Have all important documents available

Ensure that you have printed out your booking confirmation and present it together with your passport, credit card and driving licence.

Read the rental agreement

Carefully examine the rental agreement when you are at the car hire agency.

Examine the insurance terms and conditions

Read all the terms and conditions and question the representative if there is any need for clarification before signing the agreement.

Inspect the car during collection

One should always examine the car together with a representative before driving away. If you find any damage on the car, this is to be reflected in the Vehicle Condition Report. If you fail to draw attention to damage that is not noted in the report, you may be penalised for such when the vehicle is returned. Be particularly careful of this in Italy.

Check extra equipment

In the event that you have ordered extra equipment, check that it is present and in working order.

Acquaint yourself with the instruments

Since most damages occur within the first day, it is wise to acquaint yourself with all the car’s instrumentation and drive around the parking area before taking to the road.

Examine the car thoroughly

Ensure that you examine the car thoroughly before returning it. Check the glove compartment, the back of the car and areas between the seats. It may be extremely difficult to retrieve something that you have lost, especially abroad.

Remember your own keys

Remove all your keys from the rental car’s key ring.

Take the rental agreement

Grab a copy of the rental agreement since it probably contains personal data and credit card details. This may prove useful if some problems arise later.

Report any problems with the car

Report any problems with the car to the rental agency, otherwise you may be charged for this at a later occasion.

Request a receipt

Request a receipt when you have returned the car; and marked as a “Cash payment” where you have settled in cash.

Return the car yourself