When picking up a rental car, quickly verify four things: the condition of the bodywork and interior, the mileage, the fuel level or battery charge, and that the documents and handover form match. When returning, repeat the same steps and compare them with what you noted and photographed at the start. The procedure is always the same; only the focus changes depending on the vehicle and planned route. Let's look at three different situations.
The Basics That Apply to Every Car
Before you go to the vehicle, have a valid driving licence and identity document at hand. The minimum age is 21 years and the deposit amount is shown in the vehicle details. You can also find an overview in the rental terms.
Then go through this short checklist at the vehicle:
- Bodywork: walk around the vehicle, look for scratches, dents and chips on the windscreen.
- Wheels and rims: check for worn rims and tyre condition.
- Interior: check the upholstery, plastics and cleanliness.
- Odometer: note down the mileage.
- Fuel or battery: photograph the dashboard with the ignition on.
- Equipment: verify the air conditioning, any navigation system and other equipment you need.
Have any damage recorded in the handover form and photograph it so that it's clear where on the vehicle it is. Keep photos on your phone with the date taken.
Situation 1: A City Day with Fabia
You're renting a Škoda Fabia for one day, perhaps for errands around Prague. The vehicle has a manual transmission, air conditioning and a 1.0 TSI engine. The limit for a one-day rental is 300 km per day, so you're unlikely to approach it in city driving.
With a small car in city driving, the usual issues are minor damage to the bumpers and sides where the car scrapes during parking. Walk around these parts slowly and at close range during pickup. When returning:
- park the car so it can be photographed from all sides,
- take the same photos as you did during pickup,
- check that no personal items have been left in the car.
If you need the car to be delivered, arrange this in advance by phone or email. Delivery around Prague is possible by arrangement; see services overview for more details.
Situation 2: An Electric Car for Working Days
For travel between meetings, you're considering a Škoda Enyaq iV. With an electric car, 'fuel' is the battery charge level, so photograph the display showing the charge and estimated range during pickup. Take the same photo when returning.
What else to check:
- Charging cable and accessories: verify that they are in the vehicle, if they are included. Have this confirmed in the form.
- Battery charge and return policy: ask during handover how the charge level is handled on return. Have the specific rules confirmed, don't assume.
- Mileage: the Enyaq has the same daily limits as other vehicles in our range, namely 300 km for a one-day rental and 250 km per day for a 2–5 day rental.
Practical tip: with an electric car, plan your return with a buffer and don't leave charging to the last minute. Read more about operating an Enyaq iV in Prague.
Situation 3: A Longer Trip and Travel to the EU with Kodiaq
You're planning a longer trip with a Škoda Kodiaq (2.0 TDI, automatic 4×4, 5 seats). For longer trips, monitoring mileage is essential. For a 2–5 day rental, the limit is 250 km per day; for 6–14 days, it's 200 km per day. Note the starting mileage at pickup and calculate straight away how many kilometres you can drive in total.
If you're travelling abroad:
- the trip must be arranged in advance, and only to EU countries,
- assistance services are mandatory for trips abroad,
- have the documents and contacts explained to you during handover.
On a longer trip, photos don't end with the pickup. If anything happens during the journey, photograph the situation immediately and contact the rental company. When returning, photo documentation from both ends of the trip will help. For the mileage limit itself, our article on planning routes by kilometres is also useful.
What Stress-Free Return Looks Like
Whatever you're driving, you can simplify your return this way:
- Arrive with time to spare. The daily rate is charged after 24 hours, so keep track of the time you picked up the car.
- Photograph the vehicle from all sides, including the odometer and fuel gauge or battery display.
- Empty the cabin and boot.
- Have the vehicle's condition confirmed at handover. Sort out any discrepancies on the spot, not afterwards.
- If damage has occurred, contact the rental company as soon as possible; in case of an accident, the customer pays a contribution based on the insurance type.
You'll find our office at Westfield Černý Most, Chlumecká 765/6, Prague 14. If you have any questions, call +420 703 149 146 or email [email protected], or use our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to photograph if the car looks fine?
Yes. Photos are a simple safeguard for both parties. It takes a few minutes and if there's ever a dispute about the vehicle's condition, you have documentation.
What if I notice a scratch during pickup?
Tell us immediately and have it recorded in the form. Also photograph it both close-up and from a distance.
How do I find out the rules for fuel or battery charge?
Ask during booking or handover and have it confirmed. We'll tell you the rules for your specific vehicle by phone or email.
Can I return the car outside the agreed time?
Return time needs to be arranged in advance. If you're running late, let us know by phone as soon as possible.
Booking
Choose a vehicle to suit your needs and book it online at /rezervace. We're also happy to advise you by phone.
