Self-drive rental: what to check at pickup and return

What should you check when you pick up and return a self-drive rental? Fifteen minutes of checks at pickup prevent almost every dispute at return: existing scratches, fuel level, mileage and tolls. Here is a handover checklist you can open on your phone and follow step by step.

Before pickup: documents and contract

• Your documents: a valid licence and the ID requested. Details in documents for self-drive rental.
• Car papers: ask which papers stay with the car during the rental and where they are kept.
• Contract: read pickup and return times, the fuel level on return, any mileage limit and what happens if the car breaks down. Both parties sign a clear contract before handover. For longer rentals, see long-term contract clauses.

Photos and video at pickup

Film a walk-around video at the handover point, with the staff member in shot if possible. Then take close-ups of:

1. All four corners, both bumpers and both sides.
2. Each wheel and tyre, plus the spare if there is one.
3. Windscreen, mirrors, front and rear lights.
4. Interior: seats, roof lining, mats and boot.
5. The dashboard with the engine on: mileage, fuel or battery level and any warning lights.

Ask staff to note existing scratches on the handover form. Time-stamped photos protect both sides.

Fuel, mileage and warning lights

Record fuel level and mileage at pickup, and ask whether the car takes petrol or diesel. New to diesel? Read first-time diesel tips. For an EV, note the battery percentage and how to charge. If a warning light stays on after starting, report it before you drive off.

Electronic toll tag (ETC)

Ask whether the car has an ETC tag and how tolls are handled during the rental: top-up by you or settled at return. See ETC tolls on expressways.

At return

• Refuel or charge to the level agreed in the contract.
• Clear personal items from the boot, glovebox and under the seats.
• Walk around the car with staff and compare with your pickup photos.
• Photograph the dashboard: mileage and fuel level.
• Ask about tolls and how later traffic-camera notices are handled; see camera fines and rental cars.

Before a long drive, also see the pre-expressway checklist. Our fleet is 2022–2025 models, including VinFast EVs for self-drive. Quick-quote prices include the 10% discount; self-drive prices exclude fuel and tolls. See self-drive rental.

FAQ

Do I need a video if I already took photos?

Yes. One continuous video shows the whole car at one moment and is harder to dispute.

What if I return the car with less fuel?

The contract sets how it is charged. The simplest option is to refuel to the same level first.

What if a warning light comes on during the trip?

Stop somewhere safe, photograph the light and call us for instructions.

Are EV checks different?

Add battery percentage, the charging cable and how to charge. Everything else is the same.

Return-day routine

Refuel to the agreed level, remove rubbish and personal items, and arrive a little early. Walk around the car with staff and compare photos.

Ask how tolls and any fines are settled after return, and keep your copy of the return form.

See basic technical check and after an incident.

Quick answers

When is the deposit returned? As set out in the contract.

Can I return late? Tell the team in advance.