You know better than anyone: the deposit is no longer just an administrative detail. It's the most sensitive part of the customer experience: the part where we talk about money, bank limits, deductibles and risk. In short, it has become a strategic issue and a security lever for car hire companies.
Between bank imprint and 30-day bank pre-authorisationWhat solution should you choose for effective security car hire deposit ?
Swikly provides an in-depth look at both technologies in its dedicated article.
Here is an analysis focusing exclusively on vehicle leasing, to identify the solution best suited to the realities on the ground.
Why is the deposit a strategic issue in vehicle leasing?
In car leasing, the level of risk is structurally higher than in other sectors for a number of reasons:
- High unit value vehicles
- Frequent damage (bodywork, wheels, interior)
- Large insurance excesses
- Delays, additional costs
- Fuel missing on return of vehicle
There are many complex situations and the amounts involved can quickly escalate. It is in this context that the guarantor must fulfil two main roles:
- Guaranteeing availability of funds in the event of a claim
- Create a seamless customer experience from vehicle withdrawal to vehicle take-back
The choice between bank imprint and pre-authorisation bank will have a direct impact on these two dimensions. So how do you choose?
The bank imprint: the gentlest solution for the customer
L'bank imprint, This is the solution that consists of checking the validity of a card without blocking the amount on your customer's account.
How does it work? Your customer receives a link between their bank details and a test transaction of €0 is carried out, which will not block the money or affect their credit limit!
This approach may be relevant in certain cases:
- You have contracts more than 30 days
- Repeat and loyal customers
- And a low claims ratio
Main limitation: partial risk protection
In car hirethe bank imprint does not block no amount on the customer's card. It does not guarantee availability of funds at the time of collection.
In concrete terms, for a deposit on a vehiclemeans that :
- The bank limit can be used between picking up the vehicle and returning it to the branch.
- Funds may no longer be available in the event of damage
For a car rentalWhere the amount of the deposit is often high, the absence of a real lock-up can represent a major advantage. significant financial risk.
Bank pre-authorisation: making your deposits more secure
The bank pre-authorisation allows you to block a specific amount on the customer's card, without immediate debit. When it comes to vehicle hire, this is often the most secure solution.
Why is pre-authorisation suitable for short-term rentals?
- Funds are reserved
- The risk of non-payment is greatly reduced
- Simplified collection in the event of damage
- Secure management of franchises
The duration of a bank pre-authorisation in most branches is 14 days. days, but at Swikly it can be extended to 30 days. which is perfectly suited to medium-term rentals, which account for the majority of agency contracts.
Why is the 30-day pre-authorisation the queen of car hire?
In the car hireWe've seen a lot of situations come and go, with one recurring observation: the claims rate is higher than in the other sectors we cover.
This is why the 30-day bank pre-authorisation remains the preferred solution for professionals in the trade.
Why would she do that? She doesn't just check a map. She really blocks the amount of the depositThis guarantees that funds will be available in the event of damage, excesses or additional costs. Whether it's a question of damage to the vehicle, delays or additional costs, we can help. a full tank of fuel not filled on return.
Result:
- Concrete security for sureties
- Protecting your cash flow
- Reduce uncertainty, reminders and stress
In a sector where risk management impacts the profitability of establishments, the 30-day bank pre-authorisation is a a real guarantee of security for your business.
Our expert opinion on guarantees
At a time when the claims rate for car hire can be high, it's vital to think of your solution as a strategic lever.
As an expert in the field for 10 years, we recommend the 30-day bank pre-authorisation, which will cover your business against all the risks associated with missed fill-ups, damage to vehicles and other damage.
A bank imprint is recommended for long-term leases or if you have a low claims ratio.
Would you like to set it up in your agency? Swikly can help:
Book a meeting with our team to deploy a bonding strategy that is truly secure and tailored to your business.
