Take pictures of rental car

I read the letter “Car Rental Security Deposit Not Returned in Full” (March ’15, pg. 23), in which a rental company later claimed there was damage to the vehicle.

For those of you renting, when receiving your car, whip out your smartphone or camera and deliberately walk around the car, taking a picture of each side, the hood and the top of the car. If you’re short, like me, open the door and stand on the frame to take a picture of the top.

Then, where you sign your name on the contract, put a notation on the form that you’ve taken pictures of the car. This way, they’ll know you have a record of the car’s condition, and if there is a problem, it won’t be just their word against yours after you’ve left the country.

Do not be aggressive, just polite and firm!

Here in the US, they often bring the car out “washed.” When a car is wet, it’s almost impossible to see scratches and small dents. The last time I rented a car, they pointed out only fairly large dents and scrapes. 

Of course, if they say the undercarriage has been damaged, you’re probably out of luck if you’ve left the country.

Get smart, not scammed!

JOYCE RENEE LEWIS

Camano Island, WA