We know you’re excited to get behind the wheel and start your next adventure! To keep things simple and secure for everyone, Outdoorsy uses a Security Deposit system that acts as a "temporary hold" rather than a payment. Think of it as a smooth safety net for your trip. We’ve put together this quick guide to walk you through how the hold works, why you won't see a "refund" line on your statement, and how we handle those post-trip details so you can focus on the journey ahead.
What does the Security Deposit mean for a Guest like me?
The Security Deposit is a refundable amount predetermined by your Host to act as a safety net for the trip. It is designed to cover unexpected post-trip expenses such as:
- Ancillary charges: Parking tickets, tolls, or dumping fees incurred during your adventure.
- Minor damages: Interior damages or issues not covered by the standard protection package.
- Listing Rule Violations: Fees for breaking "house rules" set by the host, such as smoking or pet violations.
Note: The final application of these funds is at the discretion of Outdoorsy and the Host, based on the specific needs of the reservation. While your Host identifies any post-trip costs, Outdoorsy provides oversight to ensure all claims align with our policies and the specific rules of your reservation.
How does the Security Deposit work?
No need to stress about sudden charges to your bank account! We like to keep things smooth and transparent so you can focus on the open road. Here’s the lowdown on how we handle your deposit:
Hold, Not a Charge: Think of the Security Deposit as a "scheduled authorization" rather than a payment. It’s just a temporary hold on funds, not a withdrawal.
The "Just a Hold" Rule: This deposit stays as a simple hold throughout your entire trip. It only ever becomes an actual charge if your host identifies a post-trip cost (like a forgotten toll or a messy rig) and files a formal claim.
The Timeline: We’ll place the hold on your card on file 2 days before your adventure begins.
Bank Statements: You’ll likely see this as a "Pending" transaction. Since the money never actually left your account, you won’t see a "Refund" line item later. When the hold is released, the pending transaction simply vanishes, and those funds flow back into your available balance.
Long Trips: If you’re living the van life for more than a week, your bank might release and re-authorize the hold. This is just standard bank policy for long authorizations. Rest assured, we only ever hold the single deposit amount at any one time.
I was told that I have been refunded the whole deposit amount. Why can't I see the amount on my bank statement?
We totally hear you—it can be a bit confusing when you're looking for a specific "refund" line, and it’s just not there. Here’s the deal on why that happens:
"Hold" vs. "Charge": Because your Security Deposit was always an authorization (a hold) and not an actual charge, there’s no "money" to send back. Since it never left your account, there is no "Refund" transaction line to show on your statement.
Removal of Pending Transactions: Upon release, the original "Pending" authorization will be removed from your transaction history. Instead of a new refund line item appearing, the transaction simply clears from your list of pending charges, and the funds are restored to your account’s available balance.
Check Your Balance, Not Your History: Instead of looking for a plus-sign (+) or a refund line in your transaction history, check your total available balance. You’ll notice that your spending power has increased by the amount of the deposit.
The Bank’s Timeline: While we release the hold immediately on our end, every bank has its own policies and timelines. It might take your specific bank a few business days to refresh your statement and show those funds as available again.
What happens to my Security Deposit if a claim is filed?
While most Security Deposits are released in full, there are two situations where the hold is handled differently:
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Host-Initiated Claims: If your host identifies post-trip extras (like refueling, cleaning, or minor interior damage), they may claim a portion of the deposit.
The original hold is released, and a new, separate charge is processed for the specific amount claimed. You will receive an automated message with a line-by-line breakdown of these costs.
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Insurance Claims: If a formal insurance claim is filed for damage that occurred during your trip, the Security Deposit hold will be maintained rather than released after 7 days.
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The funds stay on hold to be applied toward your protection package deductible. The hold will remain in place until the insurance investigation is settled or the claim is settled.
Note: If the Security Deposit is released before an insurance claim is finalized, you remain responsible for the full deductible amount. The release of a hold does not signal the end of an insurance investigation.
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It has been past 7 days since my trip ended. Why is my Security Deposit amount on hold?
We know you're eager to see those funds back in your balance! While most holds are released after 7 days, there are a few reasons why yours might still be active:
The 30-Day Extension: In some cases, a Host may need to extend the hold for up to 30 days. This usually happens if they are waiting for an exact cost to come in—like a final bill for a road toll, a specialized cleaning service, or a repair estimate from a mechanic.
Open Insurance Claims: If a formal insurance claim was filed during your trip, the hold is automatically maintained until the claim investigation is officially settled.
Bank Processing Speed: Most of the time, Outdoorsy releases the hold right on time, but your bank’s own system, policies, and timelines take a few extra business days to show that the funds are available.
Are there any other alternatives to a Security Deposit for a Guest like me?
We now offer a Security Deposit Waiver, which is optional coverage that can be purchased at the time of booking and acts to pay directly for any resulting Outdoorsy claims deductible, up to $1,500 for most vehicles and up to $4,000 for Class A RVs only. Please note that this optional coverage is not available on every listing.