Digital Photography Hacks

Rental-Car Tips and Other Auto Hacks

A camera phone can help you prove that you didn’t put those dents in a rental car. And if you do get in an accident, it can document what really happened.

As you’ve probably figured out, many camera-phone hacks are also appropriate for regular digital cameras. What makes your camera phone unique is that you probably have it with you in some odd situations, such as when you’re renting a car or find yourself involved in a fender bender.

Rental-Car Checkout

At most rental-car shops, an agency rep walks around the automobile with you before sending you off into the world. This is a great time to pull out your camera phone and photograph any scratches or dents he points out. Be sure to get his hand in the picture to make an identifying element that is unique to that car.

Then take a few more shots: one from the front, looking down one side of the car, and another from the back, looking up the other side. Be sure to get the license plate in at least one of these pictures. Also, get one full shot of the agency rep standing next to the automobile. Work quickly, so that you don’t interfere with the regular flow of business.

When you return the car to the lot, take your basic photos again to prove that you returned it in good shape. Be sure to get at least one shot that shows where you are, and if there’s an agent accepting the return, get him too. This documents that you returned the car in good shape.

Fender-Bender Documentation

Nobody likes being involved ...