Payment Method and Deposit. At the start of the hire period, the agreed security deposit must be paid by credit card as security for the return of the vehicle in undamaged and clean condition. Without such a security deposit the vehicle shall not be handed over. A delayed down payment, delayed full payment or delayed or insufficient security deposit, entitles Roadsurfer to cancel the rental agreement without notice for good cause, subject to any claims for damages. When the vehicle is handed over at the start of the hire period, any existing damage to the vehicle is recorded in writing. If the vehicle is returned in undamaged condition (ordinary wear and tear, and any damage indicated on the damage report prior to rental excepted), the security deposit shall be refunded immediately after the end of the hire period. Any blocking of the security deposit by means of a credit card shall be automatically released again. However, this shall not exempt the Hirer from liability for concealed or hidden defects or damage which are discovered within 48 hours of the return of the rented vehicle. In the event of an accident involving another driver, we shall retain or demand the security deposit until the question of guilt has been clarified beyond doubt, judicially or extrajudicially. Additional charges or costs (e.g., special flat rate cleaning fees) shall be invoiced when the vehicle is returned, insofar as these can be charged at this point in time. If additional costs are incurred, e.g., as a result of a fine, or if damage to the rented vehicle is discovered when the rented vehicle is returned, we shall subsequently charge you for these costs and other administrative costs (e.g., costs for the processing of claims, a flat rate fee for the handling of fines) when we become aware of these costs. Roadsurfer reserves the right to withhold the corresponding additional charges or costs directly from the security deposit. You may lodge objections to such charging, by email or other notice, within 14 days; this shall also apply to the time within which you shall provide proof that you did not cause the event triggering the costs or charges. If you fail to respond within this period, the costs shall be invoiced to you.
