Rental Cars Protocols
By Fred Flamer
If you travel frequently, there is a good chance that at some point you will need to rent a vehicle. While most rentals are uneventful, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses, headaches, and even crime.
The first rule is simple: only rent through reputable and well-known rental car agencies. Book directly through the company's official website or official phone number whenever possible. You would be surprised by the number of people who book through questionable third-party websites and end up paying a steep price in unexpected fees, reservation issues, or outright scams.
Before leaving the rental lot, take a few minutes to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Walk around the car and look for:
- Dents
- Scratches
- Cracked glass
- Wheel or rim damage
- Interior damage or noticeable stains
I strongly recommend taking photographs of all sides of the vehicle before driving away. Those photos may save you from being blamed for damage that was already present.
While you're at it, make sure the windows, locks, lights, and other basic features are functioning properly. Also verify that the vehicle's license plate matches the license plate listed on your rental agreement.
Another area that deserves attention is insurance coverage. Before purchasing additional coverage from the rental agency, determine what protection you may already have.
Check the following:
- Your personal auto insurance policy
- The credit card used for the rental
- Any travel or umbrella insurance policies
Many travelers pay for coverage they already have because they never take the time to verify what is included. If you have questions, ask. It is always better to verify beforehand than to discover coverage gaps after an accident.
You should also take the time to read the rental agreement carefully. Pay particular attention to:
- Fuel requirements
- Mileage limitations
- Additional driver fees
- Return policies
- Toll road and toll bridge charges
Speaking of tolls, I have noticed something over the last several years that I jokingly refer to as "toll extraction points." It seems like you can drive down a road one day and return a few months later only to discover that a new toll collection point has magically appeared overnight. Whether you agree with them or not, they are becoming increasingly common, and rental car companies often charge additional administrative fees on top of the toll itself. Understanding how tolls are handled before you leave the lot can save you from an unpleasant surprise later.
Now let's talk about crime prevention.
I know this banjo has been strummed ad nauseam, but never leave valuables visible inside a vehicle.
Not your laptop.
Not your purse.
Not your backpack.
Not even a charging cable.
Criminals often view charging cables as indicators that electronics may be stored somewhere inside the vehicle.
Unfortunately, keeping valuables out of sight is not always enough.
There is a certain class of criminal that has become surprisingly good at identifying rental vehicles. In some tourist-heavy areas, criminals know that rental cars frequently contain luggage, electronics, passports, and other valuables. Even when nothing is visible, they may assume valuables have been locked in the trunk and break into the vehicle based on that assumption alone.
Because of this, I advocate traveling light whenever possible.
If you are carrying sensitive documents, electronics, medications, passports, or other important items, keep them centralized in a single travel bag and keep that bag on your person whenever practical. The fewer valuables left in the vehicle, the less you have to worry about.
If available, consider renting a vehicle equipped with an alarm system and always lock the doors, even during brief stops.
Additional Ways to Protect Yourself
- Park in well-lit, highly visible areas.
- Avoid advertising that you are a tourist or visitor.
- Be aware of "Bump and Distract" theft schemes.
- Remove all GPS destinations, contacts, and personal information before returning the vehicle.
- Avoid leaving keys unattended unless using an approved after-hours drop box.
- Keep rental paperwork secured and out of sight.
Final Thoughts
When people think about rental car risks, they often focus on accidents and vehicle damage. In reality, the biggest risk for many travelers is not the vehicle itself.
It is the theft of luggage, electronics, passports, financial information, and personal documents left inside.
A few minutes of preparation before you leave the rental lot can save you hours of frustration and potentially thousands of dollars later.
As with many things in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
-Fin-
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© 2026 Fred Flamer. All Rights Reserved.