The Unseen Risks of Car Rentals: A Traveler’s Guide to Pre-Rental Inspections
Imagine this: you’ve just landed at your exciting travel destination, ready to explore. You head to the car rental, eager to start your adventure. But in the rush, have you considered the unnoticed dents and scratches that might later cost you? This is a common oversight with car rentals, where the responsibility of identifying pre-existing damages often falls unfairly on the unsuspecting traveler. During my seven-week journey in Algarve, Portugal, I learned this the hard way.
In this article, I’ll share my experiences with car rental companies and provide a practical guide, born from necessity, on how to conduct a thorough pre-inspection (full guide available on hassle-free.rent). Get ready to arm yourself with knowledge and tips to fully enjoy your travels, free from the worry of unexpected charges for damages you didn’t cause.
Algarve, known for its stunning beaches, might be best explored by car. On our trip, I planned to rent cars to go for weekend hikes. I usually book through rentalcars.com to find the best price and they have an insurance provider, that I suggest you use, as it will give full protection in case something happens with the car.
Damaged cars from Sixt Portugal and lesson learned
My first rental was with “Sixt Rent a Car” in Albufeira. (You can read the detailed saga in my article “Don’t Get Scammed by Car Rental Companies in Albufeira.”) Here’s a brief rundown: After signing the contract, the pre-inspection process began, where I had to check the car and see if there were any damages, while the company representative informed me about scratches and dents that were already marked. Despite taking photos from different angles and believing the car was fine, a disturbing noise from the left front wheel soon surfaced after I left the car rental. Returning to “Sixt,” a different employee immediately noticed the issue and provided a replacement car, which, though marked with 17 existing damages, seemed okay at a glance.
However, in my rush and distraction, I didn’t photograph the passenger side. Fast forward to the car’s return eight days later, and a dent on the passenger side door became the center of contention. Without photographic evidence from the pre-inspection, the blame fell on me. Though my insurance from rentalcars.com covered the costs, the frustration of being wrongly accused (in my opinion) lingered with me for a couple of days.
Later, a look into “Sixt’s” online reviews confirmed my suspicions: an interesting pattern of similar complaints, resulting in a staggeringly low Trustpilot score with nearly 90% one-star ratings.
This incident was a wake-up call for me. It highlighted the strong need for a detailed pre-rental inspection — a lesson I applied in my upcoming rental with “Dollar Car”.
A More Meticulous Approach with Dollar Car
After my ordeal with “Sixt Rent a Car,” I approached my second rental with “Dollar Car” in Albufeira with a newfound vigilance. This time, I was equipped with a detailed checklist, determined to leave no stone unturned. Unlike my previous experience, the “Dollar Car” representative provided images of existing damages during the contract signing but didn’t accompany me for the inspection. I actually preferred this, as it allowed me to focus without distractions.
Methodically, I worked through each item on my list, taking multiple photos of every part, ensuring no detail was overlooked. Pointing to each scratch in the photos, I created a clear record that could be easily referenced if needed. While a video might seem quicker, I believe photos offer a more precise record, free from the limitations of angles and lighting that might obscure important details.
During my inspection, I discovered a new dent, minor scratches, missing valve caps on three tires, and a low antifreeze level — the latter indicating my level of thoroughness, even checking under the hood. I reported these findings back to the office. The missing valve caps were intentional, but we documented the new dent and the antifreeze issue. This experience validated my cautious approach, showcasing how a detailed inspection can uncover oversights that could potentially lead to disputes later.
Where Diligence Pays Off
The final car rental company I used in Algarve was “Visacar.” Of all the companies, I’d recommend “Visacar” for their superior customer service, and I plan to use them again on my return. Nevertheless, I didn’t let this positive impression deter me from performing a detailed inspection, following the checklist I had come to rely on.
At “Visacar,” like at “Sixt rent a car” Albufeira, a company representative accompanied me for the inspection. Picking up the car early in the morning presented a new challenge: the car was covered in dew drops, obscuring potential damages, especially potential scratches.
The employee suggested a double inspection — once now, and again when the car dried (which would be already done elsewhere not at their parking). I appreciated this advice, showing a level of consideration I hadn’t seen elsewhere.
As with my “Dollar Car” experience, I took numerous photos, covering every angle and part of the car. Although I found no dents, I did spot a few scratches and had them marked in the report. The employee, learning of my ordeal with “Sixt,” understood my diligence.
Later, back at the apartment, before leaving to Lagos, I re-inspected the now dry car and, to my surprise, found a dent on the passenger side’s rear fender (arch). A quick review of my morning photos confirmed it was hard to spot amidst the dew, but still visible thanks to the fact that the reflection was blurred in that place. I took new pictures and emailed them to “Visacar.” They acknowledged the update, and upon returning the car, there were no disputes.
This experience reaffirmed the value of a thorough pre-rental inspection, so I hope you will take my advice, and will check your rental car before you start driving it.
Car Rental 101: Your Checklist for a Flawless Inspection
After my experiences in Algarve, I realized the importance of a meticulous pre-rental car inspection. To assist with this, I’ve developed a free service to guide you through the process. You can access and use this rental car inspection guide.
But even if you choose not to use the service, here are key tips to keep in mind:
- The Rental Company’s Role: Remember, the rental company may not be proactive in pointing out damages during pickup. Take your time to thoroughly inspect the car, as they will scrutinize it when you return it.
- Immediate Reporting: If you spot any damage during the inspection, report it immediately. Waiting until after you’ve left the parking lot could be costly.
- Lighting Conditions: In poorly lit areas, like underground parking, ask to move the car to a better-lit area or use a flashlight to aid your inspection.
- Photos Over Videos: While videos can be helpful, photos provide a clearer, more detailed record of the car’s condition.
- Common Damage Areas: Pay special attention to the lower front bumper, front wheels, doors (for dents), windshield (for cracks), and the rear bumper area near the trunk.
- Interior Inspection: Don’t forget to document the car’s interior, including seats, display, and fuel level.
- Photograph Upon Return: Take pictures of the car when you return it, especially if you’re dropping it off after hours.
- Time Investment: A thorough pre-inspection might take time, but it can save you from stress and unexpected expenses later.
I hope these tips ensure your next car rental experience is smooth and stress-free. As my journey in the Algarve showed, undetected damages can be common, and it’s crucial to spot them before they become your financial responsibility.
