Security deposits

Some car rentals require security deposits over the amount of the rental and refund it upon return of car. Mine does not so I get asked this question a lot, by people who have less than $100 available on their credit cards. Often the security deposit is not mentioned to customers when they make a reservation and find out from the car rental clerk. Sometimes it is a flat amount and other times it is a percentage of rental amount. The security deposit is determined by the length of the rental and method of payment. Checkcard or cash rentals will have a higher deposit amount than a credit card rental, simply because one can not force charge cash or a checkcard like one can with a credit card. So when making a reservation, it is wise to ask if the quote given includes the security deposit. And ask if the total given is before or after taxes (another common complaint). Post later. Genie out.