Bali Car Rental Handover Checklist: What to Check Before You Pay
The car’s outside your villa, the driver is holding out the keys, and you’re itching to get going. Give it five more minutes. A quick, methodical check at handover is the best protection you have against damage disputes — and if you’re paying on delivery, it’s your chance to refuse a car that isn’t right before any money changes hands.
1. Film the bodywork
- Start a video at the front bumper and walk slowly around the car.
- Get close to every scratch, dent and scuff, and say it out loud (“scratch on rear left door”).
- Film the roof (stand on a step if needed), the bumpers’ lower edges and all four wheels — kerbed alloys are a classic dispute.
- Send the video to the rental on WhatsApp so there’s a timestamped copy.
2. Tyres and spare
- Tread visible on all four tyres, no bulges or cracks.
- A spare tyre, jack and wheel brace in the boot. Flat tyres happen in Bali.
3. Inside the car
- Air-con blows cold, front and rear.
- Seatbelts work in every seat you’ll use.
- Child seat, if requested — right size, properly anchored.
- Note any stains, tears or burns on the seats.
4. Lights, wipers and horn
Headlights, brake lights (ask the driver to look while you press the pedal), indicators, hazard lights, wipers and horn. Rain in Bali is heavy; working wipers aren’t optional.
5. Dashboard
- Photograph the fuel gauge and odometer.
- No warning lights should stay on after the engine starts.
6. Documents
- The STNK (registration) is in the glovebox, valid, and matches the plate.
- You have your licence, IDP and passport with you — see IDP for Bali.
7. Agree the terms in writing
Before you pay, make sure WhatsApp shows: the total price, rental dates and times, pick-up location at the end, fuel policy, and what happens if there’s damage or a breakdown.
8. Pay — and only then drive off
If you booked through the SiapPergi car catalogue (our sister site), this is the moment you pay — in full, by bank transfer or e-wallet, with no deposit up front. If something isn’t right, don’t accept the car. More in car rental Bali, pay on delivery.
At return
- Refuel to the same level and photograph the gauge.
- Film the same walk-around video in the same spot.
- Remove rubbish and sand — a quick vacuum at a petrol station costs little.
- Get a message from the rental confirming the car was returned in good order.
Printable summary
| Check | Done? |
|---|---|
| Walk-around video sent on WhatsApp | ☐ |
| Tyres + spare + jack | ☐ |
| Air-con cold, seatbelts OK | ☐ |
| Lights, wipers, horn | ☐ |
| Fuel & odometer photos | ☐ |
| STNK in glovebox | ☐ |
| Terms confirmed in writing | ☐ |
Renting a scooter too? Use the scooter inspection checklist. Prices for every car: car rental Bali price per day.
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 24 areas.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check when picking up a rental car in Bali?
Film the bodywork and wheels, check tyres and the spare, test the air-con, lights and wipers, photograph the fuel gauge and odometer, and make sure the STNK is in the glovebox.
How do I avoid damage disputes with a Bali car rental?
Record a detailed video at handover and at return, send it to the rental on WhatsApp, and agree damage terms in writing before you pay.
What is the STNK?
The Indonesian vehicle registration document. Police ask for it together with your licence at checkpoints, so it must stay in the car.
Can I refuse a rental car if it’s in bad condition?
Yes, especially if you’re paying on delivery. Don’t accept or pay for a car that isn’t what you booked or isn’t safe.