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Rental car return and parking photo checklist

Photograph a rental car every time you leave it: when you park it somewhere new, and when you return it. Get the plate, the space, the fuel gauge and any marks. Many companies won’t charge extra if you’re under 30 minutes late, though an add-on may still bill a full day. Fill in your rental below.

FTC guidance · Rental terms vary by company

A car key and fob on a white background
Photo by Barry A on Unsplash

Why you photograph it each time you leave it

A rental is a car you don’t know, parked in places you don’t know. The plate and color tell you which one is yours. A photo of the space tells you where it was and that it was fine when you walked away. If something happens in a hotel garage overnight, the last photo you took is what you have.

Photos from pick-up matter too, because a mark in the return photos needs something to compare against. Keep those to the four corners, the marks and the gauges. Ask for any existing damage to be written on the form as well: a photo backs up the paperwork, it doesn’t replace it.

A white SUV parked by a wall, seen from the side

A plate and a color tell you which car is yours.

Photo by Vlad Kutepov on Unsplash

What the FTC says about returning it

Most companies require a full tank, the FTC says, and some let you prepay for one. Many won’t charge extra if you’re less than 30 minutes late, but you could still pay a full day for an add-on such as liability coverage, so if you’re running late, compare the late charges with extending the reservation. Some companies charge a fee if you return the car more than 24 hours early. Your agreement decides.

Connected cars can keep your phone’s details. The FTC advises you to delete your data from the system before you return the car, or the next renter may be able to see it.

Returning it off schedule

  1. 1
    Under 30 minutes lateMany companies won’t charge extra, though an add-on may still bill a full day.
  2. 2
    Later than thatCompare the late charges with extending the reservation.
  3. 3
    More than 24 hours earlySome companies charge a fee.

FTC. Your agreement decides.

App screen: Where exactly? with the note Level 3 · B18

Remember a car you don’t know

Save the rental’s spot in Where Did I Park and add a note like “White Corolla, Level 2”. It walks you back. Free on iPhone. About the app

Download on the App Store

What to do next

Remember a car you don’t knowNote the color, plate and levelAll photo checklistsValet, street, garage and moreHit while parked?Make a record for your insurer

Quick answers

What should I photograph when I return a rental car?

All four corners, any marks, the fuel gauge and odometer with the car on, and the car in the return bay with the time on the photo.

Do I have to return a rental car with a full tank?

The FTC says most companies require it, and some let you prepay. Your agreement decides.

What happens if I return a rental car late?

Many companies won’t charge extra for under 30 minutes, the FTC says, but you could still pay a full day for an add-on such as liability coverage.

Sources: FTC — Renting a car

Reviewed : FTC advice on renting a car · how we check · report an error