Rent a Car Checklist
Table of Contents
Before You Rent a Car
Make an agenda
For how long will you be renting a car? What size vehicle do you need? Consider the cost of parking and gas. If you are traveling in a big city, look into public transportation options, and you may be able to cut your rental time in half.
Shop around for deals online
;Compare rates of the most well known ;rental services. You should call at least three different places that have a solid reputation and good customer reviews.
Are you traveling and renting a car from the airport? ;You may be able to book your flight and car rental for cheap, as part of a package deal online
This can be a convenient option, as you can return the car to the airport on your last day. Beware, though, as some companies charge additional airport fees.
Talk to your credit card company
Some credit cards offer discounts for car rentals.
Call your insurance agent to verify what coverage you have for car rentals
Get advice on any supplemental insurance - if ;any - you may need.
Contact your road service provider to see if they cover rental car service calls
Some services will get you discounts as well. If you are a AAA cardholder, for example, you may be entitled to a discount on the rental vehicle.
Make a reservation
Call to reserve your vehicle only after researching your options and making the necessary calls. Reservations should always be free, so you can cancel if something comes up.
Bring/Have with You
Driver's license and any other necessary I
D., ;such as a passport
Insurance card, as well as contact info for insurance agency
Reservation confirmation info
To Ask At the Car Rental Counter
Has the car you're renting completed its pre-rental maitenance check? If the clerk can't answer, be suspicious
What to do if the car breaks down? Get the necessary contact information.
What is covered under the rental insurance?
What happens if the car is stolen?
Is there a spare key in case the key is lost?
When and where do you return the car? Some agencies allow you to return the rental to a different location from where you picked it up
Other facilities will let you drop off the car even if the office is closed.
Does the tank have to be full upon return? Some companies request a full tank, while others simply ask that you return with at least a half tank or at the same fuel level upon renting.
At the Car
Walk and check
Look carefully at all sides of the exterior, to ensure that there’s no ;obvious damage. ;Know that you can be held responsible for undocumented ;damage once you leave the rental car lot.
Make sure the license plates are valid.
Check the tires for inflation, good tread, and even tread wear
;Uneven tread wear could indicate a ;suspension or alignment problem. ;If tread wear looks markedly uneven, you should ask for another vehicle.
Read the odometer
Does the car have over 25,000 miles on it? If so, you should be more thorough with your inspection, as older cars tend to have more wear and tear.
Ensure all vehicle lights work properly
This includes headlights, turn signals, interior and dashboard lights.
Test the windshield wipers and washer
This may seem like a small detail, but it's one of the biggest consumer complaints as well as a safety issue.
Locate the Owner's Manual in the glove box
You will need this if there's a feature you don't know how to work, or if you need to perform any ;maintenance ;tasks yourself.
Check the trunk for a spare tire and tools for changing a flat
You should see a jack and a lug wrench. ;Test the tire to ensure it's inflated. Refer to the owner's manual to see if your rental requires any other tools for tire-changing, such as a socket or other items.
Open the hood to check the fluids
Make sure there's enough washer fluid, antifreeze and oil.
Ensure the car is comfortable and you can operate brakes, accelerator, and steering wheel without any difficulty
Familiarize yourself with the dashboard and any additional controls.
Drive the car around the parking lot first
If there are any problems with the way the car drives, it's best to assess this beforehand.
On the Road and In the Car
You might want to bring a mini-toolkit with you, in case of roadside emergencies
Paper towels or wipes in case you want to check/change your oil or fluid levels
A small flashlight
Ensure ;you have all documents with you: ;Driver's license, ;vehicle registration, ;insurance info, ;contact numbers for roadside service and ;contact info for the rental agency
If you don't have a GPS, map out your route before you get behind the wheel.
Download or Print this Rent a Car Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Lauren Meir
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Details
You know to compare quotes when looking for a car rental, but what about insurance coverage? How can you be sure your rental is safe? Our car rental checklist gives you the essential tools for the task, both at the counter and on the road.
Tips
- Be advised that purchasing additional insurance at counter is more expensive and not always necessary. Check with your insurance provider for details.
- Make sure to have the name and contact info of the clerk who assists you.
- If you're renting an older car, be more thorough in your inspection. Check to ensure there's enough brake, transmission, and power-steering fluid.
Who it's for
This Rent a Car Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Rent a Car essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Rent a Car structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Rent a Car Checklist
- Save Rent a Car Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Rent a Car (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.