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What to check when renting a car (inspection checklist)

Last updated on by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

Are you worried about renting a car in a foreign country?
Don't want to run into any problem?
The best solution is to make a thorough check of the rental vehicle before leaving (whatever the country).
Below is my rental car inspection checklist in which I have listed:

  • What to check when renting a car at the counter
  • What to check on the outside of the car (including locations with common scams)
  • What to check inside the car
what to check when renting a car checklist rental vehicle Pin
Table Of Contents
What to check when renting a car - before booking
Car rental checklist - at the counter
Rental car inspection checklist - when picking up car
Car rental return checklist
Location specific car rental tips
Download the rental car checklist (PDF) to print it

In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).

Based on my various experiences renting cars in many different countries (in US, Europe, Middle-East, Oceania...), I have gathered all that I can think of to help you have a worry-free experience.
It is as detailed as possible, for all level from first-time renters to more experienced ones who do not want to forget something.
A checklist, to bring peace of mind!

You can find a PDF to download at the end of this article, but I recommend you read it first as I added a few explanations and reasons why I included some checks.

one of my rental cars in New Zealand

one of my rental cars in New Zealand

What to check when renting a car - before booking

How to reserve a rental car?

First things first.
For a good rental experience, you myst make sure you understand the terms of your booking.

My advice is to compare car rental on a platform.
My favorite and one of the best rated is Discovercars.com - don't forget to enter your correct residence and age.

When selecting potential cars to book, pay attention to:

  • Age and residence of driver
  • A car adapted to the driving conditions of the country (e.g. In Mallorca, a narrow car is advised, in Madeira, you need enough power, in Iceland, a 4WD can be a good choice)
  • Cancellation rules
  • Authorized milage
  • Pickup location, hours and conditions
  • Authorization to cross border or take a ferry
  • Type of transmission (in Europe, you will find a lot of manual cars)
  • Deposit / caution
  • Ratings / reviews - check out my article about choosing the best rental company
  • Price of other extras (GPS, seat...) to compare offers at equal ground
Find great car rental deals

Car rental checklist - at the counter

For most booking, you have to finish the rental agreement at the counter.
Here are some final questions and check to make

  • Recheck the date before signing any paper (it happened to me that upon validation the system had changed the return date)
  • If you did not take insurance upon booking, decide if you want theirs to get the deposit to zero. But don't get bullied into it. It depends on your tolerance to risk.
  • Confirm at what level of fuel you must bring the car back
  • Ask about the management of tolls - do you need a tag
  • Ask the representative what to do if the car breaks down
  • Ask for any phone numbers to call should the car get stuck or break down - it is normally on your agreement, but it can relieve you to check
  • Ask how the return process work
one of my rental cars in Iceland

one of my rental cars in Iceland

Rental car inspection checklist - when picking up car

The most important for a worry-free rental experience, is to do a thorough check upon picking up the car.
This is where the most problems and scam occur.

First:

  • Bring a flashlight, or use the one on your phone if the rental area is a dark underground carpark
  • Take a picture of all the places where you find damage
  • Don't trust if the representative takes a picture and tells you it is going to be uploaded to their system - it is a new scam
  • Take the list below to make a complete check, because sometimes they are good are finding damages in places you would not have thought to check.

Outside - check a rental vehicle for...

  • All the doors and classic surroundings of the car
  • The roof, open the door, and climb on the side for a good look 
  • Under the bumper at the front (where people damage on sidewalk curbs)
  • Under the bumper at the back
  • Back of the mirrors + it folds properly
  • Tires (good level of inflation, no wear)
  • Fender (mud wing above the wheels) 
  • All glass
  • Fuel cap + info on what fuel is required + make sure you remember on which side it is.
  • L
rental car inspection checklist outside list

Inside

  • Spare tire and its condition
  • State of the seats
  • State of the plastics
  • Presence of a trunk cover (especially if road tripping, to hide your luggages)
  • Bodywork inside the trunk door
  • No odor
  • Check fuel level - does it match the record
  • Manual for the car (it does really come handy!)
  • All the mandatory equipment - it differs from country to country, you may need triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit...

Getting ready to drive

  • Make note where lights are
  • Make note where windscreen gear is
  • Make sure you understand where reverse gear is
  • Adjust seat and mirrors
  • Drive around the parking lot before leaving.
Find great car rental deals

Car rental return checklist

  • Go to the gas station to return the car with the right amount of fuel
  • Check the glove compartment that you have to left anythin
  • Check between the seats
  • Check under the seats
  • Check the seat pockets
  • Check the door bins
  • Check the trunk
  • Check the glass box (sometimes there is a case above the driver door, glasses have been forgotten there...)
  • Take pictures of any damage you may have caused
  • If you are returning after hours, and nobody is checking, take pictures of your car at the space and in good condition.
my rental car in Madeira

One of my rental car in Madeira

Location specific car rental tips

Check out all my tips about renting a car in a country / region:

Find great car rental deals

Download the rental car checklist (PDF) to print it

And for you to keep it handy during the entire process, you can download the PDF version:

 Click here to downloadGet Instant Access