Short answer: Take five minutes at pickup: check the bodywork, glass, tyres, mileage and fuel level together with the staff, make sure everything you see is written on the hand-over form, and photograph all four corners of the car. At return, bring the fuel back to the level you received it at, collect your belongings and sign the return form together. These two checks prevent almost every later dispute.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| 1. Bodywork | Doors, bumpers, wings and roof: scratches and dents. Each one should be written on the hand-over form. |
| 2. Glass and mirrors | Chips or cracks in the windscreen, mirror covers. |
| 3. Tyres and wheels | Visible damage, scuffed rims, any tyre that looks flat. |
| 4. Mileage | Make sure the odometer reading is written correctly on the contract. |
| 5. Fuel level | The level on the gauge goes on the form; the same level is expected at return. |
| 6. Warning lights | Turn the ignition on: if an engine, brake or tyre-pressure warning stays lit, say so straight away. |
| 7. Lights and wipers | Headlights, indicators, brake lights and wipers all working? |
| 8. Interior | Burns, tears or stains on the seats; does the air conditioning work? |
| 9. Registration and papers | The car's registration document should be in the car; keep a copy of your contract. |
| 10. Mandatory equipment | A warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher must be in the car; check the spare wheel and jack too. |
| 11. HGS toll tag | All our cars have an HGS tag; tolls are charged to your card at the end of the rental. |
| 12. Extras | Are the extras you booked, such as a child seat, fitted and in good condition? |
Before you drive off, photograph all four corners of the car, any damage up close, the odometer and the fuel gauge. A short video walking slowly around the car works just as well. The date and time your phone records show the photos were taken at pickup. Repeat the same shots at return.
At pickup and at return, the vehicle hand-over form is filled in and signed by both sides. If you see damage that is not on the form, have it added before you sign. Always take a copy of the contract you sign; the mileage, fuel level and return time are written on it.
Coming back from a long trip? Our guide to holiday drives also covers checks before a long journey.
The deposit taken from your card at pickup is refunded at the end of the rental, minus any charges not included in your booking (such as missing fuel, damage or fines). Because of bank processing, it takes 3–5 business days to appear on your card. Details are on our rental conditions page.
On rentals of 3 days or more we deliver the car to your address in Istanbul free of charge. Use the same checklist at your door: fill in the hand-over form with our staff and take your photos. If you prefer to collect from an office, here are our 18 pick-up points.
Damage that is not on the form may look like new damage at return. That is why you should walk around the car at pickup, have everything you see added to the form, and photograph it.
The cost of the missing fuel and a service fee are added to your invoice. Returning it at the level you received it is always the better option.
There is a grace period of up to 60 minutes. If you will be later than that, call the office or our central line in advance to update your return time.
The refund is processed at the end of the rental; depending on your bank, it appears on your card within 3–5 business days.
