We are excited to introduce a new way to handle security deposits that offers more flexibility for Guests and more certainty for Hosts. Starting Monday, February 16th, 2026, the Security Deposit Waiver will be available across the platform to streamline your booking and claims process.
The new Security Deposit Waiver offers:
- Deductible Buy-Down: Guests can trade a large credit card hold for a small, flat fee.
- Guaranteed Coverage: Covers the full Protection Package deductible—up to $1,500 for non-Class A RVs and up to $4,000 for Class A RVs.
- Zero-Stress Claims: If an insurance claim is approved, the deductible is covered.
- Host Control: Enabled by default, but you keep full control over your listings.
Security Deposit Waiver: How it works
The waiver acts as a "buy-down," essentially bringing the insurance deductible down to $0 for covered incidents.
- Guest Choice: At checkout, Guests choose between a traditional Security Deposit Authorization (Hold) or the Security Deposit Waiver (Flat Fee).
- Flat Pricing: Fees are fixed based on the rig:
- Class A vehicles: $199
- Non-Class A vehicles: $99
- Claim Protection: If exterior collision or comprehensive damage occurs during the trip, the waiver covers the deductible automatically once the claim is approved.
Security Deposit Waiver: What’s covered and what isn’t?
The waiver is designed to work in tandem with our insurance bundle. It simplifies big claims but does not replace Guest responsibility for non-covered items:
- Covered: Any damage under the standard Protection Package (e.g., collision damage, hail, theft).
- Not Covered: Interior damage (broken cabinets, upholstery stains), blown-out tires, or extra cleaning fees. These can still be charged directly to the Guest’s payment method on file.
Security Deposit Waiver: Can I still collect post-trip charges?
Absolutely. The waiver only changes how insurance deductibles are collected from Guests. For cleaning fees, refueling, or interior damage, simply go to the Trip Details page and use the "Collect Charges" button to have the Guest's payment method on file be charged directly.
PRO TIP: The new Digital Key Exchange process made the process of collecting post-trip charges easier for Hosts.
- Photo-Documented Evidence: The app made the collection and submission of photo-documented evidence much more reliable. During the digital return, the app prompts both parties to take timestamped photos of the RV’s interior and exterior for documentation purposes in case of any potential claims.
- Integrated "Collect Charges" Button: Hosts can tap a dedicated button on the "Trip details" page to immediately initiate the collection of post-trip fees, such as penalties, interior damage, and municipal costs.
For more information on how to collect post-trip charges, you may consult the steps for collecting post-trip charges via the Collect charges button.
Security Deposit Authorization vs. Waiver: Overview
While both methods ensure funds are available for insurance deductibles, they function very differently in terms of how money is handled and when it is refunded.
Feature |
Security Deposit Authorization | Security Deposit Waiver |
| Payment Type | Authorization Hold: An amount set by the Host on their RV listing is held on a Guest’s payment method | Direct Charge: A flat, non-refundable fee paid upfront by the Guest upon reservation |
| Timing | Held 2 days before departure | Charged at the time of booking |
|
Refundability |
Pre-departure: Refundable. The authorization is released after a Guest/Host cancellation | Pre-departure: Refundable in cash. The amount paid for the waiver is refunded after a Guest/Host cancellation |
| Post-departure: Released 7 days after return (if no claims are filed) | Post-departure: Non-refundable once the trip begins | |
| Deductible | Guest pays out-of-pocket up to $1,500 (up to $4,000 for Class A RVs) | Waiver covers the deductible ($0) |
Security Deposit Waiver: How do I enable it?
No action is required! Starting Monday, February 16th, 2026, the waiver will be enabled by default for all Outdoorsy peer-to-peer (P2P) listings, to help increase your listing's marketability. Wheelbase Pro listings on Outdoorsy will not have the waiver option and so will not be affected.
What if I want to opt out?
If you prefer to stick strictly to traditional security deposit authorizations, you have total control:
- To disable on your listing: Navigate to the listing, go to its Pricing tab, and then locate the Security Deposit section. Under that section, toggle the “Offer Security Deposit Waivers to Guests” option off.
Security Deposit Waiver: What if I want to know more?
That's totally understandable! To help give you more information, we have created an expanded FAQs article on this topic: What is a Security Deposit Waiver, and what does it mean for my listings?