Back to blog

Why You Should Always Check the Car Rental Agreement

Thailand Rent-a-Car editorial teamReviewed by a Phuket car rental specialistSeptember 2, 2026 · 1 min read

In short: the agreement is the only source of your terms. Before signing, check the coverage and excess, the deposit and its reduction options, the fuel rule, the list of authorised drivers, the working hours and out-of-hours terms. This prevents surprise charges.

Insurance coverage and excess

Clarify what the coverage includes and what the excess is. The basic option covers third-party liability but not the car itself; extended coverage lowers the excess down to zero.

Deposit and reduction options

Check the deposit amount and the available "Low deposit" / "No deposit" options, as well as the terms and timing of its return.

Fuel rule

Record the fuel level at pick-up and the return rule — this avoids any dispute over a shortfall.

Authorised drivers

Make sure everyone who plans to drive is listed. Driving by an unlisted driver usually voids insurance for that event.

Hours and out-of-hours

The station works from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM; pick-up and return outside these hours are arranged as a separate service. Check the agreed return time.

Inspection and condition record

Inspect the car together with a staff member, note existing damage and take photos/video. This is your protection at return.

FAQ

What is most important to check?
Coverage and excess, the deposit, the fuel rule, the driver list and out-of-hours terms.

Should I photograph the car?
Yes, recording the condition at pick-up protects you from disputed deductions.

What if an unlisted driver drives?
It usually voids insurance for that event and increases the renter's risk.

Check available cars for your dates
Choose a car

Related articles

How Much Late-Night Car Pick-up Costs in Phuket

When You Should Not Rent a Car in Phuket

How to rent a car at Phuket International (HKT) — Phuket