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How to protect yourself in case of damage during a rental

Whether you're renting out your vehicle or renting one for your holiday, a few simple steps before and after each rental can save everyone a lot of time, stress and money if damage is discovered later.

Before the rental: inspect the vehicle together

Before handing over the vehicle, take a few minutes together to inspect it carefully.

We recommend checking:

  • The exterior of the vehicle

  • The interior

  • Windows and mirrors

  • Furniture and cupboards

  • Kitchen equipment

  • Camping table and chairs

  • Electrical equipment

  • Any accessories included with the rental

If you notice existing damage, make sure it is documented before the rental starts.


Take clear photos in the check-in and check-out

Photos are one of the best ways to protect both the owner and the renter.

We recommend taking photos of:

  • Every side of the vehicle

  • The interior

  • Existing scratches or dents

  • Valuable accessories

  • The dashboard (including mileage if relevant)

The more complete the documentation, the easier it is to determine when damage occurred.


After the rental: inspect the vehicle again

As soon as the vehicle is returned, carry out another thorough inspection.

Do not wait until the next rental or your next holiday.

Check:

  • Interior

  • Exterior

  • Accessories

  • Furniture

  • Equipment

  • Any items that may have been damaged during the rental

If something is damaged, document it immediately with photos.


Report damage as soon as possible

If damage is discovered, report it immediately.

Waiting several weeks—or even months—makes it much harder to determine during which rental the damage occurred.

In some cases, it may no longer be possible to identify the responsible renter or process a claim.


Why this is important

The most common reason why damage claims cannot be processed is not because the damage isn't real.

It's because there isn't enough evidence to show:

  • when the damage occurred;

  • which booking it relates to; or

  • what the condition of the vehicle was before the rental.

Good documentation protects everyone involved.


Tips for vehicle owners

✔ Inspect the vehicle after every rental.

✔ Check all accessories—not only the vehicle itself.

✔ Take clear photos during every check-in and check-out.

✔ Report any damage as soon as you discover it.


Tips for renters

✔ Inspect the vehicle together with the owner before leaving.

✔ Report any damage immediately if something happens during your rental.

✔ Do not wait until the end of the rental if the vehicle is damaged or develops a technical issue.


Remember

A few extra minutes spent inspecting the vehicle and taking photos before and after each rental can make all the difference if a question about damage arises later.

By documenting the condition of the vehicle thoroughly, both owners and renters help ensure that any damage can be handled fairly, quickly and with the necessary evidence.

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