Renting a vehicle seems simple enough — sign the agreement, grab the keys, and hit the road. But what if the rental company later claims you returned the car with damage that you know wasn’t your fault?
This very scenario has come up with several of our clients. Fortunately, they avoided costly disputes thanks to one piece of advice from Candy Maxwell, a trusted advisor on our team: always take a video of the rental vehicle — both when you pick it up and when you return it.
It takes less than a minute, but it could save you thousands of dollars.
Why video? In many cases, if there’s no timestamped, visual evidence, it’s your word against theirs — and rental companies often have legal and financial resources on their side. Candy has seen firsthand how clients were able to walk away from these situations with no penalties, simply because they had clear, time-stamped footage showing the condition of the vehicle.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Before you drive off: Walk around the car and record a full video, noting any dings, scratches, or damage. Open the doors and get shots of the interior if you notice anything unusual.
- When you return it: Do the same. Capture a clean 360° video — and make sure the date and time are visible or easily traceable from your phone’s metadata.
- Bonus tip: Take photos of your rental agreement and mileage/fuel levels before and after, just in case.
At Bender Insurance Solutions, we don’t just help you find coverage — we help you avoid claims in the first place. This simple practice is now part of our standard risk management advice for business travelers and individuals alike.
Questions about rental insurance, liability, or how your policies respond when renting a vehicle? Reach out — we’re here to help you navigate the fine print before it becomes a problem.
By Maggie Bender-Johnson and Candy Maxwell, Bender Insurance Solutions
