01
Exterior
- Photograph front, rear, both sides and corners.
- Capture existing wheel, tire and rim damage.
- Photograph windshield, mirrors and visible roof damage.
- Make sure every existing mark is recorded on the rental inspection.
Printable checklist
Rental Car Pickup Inspection Checklist
Inspect and document the car before luggage and trip pressure take over. Photograph every side, wheels, glass, roof where visible and the fuel/charge level; then verify spare-tire or repair equipment, warning lights, controls, contract restrictions and emergency contact details before leaving the lot.
Go to the guidechecklist4 planning sectionsReviewed 2026-09-03
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Answer first
Use the constraint that changes the plan.
Inspect and document the car before luggage and trip pressure take over. Photograph every side, wheels, glass, roof where visible and the fuel/charge level; then verify spare-tire or repair equipment, warning lights, controls, contract restrictions and emergency contact details before leaving the lot.
02
Interior and controls
- Check warning lights after start-up.
- Locate headlights, hazard lights, wipers, demister and parking brake.
- Set mirrors and seat before moving.
- Confirm navigation/phone mount does not block the driver's view.
03
Road-trip equipment
- Locate spare tire or repair kit and confirm it is complete.
- Check jack/tools where supplied.
- Verify winter tires/chains or other booked equipment.
- Confirm charging cable or adapter where applicable.
04
Contract and return
- Screenshot fuel/charge level and odometer.
- Confirm road/ferry/border restrictions.
- Save roadside-assistance and collision-report numbers offline.
- Confirm return location, hours and fuel/charge rule.
Official references
Recheck what can change
Sources were reviewed on 2026-09-03. Current road, rental and access rules can change sooner.