Why do they require such a large deposit, and how long will it take to refund?

I got the impression that if i didn't reduce the excess to 0 that even for the slightest minor damage that i would have been charged the full excess of €3000. Not a pleasant experience, so i felt i needed to mitigate the future hidden cost by paying the excess of €341.

Couter staff was very helpful

Changed a diesel bigger car. More expensive in renting but cheaper in filling up the tank. Overall is an acceptable change.

they tried to charge me 595euro for damage NOT caused by me, which was already on the car when i collected - didnt provide a damage report when i collected the car (original car had to be swapped as the seat belt fastner was broken) Very poor experience, will avoid Dollar (and parent company THRIFTY) in future AT ALL COSTS