Rental car return checklist: less rush, fewer surprises

Your rental car return checklist starts before flight day: read the return time, location and fuel or charging policy on your agreement. If you need to refuel or charge, plan that stop instead of hoping something convenient appears at the exit.

Give yourself room for the handover and the airport shuttle as well as your airline’s arrival guidance. Keep any fuel or charging receipt, and follow your company’s instructions if you’re returning outside staffed hours.

Before walking away, photograph the car’s condition, fuel or charge display and odometer. Check the seats, trunk and charging ports for your belongings. A forgotten cable is annoying; a forgotten passport is a whole different afternoon.

Keep the return confirmation and review the final receipt when it arrives. If a charge doesn’t match your agreement, contact the company listed on your rental documents with the relevant paperwork. ROAM can help you understand the process, but it can’t change the bill or manage the booking.