When traveling, some people choose to solve transportation issues by renting a car. This can be more convenient and flexible than using public transportation, but it also comes with higher risks of accidents and the need to cover insurance and vehicle damage costs. Experts suggest that the first thing to do after renting a car is to check its condition to avoid being charged for any damages that were not your responsibility when returning the vehicle.
According to a report by The Huffington Post, American travel expert Sally French mentioned that many car rental companies conduct quick inspections upon return. If they find any dents or scratches that were not previously documented, you must prove that you are not at fault.
If you can quickly inspect the car before taking it and find evidence of existing damage, it can save you a significant amount on repair or compensation fees. However, travel blogger Rocky Trifari pointed out that not all rental companies are equally detailed or honest in recording pre-existing damages, which could lead to you being held financially responsible for previous or post-return damages.
Without evidence, you can only argue verbally with the rental company, but personally documenting the condition of the vehicle puts the control back in your hands. Financial and budget expert Andrea Woroch advised that reporting any damages before driving off can make it easier to prove that you are not liable for the vehicle’s damage.
Taking photos can validate your claims as you can show pictures with timestamps to prove that any scratches, dents, or damages were not caused by you. She reminded people to thoroughly inspect both the interior and exterior of the car, especially if it is parked in a poorly lit area, and to move it to a well-lit location for a better assessment.
She recommended taking photos and immediately reporting any signs of damage to avoid misunderstandings or false claims in the future. It is essential to start taking pictures with your phone as soon as you receive the car. French suggested not forgetting to photograph the roof and the underside of bumpers, as these areas are often overlooked but could hide concealed damages. Additionally, documenting the mileage and fuel level is crucial to prove that you returned the vehicle in the same condition.
Travel blogger Esther Susag emphasized that international rental companies may have stricter requirements, making it especially important to develop this habit when traveling abroad. She mentioned that she always checks the tires and rims, as some companies may quickly file claims for flaws in these areas. Rushing through the process could lead to overlooking these crucial checks.
She advised keeping these photos for at least a few weeks after the trip, as some rental companies may file damage claims days later. She also recommended returning the vehicle during business hours whenever possible so that staff can confirm everything is in order on the spot.
French concluded by highlighting that disputes over damages can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when dealing with these issues after the trip. Taking a few quick photos is one of the simplest and wisest solutions. Spending two minutes on this task can save you a lot of trouble and money.
Previously, a money-saving expert revealed that the most costly aspect of renting a car abroad is the insurance fee. However, if you use a credit card to rent a car, some issuing banks or financial institutions may cover these insurance costs. For instance, Visa’s “Signature” card members automatically receive collision and damage insurance. It is advisable to verify before traveling if your issuing bank or financial institution covers medical insurance fees.