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Renting with confidence: a 10-point pickup checklist

What to inspect, photograph and sign before you drive off. A printable checklist new renters can keep on their phone.

Lanezy
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Most rental disputes come from things that took 30 seconds to verify at pickup. Here's the checklist we give first-time renters.

Before you sign

  1. Walk the full perimeter. Look low: curb rash on alloys is the most-missed.
  2. Photograph each panel and the wheels in good light.
  3. Check the fuel level on the dashboard matches the paperwork.
  4. Confirm spare tyre, jack and warning triangle are present.
  5. Test the AC, headlights, indicators and wipers.

After you sign

  1. Save the supplier's WhatsApp number to your phone.
  2. Verify your insurance documents are in the glovebox.
  3. Set the seat, mirrors and Bluetooth before pulling away.

On return

  1. Refill to the agreed level. A roadside refuel beats a Casablanca surcharge.
  2. Get a written or photographed return condition statement.

Spend ten minutes here and you'll spend zero minutes arguing later.