Have you ever returned a rental car thinking you were paid in full, only to get hit with additional fees a few days (or weeks) later?
It’s no fun trying to dispute a charge after the fact, but there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself.
The best defense? Document everything.
Compare Airport and Off-Airport Rental Locations
Before automatically renting your car at the airport, compare the total price with nearby off-airport rental locations.
I’ve saved a LOT of money this way because airport rental locations can come with additional taxes and fees that make the same car significantly more expensive.
But an off-airport location only saves you money when it makes sense for your trip.
Check the location’s hours before booking, especially if you’re traveling on a weekend or holiday. Many neighborhood rental locations have shorter hours or may be closed entirely, while airport locations tend to have longer hours.
Also factor in the cost and inconvenience of getting to and from the rental location. A cheaper rental isn’t much of a deal if you spend a significant amount on Uber, Lyft or a taxi to get there.
The goal isn’t always to rent away from the airport. It’s to compare your options and choose the one with the best total cost and convenience for your trip.
Document the Car Before You Drive Away
Whenever I rent a car, one of the first things I do is document its condition.
Before leaving the rental lot, take a slow walk-around video of the entire car. Capture:
- The front and back
- Driver’s and passenger’s sides
- Wheels and tires
- Windshield
- Any visible scratches, dents or other damage
If you spot existing damage, take close-up photos of it as well.
Then photograph the dashboard showing:
- Odometer reading
- Gas tank level
That last one can be particularly important. If you’re required to return the car with a full tank and are later charged for fuel, you’ll have a photo showing how much gas was in the car when you received it.
Before driving away, make sure any existing damage is also noted on your rental agreement or acknowledged by the rental company.
Do It All Again When You Return the Car
Don’t stop documenting just because your trip is over.
Before you hand over the keys, take another walk-around video showing the condition of the car when you returned it.
Then take another photo of the dashboard showing the final odometer reading and gas level.
If you filled the tank shortly before returning the car, hang on to the gas receipt, too.
It only takes a couple of minutes, but now you have documentation showing the car’s condition, mileage and fuel level at both pickup and return.
Keep Your Rental Car Paperwork
Don’t toss your paperwork as soon as you return the car.
Keep copies of:
- Your original rental car contract with a detailed listing of the fees
- The final inspection or return receipt from the rental car company
- Your fuel receipt, if applicable
- Any other documentation related to the rental
Compare the final rental charges with your credit card statement to make sure you were charged what you expected.
And don’t immediately delete your photos and videos. Keep everything until the final rental charge has posted to your credit card and you’re sure there aren’t any unexpected charges.
A Few Minutes Can Save You a Big Headache
No one wants to spend time after a vacation arguing over a rental car charge.
Taking a few photos, shooting a quick video and keeping your paperwork gives you documentation if you’re ever charged for damage, mileage or fuel that you don’t believe you owe.
It takes just a few minutes at the beginning and end of your rental, and it could save you a lot of time, money and frustration later.
Looking for more ways to lower the cost of your rental car? Check out my guide to saving money on rental cars for more tips before you book.
DO YOU HAVE A RENTAL CAR TIP THAT’S HELPED YOU?
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