Last Updated on December 26, 2024 by Kristin
Before driving off in a rental car, it’s smart—we might even say crucial—to run through a few quick tasks so you don’t end up getting burned later. So slow down and take time to protect yourself. Here’s a checklist.
Review the rental agreement.
You’d be surprised how often something is added to the rental agreeement that you did not realize you were agreeing to. For example, when discussing insurance options, the rental car agent may ask if you want “basic coverage” or “enhanced coverage.” If you choose basic, you are buying the CDW. (If you own a car and need no additional coverage, decline both the basic and the enhanced coverage.) It’s especially important to look at the total charges for the rental. If it’s higher than anticipated, ask for clarification.
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Take photos.
Get out your smartphone. If your camera has a timestamp function, turn it on. Take pictures of every dent and scratch on the vehicle’s exterior and interior. Take photos of the wheels and the windshield. No ding, pucker or crack is too small to document. Don’t believe the rental agent when he tells you that small dents or scratches “an inch or smaller” don’t count. You could be held accountable for those dents later on. Unless the car is brand new, there will likely be some damage you’ll want to capture. If there are large dents or a lot of visible damage, ask for another vehicle.
Check the tires.
Checking the tires on a rental car only takes a minute and could save you and your family from a dangerous situation. One of the easiest ways to check whether a tire is going bald is to use a penny to check the tread depth. The so-called “penny test” is quick and simple. Turn a penny so that Abraham Lincoln’s head is facing down. Now, insert it into the tread of a tire. If any of Abe’s head disappears into the tread, the tires are fine. But if you can still see Lincoln’s entire head, the tire treads are too worn.
Document in writing.
Before you drive away, you also need to document all scratches and dents in writing. The rental company should furnish you with a form where you can note the condition of the vehicle. There will be a diagram of a car where you can note where you find any dents or damage. Do not drive away before getting an employee to sign it and be sure to take a copy for yourself.
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Don’t forget the “after” photos.
When you return the car, don’t just toss the keys to the agent and be on your way. Take another round of photos of the car’s exterior and interior. Cover the same ground as you did when you picked up the car and pay attention to the windshield. Ideally, the before and after photos will be virtually identical.
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