The handover checklist: fuel, mileage and photos

The handover is the moment that makes a peer-to-peer rental go well. Take five minutes with the owner, and both of you will hand the keys back with peace of mind.

1. Walk around the car together

Look at each side, the bumpers, the wheels and the windscreen. Point out any scratch or dent you see, even small ones, so they are noted before you leave.

2. Take dated photos

Photograph the four sides, the interior and anything already damaged. Photos taken on your phone are dated automatically: keep them until the rental is closed.

3. Note the fuel level and the mileage

Take a picture of the dashboard with the engine on: it shows the fuel or battery level and the odometer at the same time. Check the kilometres included in the listing, and what an extra kilometre costs.

4. Check the papers and the equipment

• Registration certificate and insurance certificate in the glove box.
• Warning triangle and high-visibility vest.
• Spare wheel or repair kit, child seat if you asked for one.

5. Agree on the return

Confirm the time and place of return, and how to reach each other if you are running late. At return, do the same walk-around: if nothing has changed, the rental is closed in two minutes and you can both leave a review.