Before You Rent a Car
Talk to your insurance agent to verify what coverage you have when renting a car.
Talk to your road service provider to see if they cover service calls on rental cars.
Tuck a small flashlight into your carry-on bag.
At the Rental Car Counter
Ask the representative how they know the car you're renting has completed its prerental maintenance check.
Ask the representative what to do if the car breaks down.
Ask the representative what will happen if you lose the car key.
Ask for any phone numbers to call should the car get stuck or break down.
At the Car
Take a walk around ; ensure there's no obvious damage.
Make sure the license plates are current.
Look at the tires for inflation, good tread, and even tread wear.
Get in and check the cleanliness and smell of the car.
Check the odometer.
Check the lights.
Spray the windshield to ensure that the washer system works and the wipers are in good shape.
Ensure that there's an owners manual in the glove box.
Do under-hood and under-trunk inspections.
Check the trunk for a spare tire, jack and lug wrench.
Open the hood and check the fluids.
Get in and familiarize yourself with the cockpit.
Adjust the seats and mirrors.
Drive the car inside the rental lot before taking to the open road.
When You Drop Off the Car
Check mileage.
Check gas gauge.
Locate your cell phone, eyeglasses, wallet, and briefcase.
Check on and under front and back seats.
Check the trunk.
Check glove and storage compartments.
Inspect the car for damage.

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