When you go to hire or rent any car you will find that it would have gone through a thorough check .the rental company will have a check list of the car or van which you are about to rent. I have compiled a list of checks which the rental company will go through before and after the car van or truck is rented. When you collect the car van or truck it would have had a valet and would generally be in very good condition .Most vehicles are less than a year old.

Exterior checks

Front windscreen

Rear windscreen

Windows this would include all fixed and door windows

Drivers Headlamp

Passenger Headlamp

Driver side indicator

Passenger side indicator

Also any indicators which may be fitted to the vehicle as this may vary

Driver's side tail lamp

Passenger side tail lamp

Driver door mirror

Passenger door mirror

Front grille

Roof

Boot lid

Bonnet

Ariel

All doors

Front bumper

Rear bumper

Driver side tyre

Driver side rear tyre

Passenger front tyre

Passenger side rear tyre

Spare tyre

Drivers side front wheel trim or alloy

Driver side rear wheel trim or alloy

Passenger side front wheel trim or alloy

Passenger side rear wheel trim or alloy

Interior Items Checked

Radio or CD player

Carpets

Headlining

Boot carpets

Floor mats

Parcel shelf if fitted

Driver side door trim or panel front

Driver's side door trim or panel rear

Passenger side door trim or panel front

Passenger side door trim or panel rear

Driver's seat

Passenger seat

Rear seat

Dashboard

Tool kit and car jack

Drivers hand book

Also any attachments such as cup holders or satellite navigation systems.

Once you have been shown the car that you are about to rent it is strongly adviseble to check the vehicle yourself for any defects and to point them out to the sales person. Always ask the advisor to write down any points which you have found this way you can dispute any damage at a later date.

As most of the check lists are very much standard it is not very often any items are missed.

The assistant will also tell you about the type of fuel that the vehicle that you are renting uses this may either be petrol or diesel. Be sure not to fill up with the wrong type of fuel. When you open the fuel flap you will be reminded also what fuel to use.

Some rental companies supply cars with a full tank of fuel this can be very handy because you may be in a hurry to get on with your journey. But always remember to return the car van or truck with a full tank of fuel also. The reason why is because the hire company may charge you additional prices compared to high street prices.

When booking you may request a car which is automatic or manual transmission , this usually depends on the type of car that have , most prestigious cars have automatic transmission compared to the small to medium cars.

Customers should also ask about the level of insurance that is covered when they rent .in many cases the insurance will not cover for missing wheel trims or damaged alloys petrol caps, tools, or the spare wheel, it may not cover electric aerial damage, glass or tyres. Generally it will not cover accidental damage or negligent damage. You will always be charged for cigarette burns.

One more thing to mention is to return you car truck or van in a clean condition, you may get charged to valet the returned car if it is found to be excessively dirty the price of cleaning can vary. Once it has been fully cleaned it will be inspected again and any damage will be charged to you.