At pickup, walk around the car with the company's representative, record every mark on video and on the inspection form, photograph the odometer and fuel level, and make sure you understand the controls, the roof, the toll arrangement and the emergency contact before you drive away. At return, repeat the process. If something goes wrong on the road, protect people first, call the police when the law requires it, notify the rental company at once and collect evidence before the car is moved when it is safe to do so.
Before you reach the car
- Bring the driver's license, the card used to book and any passport or insurance letter the company asked for.
- Re-read the agreement for the mileage allowance, the permitted territory, tolls, fuel type, and the contact for roadside help.
- Know who is allowed to drive. Anyone not on the agreement should not touch the keys.
- Check your own limits: the requirements guide lists what companies usually verify, and the insurance guide explains coverage questions to settle first.
The pickup walk-around
Do not rush this step, even if the representative is in a hurry. Use a phone to take a continuous video, then still photographs of close-ups. Say the date, time and location out loud at the start of the video.
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Front bumper and lip | Scrapes, cracks, splitter damage, paint chips |
| Wheels and tires | Curb rash on each wheel, tire wear, any warning on the dash |
| Body panels and doors | Dents, scratches, paint mismatch, door-edge chips |
| Windshield and glass | Chips and cracks, which are common claims |
| Roof and convertible top | Operation, fabric tears, seals; ask for a demonstration |
| Underside | Visible scrapes if you can see them |
| Interior | Leather, trim, screen, switches, stains |
| Dashboard | Warning lights, odometer, fuel or charge level |
| Keys and accessories | Number of fobs, charger, roof cover, toll transponder |
Make sure each mark is written on the inspection sheet, and take a photograph of the signed sheet. If the form does not match what you see, correct it before you sign, not afterward.
Learn the car before you pull out
- Practice the start procedure, gear selector, parking brake and drive modes.
- Find the lights, wipers, hazard lights, air-conditioning controls and the fuel door release.
- Confirm which fuel to use. Many exotics need premium gasoline.
- Ask how the nose-lift system, launch mode or sport exhaust works, if the car has them, and how to switch them off.
- Save the company's emergency contact in your phone and photograph the roadside-assistance details printed in the agreement.
- Ask how tolls are billed; the toll guide explains the options.
During the rental
Keep valuables out of sight, lock the car every time, and park in visible, well-lit places. Observe the traffic rules summarized in our guide to Florida driving rules for visitors. Keep to the permitted area and the mileage allowance. If a warning light appears, stop in a safe place and call the company rather than driving on.
The return checklist
- Refuel to the level in the agreement, with the correct grade, and keep the receipt.
- Remove your belongings and any trash; clean excessive sand or dirt where reasonable.
- Arrive on time. Late returns can add a day of rent.
- Repeat the video and photographs of every panel, the odometer and the fuel gauge, with a timestamp.
- Have the representative sign a return form noting condition, mileage and fuel.
- Ask when the deposit will be released and keep your documents until it is.
If there is a crash
- Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Do not move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger.
- Make the scene safe. If the car can be driven and no one is injured, move it out of the travel lane when permitted. Turn on hazard lights.
- Call the police when Florida law requires it. Our driving rules guide explains which crashes must be reported.
- Exchange information. Take names, phone numbers, insurance details, license plates and the officer's name and report number.
- Document the scene. Photograph all vehicles, damage, road signs, skid marks and the surroundings before anything is moved if you can do it safely.
- Notify the rental company immediately. The agreement usually sets a short deadline and may void coverage if you delay.
- Avoid blame. Do not argue or admit fault. Stick to facts when speaking with the police and insurers.
- Do not authorize repairs. Let the company direct towing and repair, and keep every receipt.
- Tell your own insurer if your policy or card may be involved, as covered in the insurance guide.
If the car breaks down
Move to the shoulder or a safe parking area, turn on the hazard lights, and call the company's roadside number from the agreement. On a busy highway, never stand between the car and moving traffic; wait behind a barrier well away from the lanes if there is one, or stay belted in the car if there is not. Dialing *FHP on a mobile phone reaches the Florida Highway Patrol. Do not accept help from a tow operator who simply turns up; ask the rental company who it is sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the pickup inspection take?
Plan for 15 to 30 minutes for a supercar or ultra-luxury car. A thorough inspection and briefing are worth the time, because disputes usually come from damage nobody wrote down.
Should I film the car at pickup?
Yes. A continuous video with a few close-up photographs, taken before you leave and again at return, is the strongest evidence of the car's condition.
Should I sign the inspection form if it misses damage?
No. Ask the representative to add every mark you find, then photograph the corrected, signed form. Damage that was not written down at pickup is hard to dispute later.
Can I drive the car to a body shop myself after minor damage?
No. Rental agreements usually require the company to arrange or approve repairs, and an outside repair can void its coverage and leave you paying twice. Report the damage, photograph it and let the company decide where the car goes.
What if the car has a warning light but still drives?
Do not continue driving a high-performance car with a warning on. Pull over safely and call the company's roadside line.