A thorough rental car walkaround inspection is your best protection against unfair damage charges. Rental companies have been known to charge customers for pre-existing damage, so documenting everything before you drive off the lot is essential.
Start at the rental counter: make sure the rental agreement has a diagram where you can mark existing damage. Don't accept a pre-filled diagram—walk around the actual car and compare. Any discrepancy should be noted before you sign.
Take a video walkaround starting with the license plate (confirms the car's identity). Slowly walk around the entire vehicle, narrating each panel. Zoom in on any scratches, dents, or wear. Open all doors, the trunk, and the hood, checking for interior damage too.
Use CarShake's rental car mode: scan the vehicle before accepting the keys. The app timestamps your scan with GPS coordinates and stores it securely. When you return the car, scan again to prove no new damage occurred during your rental period.