What is a Security Deposit Waiver?
The Security Deposit Waiver is an optional feature designed to streamline the claims process for both Hosts and Guests. It replaces the standard security deposit authorization and covers up to $1,500 in deductible directly in case of an insurance claim. (Covers up to $4,000 in deductible directly in case of an insurance claims for Class A RVs only).
This means that instead of holding a large sum of the Guest's money, the waiver acts as a "deductible buy-down."
How does the Security Deposit Waiver work?
In the event of an accepted insurance claim, the waiver covers the deductible for the Protection Package, up to $1,500 for most vehicles and up to $4,000 for Class A RVs only) Essentially, it brings the deductible down to $0, ensuring that we won’t need to worry about any security deposit authorization holds and leaves the Guest worry-free.
How much would a Guest need to pay for a waiver?
The cost of the waiver is fixed based on the RV class, reflecting the replacement value and specialized parts of larger rigs:
- Class A vehicles: $199
- Non-Class A vehicles: $99
The waiver will only cover damages that are covered by the insurance bundle. The waiver essentially buys the deductible down to $0 but does not cover damages that aren’t covered by our insurance coverage (such as interior damage). These would need to be charged to the Guest's payment method.
What is and isn't covered by the waiver?
Covered: Any damage that falls under the standard Protection Package insurance bundle (e.g., covered collisions, comprehensive damage).
Not Covered: Damage not included in the insurance bundle, such as interior damage (broken cabinets, upholstery stains, blown-out tires, etc.).
Why Choose the Security Deposit Waiver?
While the waiver is optional, it can help both parties get peace of mind with guaranteed deductible coverage for approved insurance claims.
For Hosts:
- Guaranteed Deductible Funds: Because the waiver eliminates the out-of-pocket deductible for covered claims, there is no need to rely on a traditional payment method authorization hold to secure those funds.
- Streamlined Insurance Claims Process: Since the waiver eliminates the need to process holds and deductibles on security deposit funds when an insurance claim is filed and approved, both parties can experience a much simpler and faster claims resolution process.
- Increased Listing Marketability: Offering a different way to book your RV can make your listing more attractive to Guests who prefer the certainty of guaranteed deductible coverage over a larger security deposit hold on their payment method.
For Guests:
- Financial Predictability: Instead of having a large sum of money held on their card, Guests pay a small, flat fee upfront. This provides better predictability for their travel budget, allowing them to allocate funds toward other rental-related expenses like extra nights or add-ons.
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Added Peace of Mind and Reduced Stress: No one plans on having an accident, but the possibility can be a source of stress for travelers. The waiver provides the assurance that they won't face a large, unexpected extra bill if an insurance-covered incident occurs.
Can I still collect funds from a Guest post-trip if they opted for a Security Deposit Waiver?
Yes. While the waiver covers the insurance deductible, it does not prevent you from collecting other post-trip expenses.
If you have additional charges such as cleaning fees, refueling costs, or interior damage not covered by insurance, you can still charge the Guest directly.
To collect funds for post-trip charges, simply navigate to the Trip Details page and use the "Collect Charges" button to process these items.
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 Waiver vs Traditional Authorization: What’s the Difference?
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 only) | Waiver covers the deductible ($0). |
How does a Host enable the Security Deposit Waiver?
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.
This means that following the rollout of the feature, Hosts do not need to enable the feature to start offering it to their Guests. Guests will simply see the option to opt for the Security Deposit Waiver at their checkout page when they finalize their booking requests.
Upon completing their checkout pages, they will see the options:
- Choose to pay the flat Security Deposit Waiver fee
- Opt for the traditional Security Deposit Authorization hold
What if I am not sure yet whether waivers will work for me or not?
No worries! We understand every Host’s need to have full control over their listings.
While the option to offer the Security Deposit Waiver will be automatically activated on all Outdoorsy listings by default, Hosts can disable the option at any time they wish to.
If you prefer to stick strictly to traditional security deposit authorizations for your listing, you can disable the waiver feature at any time.
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.
What if I want to test it out on just one of my rentals?
That’s a great idea! Not all RV listings are the same, and you might want the waiver available for your travel trailer but not your luxury motorhome. You have the flexibility to customize this at the individual listing level.