Car rental agreement: what to check before you sign

Confirm the all-in price and exactly what it covers, the refundable deposit and how it is returned, the fuel policy, and any mileage limit with the cost of extra distance. These are the terms that most often lead to disputes, so make sure the figures match what you were quoted.

Check who is responsible for damage and how liability is handled, whether the car is insured, and what happens in the event of a breakdown or accident. Read the section on fines during the hire so you know what you are agreeing to.

Note the exact return date, time and location, along with the late-return and extension rules, so a small delay does not turn into an unexpected charge. If you might need the car longer, ask how extensions work before you sign.

Photograph the car inside and out at handover, including the fuel gauge and any existing scratches, and make sure any pre-existing damage is written into the agreement. This simple step protects your deposit when you return the car.