Photograph the car before you touch anything
Walk the full perimeter and photograph each panel, both bumpers, all four wheels, the windscreen and the roof. Include a wide shot showing the whole car and the location.
Photographs carry a timestamp, which is what makes them useful. Do this before moving the car, so nothing can be attributed to your driving.
The specific places damage hides
- Alloy wheel rims — kerb scuffs are the most commonly charged damage.
- The lower bumpers and sills, which are out of eyeline.
- The windscreen, for chips that spread later.
- The roof, invisible from driver height.
- The underside of mirrors.
Check that it works, not just that it is unmarked
Fluids and warning lights
Start the engine and confirm no warning lights remain lit. Check that the fuel gauge matches the level written on the form.
Tyres
Look at tread and visible pressure. A visibly soft tyre should be dealt with before you leave, not on the motorway.
Equipment
Confirm the spare or repair kit, warning triangle and jack are present, since their absence is charged at return.
Report anything you find before leaving
Anything you spot must be written on the handover form and acknowledged, not merely mentioned. A verbal "yes, we know about that" is worth nothing at return.
Photograph the completed form as well, so you hold a record of what was agreed.