What to Check Before Picking Up a Rental Car

Picking up a rental car should be a simple, stress-free experience. And with the right preparation, it is. The most important step — one many renters skip entirely — is a thorough inspection of the vehicle before you drive away. This single habit protects you from being held responsible for damage you did not cause.

Why the Pre-Pickup Inspection Matters

Rental cars are used by many different drivers. Despite good maintenance practices, minor scratches, scuffs, and dents accumulate over time. If existing damage is not documented before your rental begins, there is a risk it could be attributed to you at return. A five-minute check at pickup eliminates this risk entirely.

Exterior Inspection Checklist

Walk around the entire vehicle — not just the driver's side. Check:

• All four body panels: look for scratches, dents, and paint chips. Pay special attention to bumpers, door edges, and wheel arches.
• Windscreen and windows: look for cracks or chips, even small ones. A small chip can become a crack during your rental and may be charged as damage.
• Lights: check that all headlights, taillights, and indicator lights are intact (no cracked lenses).
• Tyres: check visible tread depth and look for any obvious cuts or bulges in the sidewall.
• Wheels: look for kerbing damage on alloy wheels — a common issue that is sometimes pre-existing.
• Roof: if you can safely see it, check for dents or scratches, particularly on SUVs.

Take Photos and Video

This is the most important step. Before getting in the vehicle, use your phone to film a slow, steady walk-around video — all four sides, the roof if visible, and the interior. This creates a timestamped record that is difficult to dispute. Upload it immediately to your cloud storage or send it to yourself.

Interior Inspection

• Seat condition: note any stains, tears, or burns
• Dashboard: check for warning lights — if any are illuminated, report them immediately
• Air conditioning: turn it on and verify it works
• Fuel gauge: note the exact level and confirm it matches the rental agreement
• Document packet: verify the vehicle documents, insurance certificate, and roadside assistance information are in the glove box

Report Everything Immediately

If you notice anything during your inspection that is not already documented in the existing damage record, report it to Auris Cars before driving away — via WhatsApp or verbally. Get confirmation that it has been noted. This is not about creating complications; it is about protecting yourself.

Auris Cars maintains a high standard of vehicle condition, so most inspections are straightforward. But the habit of checking is always worth keeping. A clean rental experience starts with a careful pickup — and ends just as smoothly when you return the car.