Security Deposit Policy
No Surprises. No Hidden Charges. Complete Transparency.
At CRUZA Rent a Car, we understand that the security deposit is an important part of renting a vehicle, and we want the process to be as clear and straightforward as possible.
The security deposit is a temporary security measure. It is not an additional rental charge, and it is only used when there is an outstanding amount that the customer is responsible for under the rental agreement.
Our commitment is simple:
No unexplained deductions. No hidden charges. Clear communication throughout the process.
How Does the Security Deposit Work?
Depending on the vehicle and booking conditions, the security deposit may be provided by:
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Credit card pre-authorization
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Cash deposit, where available
The deposit is held to cover potential outstanding obligations that may become known during or after the rental period, including delayed traffic violations, applicable vehicle damage, missing fuel, lost equipment, or other charges for which the customer is responsible.
Credit Card Pre-Authorization
Our Recommended Option
Where available, customers can secure the deposit using a credit card pre-authorization.
A pre-authorization is a temporary hold placed on the available credit of the card. It is not a normal payment or purchase, and CRUZA does not receive the held amount as rental income.
After the vehicle is returned, we review the rental for any outstanding charges or traffic violations.
The verification period is up to 30 days after the vehicle is returned.
Once the verification is completed and there are no outstanding amounts, CRUZA will arrange the release of the pre-authorization.
Please note that the time required for the available credit to become accessible again depends on the customer’s bank or card issuer. This processing time is outside CRUZA’s control.
Why Up to 30 Days?
Traffic violations in Oman do not always appear immediately.
A violation may be recorded several days or weeks after the vehicle has been returned. The 30-day verification period allows us to check for traffic violations and other outstanding matters relating to the rental before closing the deposit.
This helps avoid situations where a customer receives an unexpected charge after the deposit has already been released.
Cash Security Deposit
Customers who prefer not to use a credit card may provide a cash security deposit, where this option is available.
The same verification period of up to 30 days after vehicle return applies.
Once the rental has been fully reviewed and there are no outstanding amounts, the refundable deposit will be returned using an agreed payment method, such as:
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Bank transfer
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International transfer
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Another mutually agreed method
For international transfers, any applicable bank or transfer fees may depend on the customer’s bank and payment provider.
What Happens If a Traffic Fine Appears?
If a traffic violation relating to your rental period appears after the vehicle has been returned, CRUZA will first verify that it relates to your rental.
Where applicable, we will provide the available official violation information or documentation and explain the amount clearly.
The customer may then choose, where practical, between:
Option A — Pay Separately
You can settle the traffic violation separately.
In this case, your security deposit remains untouched, subject to any other outstanding charges.
Option B — Deduct From the Deposit
You may authorize CRUZA to deduct the applicable violation amount from your security deposit.
Only the applicable amount will be deducted, and the remaining balance will be released or refunded.
We do not make traffic-fine deductions without appropriate supporting documentation.
What About Vehicle Damage?
The security deposit may also be used for documented charges that the customer is responsible for under the rental agreement.
This can include damage that is outside the applicable insurance coverage or results from an insurance exclusion, as well as other customer-related costs.
Examples may include:
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Damage caused by misuse or negligence
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Damage resulting from unsuitable or extreme use of the vehicle
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Lost keys or remote controls
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Lost vehicle equipment
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Missing fuel
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Smoking-related cleaning or restoration
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Excessive cleaning resulting from avoidable contamination
Any applicable charge will be explained to the customer.
Normal wear and tear is not considered chargeable damage.
Will CRUZA Deduct Money Without Explanation?
No.
We believe customers should always understand why a charge has been made.
A security deposit is not an amount that CRUZA can simply deduct from without a valid reason.
Any deduction must relate to an actual outstanding obligation under the rental agreement and be supported by appropriate information or documentation.
For example:
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Official traffic violation records
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Vehicle damage documentation
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Fuel or refuelling records
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Records relating to lost keys or equipment
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Other documented rental-related charges
Our aim is to make every charge clear and understandable.
When Will My Security Deposit Be Released?
The verification period is up to 30 days after the vehicle is returned.
If there are no outstanding traffic violations, damages, or other applicable charges:
Credit Card
CRUZA will arrange the release of the pre-authorization.
The time for the available credit to return to the customer’s account or become available for use depends on the bank or card issuer.
Cash
The refundable cash deposit will be returned through the agreed payment method once the verification process has been completed.
Bank processing times, weekends, public holidays, and international transfers may affect when the funds become available.
What Is the Purpose of the Security Deposit?
The security deposit is simply a protection mechanism for both the customer and CRUZA.
It allows us to deal with legitimate charges that may arise during or shortly after a rental without requiring customers to complete a new payment process every time an issue is identified.
The deposit is not intended to be an additional rental charge or a source of profit.
Our Commitment to Transparency
We want the rental process to remain straightforward from the moment you make your booking until the deposit is released.
At CRUZA, we are committed to:
✓ Clear deposit terms
✓ No hidden charges
✓ No unexplained deductions
✓ Clear communication regarding applicable charges
✓ Supporting documentation where applicable
✓ A defined verification period
✓ A transparent release or refund process
We believe that trust is earned through the way a company handles the details — especially when it comes to a customer’s money.
Have Questions About Your Deposit?
If you have any questions about the security deposit, payment options, or the conditions applicable to your vehicle, our team is happy to explain everything before your rental.
CRUZA Car Rental
Muscat, Oman
Phone / WhatsApp: +968 7999 0754
Email: info@cruzaoman.com
Website: cruzaoman.com
Clear terms. Fair process. No surprises.