1. What the deposit is
The security deposit is a refundable amount collected from the Renter at checkout. It is not a fee and it is not income for the Host. It is held by JAMDRIFF and returned in full when the car comes back in the condition it went out in.
2. Standard deposit amounts
JAMDRIFF sets the deposit consistently; Hosts cannot raise or lower it. The starting amounts are Economy J$20,000, Compact J$25,000, SUV J$40,000 and Luxury J$75,000.
When roughly three days of the car's daily rate is higher than its starting amount, JAMDRIFF uses that higher amount, rounded to J$5,000. No deposit exceeds J$150,000. The exact amount is shown before the Renter requests the booking.
3. How the money moves
The Renter pays one total at checkout: the trip subtotal, a JAMDRIFF service fee of 6%, any delivery fee, any taxes, and the refundable deposit. The whole amount is received into the JAMDRIFF business account.
After the trip closes, the deposit is refunded to the Renter in full where no claim has been opened, the trip earnings are paid out to the Host less JAMDRIFF's 15% commission, and JAMDRIFF keeps the renter service fee and that commission.
4. When the deposit is refunded
Refunds are released within five (5) working days of the trip being marked complete, provided no claim has been opened. Refunds return to the card or account used at checkout, and the receiving bank may take a further few working days to show the credit.
If the Host opens a damage claim, the deposit is held until the claim is resolved. Claims must be opened within 48 hours of the return time and supported by return photos.
5. Deductions
JAMDRIFF may deduct from the deposit only for documented items: damage beyond fair wear and tear, missing fuel against the level recorded at pickup, traffic or parking tickets incurred during the trip, cleaning beyond normal use, or a late return beyond the agreed grace period.
Any deduction is itemised in writing to both parties, and the balance of the deposit is refunded at the same time.
6. If the damage exceeds the deposit
The deposit is a first line of cover, not an insurance policy. Cover for a vehicle on JAMDRIFF comes from the Host's own valid Jamaican motor insurance until JAMDRIFF partners with a local insurer. Costs above the deposit are handled between the Host, the Renter and the Host's insurer; JAMDRIFF will supply trip records and photo evidence.
7. Disputes
If the parties cannot agree, either may ask JAMDRIFF to review. JAMDRIFF will decide on the pickup and return photos, the trip timeline and any documents supplied, and will release or deduct the deposit accordingly.