Before hiring a car — and after

“We encourage renters to check their vehicle for damage when they collect the vehicle, walk around the vehicle occasionally during the rental period to check for any new damage that may have occurred in shopping centres, and confirm the condition of the vehicle with an authorised car-rental company representative when the vehicle has been returned.”

So says Winston Guriah, president of the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association. And for very good reason.

Do not assume that the company has marked every flaw on its check sheet when you are handed the keys. Do a thorough check, including checking the roof for dents, and if you find a scratch or dent that isn’t noted on the form, call a staffer and ask them to amend it.

“The onus is on you to inspect the vehicle immediately upon delivery to ensure that the vehicle is free of any defects and is not damaged and/or scratched,” Bidvest’s contract states.

Hertz’s contract requires customers to ferret around in the boot, too — and go as far as making sure the jack works!

When dropping the car off, make sure you note any damages, or lack of damages, with the staff member, in writing.

Hertz’s contract carries a warning for those who don’t bother with this.

“If no such report is completed and signed by the renter, the renter shall be deemed to have accepted the contents of the vehicle inspection report completed by the rental company.”

And that’s a very risky thing to do.