Pickup photo mode

Before you start

• Check your phone's camera saves the date, time and location (location services on for the camera). The original files carry this metadata; messaging apps often strip it, so keep the originals.
• Set your phone's clock to automatic time.
• Ask for the pickup condition report before you go to the car, and compare it with what you see.

At pickup: shot list

1. A first photo that shows the bay or station sign and the number plate (sets the place and time)
2. One slow, continuous video walking all the way round the car, without cuts; say the date and time out loud
3. Each side, front and back from about 2 metres, then close-ups of every scratch, dent or chip (put a key or finger next to it for scale)
4. Wheels and rims (kerb scuffs are a common charge), tyres
5. Windscreen and glass, from outside at an angle (chips show better)
6. Roof, bumpers from low down, under the front spoiler
7. Interior: seats, boot, spare wheel or repair kit
8. Dashboard with the engine on: fuel gauge, mileage and any warning lights, in one shot
9. The pickup report with every existing mark noted. If something you found is missing, go back to the desk and ask them to add it, or email the station a photo before you leave
10. Your signed contract: photograph each page, especially fuel policy, excess, deposit and any extras

At return

1. Refuel near the station if your policy is full-to-full, and keep the receipt (time and place)
2. Repeat the walk-around video in the return bay, with the bay number visible
3. Dashboard photo: fuel gauge and mileage
4. Ask for an inspection with you present and a signed return report saying "no new damage". If nobody is there (key drop), photograph the key box and the car in the bay
5. Photo of your card statement or banking app showing the hold, then check it is released

Afterwards

• Back up the original files to your computer or cloud, in one folder per rental.
• Keep them until well after your card statement is clear: charges can arrive weeks later, and card-dispute deadlines are often around 120 days.
• Charged anyway? Run the free check: the firm still has to prove its claim.

Based on ECC-Net and ECC Malta car-rental guidance (see sources). Photos help, but we cannot promise they will settle a dispute.