What to Check Before Picking Up a Rental Car

Before picking up a rental car, check five things: exterior damage, tyre condition, interior controls, fuel level, and insurance details. Getting all of that documented at pickup takes two minutes, but saves a lot of trouble down the line. 

That said, most people are tired, running late, or just ready to get on the road by the time they reach the counter. As a result, they rush the walkthrough and end up paying for damage they never caused.

We at https://www.glapacked.com have helped enough travellers sort through rental disputes to know exactly where the process breaks down. That’s why we put this rental car checklist together to walk you through every step before driving away.

Let’s start where most problems begin: the outside of the car.

Start Outside: Check the Body for Damage First

The exterior check is the most important step because any damage not documented here can be charged to you at return. If it’s not on the inspection report, it doesn’t exist as far as the rental company is concerned.

So before anything else, walk slowly around the entire car, starting at the front and continuing along every panel. Look closely for scratches, dents, chipped paint, and any uneven surfaces on the bodywork, including the bumpers, doors, and roof. The windscreen deserves extra attention since even small chips can be flagged as pre-existing damage later.

Once you’ve finished the visual check, take clear photos of anything that looks off. A short video walkthrough is even better since it captures the full condition of the car in one continuous record.

After you’re done with the photos, take them to the desk and ask the rental staff to note any damage on the inspection report before you drive off. With 183 complaints and 251 enquiries filed about vehicle hire disputes in just two years, a thorough inspection record at pickup is your strongest protection.

Tyres, Lights, and a Quick Road Test

The most common safety issues on a rental car are already present before you leave the lot. A quick inspection is usually enough to catch them.

Begin with the tyres. Look for visible damage, uneven wear, or signs of low pressure on all four wheels. Since tyres affect both braking and handling, anything unusual should be reported before the journey starts.

The lights are next. Test the headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights. Even one faulty bulb can result in fines or unnecessary stops during your trip.

Once the engine is running, check the dashboard for warning lights. They should appear briefly and then disappear. If tyre pressure, engine, or oil warnings stay on, notify the rental staff immediately. It’s also worth taking a slow drive around the car park to feel for any unusual braking or handling.

Fuel Level and the Return Policy

Fuel rules are one of the easiest things to overlook with a rental car, especially if you assume every company handles them the same way. To avoid surprises later, confirm these details before you head out:

• Fuel Level: Check the gauge and confirm it matches what’s recorded on your rental agreement. If it doesn’t, raise it with the staff immediately so it gets corrected before you drive away.
• Fuel Type: Petrol and diesel nozzles can look very similar, which makes it easy to put the wrong fuel in a rental car. That mistake can lead to expensive engine damage. That’s why you should always confirm the correct fuel type before filling up.
• Return Policy: Before you set off, take a moment to review the return conditions, including the required fuel level, after-hours drop-off process, and any cleaning expectations. Miss any of these, and you’re likely to find an extra charge waiting on your final bill.

Those small details are often what separates a smooth return from an unexpected bill. That’s why it’s worth confirming all return conditions upfront.

Getting Familiar With the Inside of the Car

Spending two minutes getting familiar with the inside of the car before you leave the lot beats realising mid-trip that you can’t find the hazard lights or figure out an unfamiliar display. That means checking the standard controls first, along with a few extra features if you’re picking up an EV. We cover both below.

Standard Controls and Safety Features

Once you’re inside, adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering column to a comfortable position. Then work through the basics: test the seatbelts, check that the horn responds, and confirm that the air conditioning and heating both work properly. 

It’s also worth checking the windows, since one that won’t close fully can quickly become a problem during a long drive. If anything feels off, it’s much easier to deal with it while you’re still at the rental lot.

EVs and Non-Standard Vehicle Tech Worth Noting

Electric vehicles and hybrids often include controls and displays that differ from standard petrol cars. So before you pull out, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the layout.

From there, focus on the EV-specific basics, like the battery charge level, charging cable, charging controls, and driver display. In case anything looks unfamiliar, ask the rental staff before you leave.

We’ve had customers call us mid-trip because they couldn’t figure out how to open the charge port on an EV they’d never driven before. That’s why we always tell drivers to check the basics before leaving the lot. A quick conversation with the rental staff is a lot easier than troubleshooting on the side of the road.

What Your Insurance Covers

Rental insurance typically covers collision damage and theft. Many rental companies exclude certain types of damage from the purchase price unless you ask about them directly. Let’s break down what’s usually included and what to confirm before you accept the agreement.

• Collision Damage Waiver: This reduces your financial liability if the car is damaged in a collision. It doesn’t mean you pay nothing, though. Your excess still applies, and the amount varies between companies.
• Theft Cover: Covers the vehicle if it’s stolen, but personal belongings inside are not included. Those fall under your travel insurance, so check what your policy covers before you leave home.
• Common Exclusions: Standard cover often excludes tyres, windscreens, underbody, and interior damage. Left unchecked, they can lead to unexpected repair costs. So ask about these specifically before accepting the agreement.

Quick Tip: If you’ve taken out additional cover, confirm it’s listed correctly on your paperwork before you leave. This way, you’ll have clear proof of your coverage if any issues arise later.

Rental Car Inspection: Common Questions Answered

Most renters have a few questions before they get to the lot. Below are some of the most common ones:

How long does a rental car inspection take?

Around ten minutes is generally enough to cover the exterior, tyres, interior controls, fuel level, and insurance details. It’s a small time commitment that can save you from a costly dispute later.

Do I need to do a road test before driving off?

Yes, and it doesn’t have to be long. A slow drive around the car park is enough to feel for any unusual braking or handling issues. If something feels off, report it to the staff before you leave the lot.

What should I do if I find damage during the inspection?

Photograph it, then take it to the rental desk before you drive away. Ask the staff to note it on the inspection report. If it’s not documented, it doesn’t exist as far as the rental company is concerned.

Is rental car insurance included in Australia?

It depends on the company and the level of cover included in your agreement. Basic cover is usually included, but most standard policies exclude tyres, windscreens, and underbody damage. Always ask what’s covered before you accept the agreement.

Last Checks Before You Take the Keys

A quick walkthrough at pickup covers most of what you need to avoid issues later across Australia. If you’re unsure what to double-check, use this simple checklist:

• Exterior damage noted and confirmed with staff
• Tyres checked for visible issues or low pressure
• Interior controls tested (lights, windows, air conditioning)
• Fuel level matches the rental agreement
• Insurance and return conditions confirmed
• Photos or videos taken of the car’s condition

If anything is unclear before collecting your car, it’s best to get it sorted in advance. The team at GLAPacked can help answer any rental-related questions before pickup so you can get on the road without delays.