals at KLS Auto do not require a deposit or a credit card hold. You pay the agreed rental price and only the optional extras you have chosen. The price for your selected vehicle and rental period is displayed before you proceed with the booking.
This is particularly convenient for customers who:
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do not have a credit card;
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only use a debit card;
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do not want a large amount held during their holiday;
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want to know the total rental cost in advance.
Renting without a deposit does not mean you have no responsibility for the vehicle. The agreement still defines the conditions of use, the excess, your obligations if damage occurs and the circumstances excluded from cover. Even with a deposit-free rental, it is important to read the terms and report any accident or problem promptly.
Additional benefits of renting with KLS
Unlimited mileage
KLS vehicles come with unlimited mileage and no additional charge per kilometre travelled. This lets you plan your costs in advance, whether you are simply driving to Tuzla or visiting several cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Optional extras you choose yourself
A child car seat, an additional driver, SCDW cover or permission for cross-border travel can each be selected separately. They are not added automatically without your choice.
Collection at Tuzla Airport
At Tuzla Airport, collection is arranged at the terminal or at a meeting point agreed in advance. Before arrival, you receive details of where the agent will meet you.
If you provide your flight number or an updated arrival time, KLS monitors delays and adjusts collection to match the aircraft’s arrival. This reduces the risk of extra waiting and misunderstandings after landing.
No need to find a currency exchange office
Payment is made in convertible marks, either in cash or by bank transfer. For customers arriving with euros, KLS can arrange currency exchange when the vehicle is collected.
Cross-border travel available
Cross-border travel is possible when the appropriate package has been agreed and approved in advance. You receive the required authorisation, and the agreement specifies the countries in which the vehicle may be used. Without prior approval, the vehicle may only be used within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Support if something goes wrong
If the vehicle breaks down, an accident occurs or you encounter another problem, contact KLS immediately. The company arranges assistance and, where necessary, agrees on the next steps or a replacement vehicle. Do not arrange repairs without prior authorisation.
The cheapest offer is not always the best value
When comparing car rental offers, look at the total cost rather than just the daily rate.
A better-value offer is one where you know in advance:
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what is included in the price;
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whether a deposit is required;
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the amount of the excess;
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how many kilometres you may drive;
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the cost of optional extras;
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what happens in the event of a delay, breakdown or accident.
You should not arrive to collect a booked vehicle only to discover that you must authorise a large card hold or buy an extra service you had not planned for.
KLS aims to make rentals simple and predictable: clearly displayed pricing, no deposit for standard rentals, no mandatory credit card, unlimited mileage and collection arranged in advance.
The goal is for you to collect the keys on arrival under terms you already know, without new conditions or unexpected charges.