What to check when picking up a rental car

Picking up a car takes a few minutes, but it is the moment that decides how the return will go. This is the list we use ourselves when inspecting vehicles.

Exterior check

• Walk around the car and compare it with the condition report. Every scratch or dent should be noted.
• Photograph all four corners, the wheels and the windscreen. Dated photos are the best evidence.
• Check the tyres, including the spare or the repair kit.

Interior and equipment

• Fuel level and mileage must match what is written in the contract.
• Test the air conditioning, lights, wipers and look for warnings on the dashboard.
• Mandatory equipment: warning triangle, vest, first-aid kit and spare bulbs.

Documents

The car should carry its registration and insurance policy, and you keep the rental agreement. If you are travelling outside Croatia, ask for a cross-border permit in advance.

What to ask at the desk

Ask how much the deposit is and when it is returned, what the insurance covers and how high the excess is, and what to do in case of a breakdown. With us the answers are the same at every office and written in the contract, but it never hurts to hear them again.