- Photos or a video of the car before you drive off, always.
- Check the deposit amount and whether it is held on your credit card.
- Read the insurance terms, especially the excess.
- Return the car with the same fuel level as at pickup.
- List every additional driver in the contract.
The first time we rented a car abroad, we signed the contract without reading it because the queue behind us was getting impatient and we just wanted to drive off. Three days later it turned out a scratch on the bumper we had not noticed at pickup cost us the equivalent of two rental days.
Since then we have our own list that we go through before every rental. It only takes a few minutes but saves a lot of hassle. We usually travel as a group, and every one of us has our own version of this lesson.
With your own car and a map, you reach places no bus ever stops at
Photos before you drive off, always
Before you drive off the lot, walk around the car and take photos, even better a short video, of all four sides, roof, tyres, interior. If there is a scratch or a dent, report it to staff right away, not afterwards.
Deposit, check before you sign
The deposit amount can vary a lot between rental companies, sometimes a few hundred euros, sometimes several thousand. It is usually held on a credit card, not a debit card, worth checking before you book, not once you get there.
Insurance, read the fine print
The basic insurance included in the rental price often has a high excess, meaning an amount you still pay yourself in case of damage. Additional cover with no excess is usually more expensive if bought on site than if booked online in advance.
Tested by us Compare car rentals →Fuel level at pickup and return
Most rental companies work on a "full to full" basis, so you return the car with the same fuel level you picked it up with. Returning it empty usually costs a lot more than the price at the pump.
Extra drivers cost more
If you want to take turns driving on the trip, every additional driver usually needs to be listed in the contract, often for an extra fee. Driving without being registered, and any damage during that time, can void the insurance cover.
Local traffic rules
Five minutes checking the key differences is worth it, speed limits, parking rules, whether an international driving licence is required. What is standard at home is not always the same elsewhere.
None of this is complicated, but together it keeps your mind at ease for the whole trip. A few minutes of checking at the start is the best investment you can make with a rental car.
This list comes from our own mistakes, not a brochure. If you have a similar car rental story, feel free to share it with us. — Pawel
