What to Do If Your Rental Car Has a Pre-Existing Scratch: The Georgia Reporting Checklist (WeRent)

Spot a scratch before your Georgia rental trip starts? Make a pre-existing scratch report rental car Casco Georgia record immediately: photograph it, report it at handover, and get it written into the handover notes or vehicle condition report before you drive off.

What you need before pickup (quick checklist)

Use this checklist before you accept the keys in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, or at any Georgia airport pickup point. The goal is simple: prove that any scratch or dent was already there, so it is treated as pre-existing damage and not your responsibility later.

Bring or prepare:

• A charged phone with enough storage for photo documentation and video.
• Mobile data or Wi-Fi access so you can contact support quickly if needed.
• Your booking confirmation and rental agreement.
• Your passport, driving licence, and any required international driving permit.
• A few minutes of daylight or a phone flashlight for shaded areas.
• A note-taking app or messaging thread to record time, place, and agent confirmation.
• The habit of checking every panel before you drive away.

With WeRent, rentals in Georgia include 100% Casco included, a zero deposit policy, 24/7 support assistance, and delivery to your chosen pickup point. That still does not mean you should skip the pickup handover inspection. Casco protection works best when the condition of the car is clearly recorded from the start.

Time and cost

• Time needed: 5–10 minutes for a normal car; 10–15 minutes for an SUV, family car, or dark/dirty vehicle.
• Cost: €0. Inspection and reporting should be part of the handover process.

Step 1: Stop and inspect with the “top-to-bottom” method

Before loading bags, setting navigation, or leaving the pickup point, pause and walk around the car slowly. This is the moment when you have the strongest evidence that a mark was already present.

Start from the roof and work downward:

1. Roof, windshield top edge, and sunroof area if fitted.
2. Hood, front bumper, grille, headlights, and fog lights.
3. Left front fender, front door, rear door, and side mirror.
4. Left rear quarter panel, rear bumper, tailgate or trunk, and taillights.
5. Right rear quarter panel, rear door, front door, and side mirror.
6. Right front fender and lower bumper edges.
7. Wheels, tire sidewalls, and wheel arches.
8. Interior high-contact areas: door trims, dashboard, seats, trunk floor, and child-seat contact points if relevant.

Georgia trips often include mixed road conditions: city parking in Tbilisi, tight hotel streets in Batumi, airport handovers in Kutaisi, gravel access roads, mountain routes, and busy roadside stops. Small marks on bumpers, door edges, and wheel arches are common areas to check carefully.

What counts as worth reporting?

Report any visible scratch or dent, cracked plastic, paint chip, scuffed bumper, wheel scrape, mirror mark, windshield chip, or interior tear. Do not decide that a mark is “too small to matter” unless the agent confirms it does not need to be logged.

Should I report a scratch if it’s already on the car?

Yes. Should I report a scratch if it’s already on the car? Always report it before the trip begins. A pre-existing scratch is not a problem if it is documented; it becomes a problem when nobody records it and there is a dispute later.

When is the best time to report pre-existing damage in Georgia rentals?

The best time is during the pickup handover inspection, before you drive off. If you notice pre-existing damage while the agent is still present, point to it immediately and ask for it to be added to the rental damage report, handover notes, or vehicle condition report.

Time and cost

• Time needed: 5–15 minutes depending on vehicle size and lighting.
• Cost: €0.

Step 2: Take photos that prove it’s pre-existing (angles + close-ups)

Good photo evidence should answer four questions: what is damaged, where it is on the car, when you saw it, and whether the car was still at pickup.

Use this photo sequence for each scratch:

1. Wide photo of the whole side of the car showing the damaged panel.
2. Medium photo showing the scratch and nearby reference points, such as the door handle, wheel, headlight, or fuel cap.
3. Close-up photo of the scratch itself.
4. Angle photo from the side so the depth and paint condition are visible.
5. Pickup-context photo showing the car at the airport, hotel, office, or delivery point if possible.

If the scratch is hard to see, take one photo without flash and one with flash. For white, silver, or dark-colored cars, change your angle until the reflection makes the mark visible.

What photos are enough to prove a scratch is pre-existing?

Enough means the photos show the exact mark, its location on the vehicle, and the timing. Timestamped photos are strongest because they connect the scratch to the start of the rental. Most smartphones store date, time, and location metadata automatically, but you can also take a screenshot of the photo details or send the images in a support chat to create an additional timestamp.

For a clear record, capture:

• The full vehicle side or corner.
• The damaged panel.
• The scratch close up.
• A photo with the number plate visible if appropriate.
• A photo of the odometer at pickup.
• A photo of the pickup location or handover setting.

Photo checklist table

Evidence type	What it proves	Best practice
Wide exterior photo	Which side or corner had the mark	Include the whole panel and nearby doors or wheels
Medium panel photo	Exact location of the scratch	Frame the scratch with a handle, light, or wheel for scale
Close-up photo	Shape and severity	Tap to focus; avoid blurry reflection-only shots
Timestamped photos	When the damage was recorded	Take them before moving the car
Odometer photo	Vehicle had not been driven far yet	Photograph mileage at handover
Handover location photo	Context of pickup	Include airport, hotel, street, or delivery point background where practical

Time and cost

• Time needed: 2–5 minutes per visible damage area.
• Cost: €0.

Step 3: Report the scratch on the spot (ask for it to be logged)

Once you have photos, tell the handover agent clearly and immediately. Use direct wording:

“Please record this scratch as pre-existing damage before I accept the car.”

Then show the mark in person and send or share the photos if requested. The key is not just noticing the scratch; the key is making sure the damage is recorded in contract documents, the vehicle condition report, or handover notes.

What should I ask the agent during handover to avoid later disputes?

Ask these questions before signing or leaving:

• “Is this scratch already listed on the vehicle condition report?”
• “Can you add it to the handover notes now?”
• “Can the rental damage report show the exact panel and location?”
• “Will these photos be attached or acknowledged?”
• “Can you confirm in writing that this is pre-existing damage?”
• “Is there anything else on the car that is already recorded?”

If you are collecting the car at night or in bad weather, say that visibility is limited and ask the agent to confirm how to report anything found immediately after better lighting. With WeRent, 24/7 support assistance is available, so you have a channel if a concern appears outside office-style handover conditions.

How do I handle it if the scratch looks minor but seems new?

Treat it as reportable. A minor scratch can still create disagreement if it is noticed at return and was never documented. Do not rub it, polish it, or try to judge whether it is old or new. Photograph it, point it out, and ask for handover notes confirmation.

Time and cost

• Time needed: 2–5 minutes for normal logging.
• Cost: €0 unless the rental contract lists a specific optional service unrelated to damage reporting. Reporting pre-existing damage should not create a charge.

Step 4: Get confirmation in writing (handover notes / rental report)

Verbal confirmation is helpful, but written confirmation is what protects you if there is a question at return. Ask for the scratch to be marked in the paperwork or digital record before you leave.

The record may be called:

• Handover notes.
• Vehicle condition report.
• Rental damage report.
• Pickup checklist.
• Contract notes.
• Digital handover form.

The wording does not need to be complicated. It should identify the damage and where it is. For example:

• “Scratch on left rear door, pre-existing at pickup.”
• “Scuff on front bumper right corner, noted at handover.”
• “Small dent on rear hatch below badge, photographed before departure.”

How do I make sure the scratch is recorded for 100% Casco included coverage?

Make sure there is a written or digital record tying the scratch to pickup. Ask for the damage to be listed as pre-existing, then save a copy or photo of that note. For 100% Casco included coverage, the practical issue is not only the insurance label; it is whether the condition of the car at pickup is clear if someone checks later.

For strongest protection, keep three matching items:

1. Your own photos.
2. The agent’s written or digital confirmation.
3. A timestamp showing the report happened before the car was driven away.

Why written confirmation matters under a zero deposit policy

A zero deposit policy removes the usual large security hold, which makes pickup simpler. It does not remove the need to document vehicle condition. Written confirmation supports surprise charges avoidance because it shows that the mark was already known before the rental period began.

WeRent publishes this guide so renters in Georgia know how to document a scratch correctly at handover, protect their included Casco coverage, and avoid unnecessary uncertainty at return.

Time and cost

• Time needed: 3–7 minutes.
• Cost: €0.

Step 5: If you notice it later, act fast and follow the same evidence rules

Sometimes a scratch becomes visible only after you leave the pickup point: daylight changes, rain dries, dust clears, or the car is parked under stronger light. If this happens, do not wait until return.

Report immediately through the support channel you were given. Send the same evidence you would have collected at pickup:

• Wide photo.
• Medium photo.
• Close-up photo.
• Odometer photo.
• Current location.
• Time noticed.
• Explanation that you believe the mark was pre-existing.

Use clear wording:

“I have just noticed this scratch after leaving pickup. The car has only been driven from the handover point to this location. Please record it as reported immediately and confirm next steps.”

What if I only notice the scratch after leaving the pickup point?

Act as soon as you see it. The shorter the time and distance between pickup and your message, the stronger your position. Take timestamped photos before driving further, contact 24/7 support assistance, and ask for written confirmation that your report has been received.

Can a scratch that wasn’t documented still lead to charges later?

Yes, it can. If a scratch is found at return and there is no pickup record, no photo evidence, and no message showing you reported it early, it may be difficult to prove that it was pre-existing. That is why immediate reporting is the safest process.

Time and cost

• Time needed: 5–10 minutes to photograph, message, and save confirmation.
• Cost: Usually €0 to report. Any responsibility question depends on the contract, evidence, and timing.

Step 6: Avoid common mistakes that trigger Casco disputes

Most damage disagreements are not caused by one tiny scratch. They happen because the evidence is incomplete, late, unclear, or only verbal.

What mistakes usually cause pre-existing damage disputes?

Avoid these mistakes:

1. Driving away before inspecting the car.
2. Taking only one close-up photo with no location context.
3. Assuming small bumper marks do not matter.
4. Relying on “the agent saw it” without written confirmation.
5. Reporting the mark at return instead of at pickup.
6. Forgetting to photograph the odometer.
7. Using blurry night photos with no flash or second angle.
8. Not saving the support chat or email.
9. Ignoring interior damage, wheel scrapes, windshield chips, or mirror marks.
10. Waiting a day or two because the scratch looks minor.

Common dispute triggers and how to prevent them

Mistake	Why it causes problems	Better action
No pickup photos	No proof the scratch existed earlier	Photograph every side before leaving
Verbal-only report	Hard to verify later	Ask for written handover notes confirmation
Late message	Timing may suggest rental-period damage	Report immediately when noticed
Close-up only	Location on car is unclear	Take wide, medium, and close-up shots
Dirty or wet panel ignored	Scratch may appear later	Ask for note about limited visibility and inspect again soon
No contract note	Return team may not see the issue was known	Ensure damage recorded in contract or condition report

Casco does not replace documentation

100% Casco included is valuable protection, especially for travelers unfamiliar with Georgian roads. But Casco coverage and handover evidence serve different roles. Casco addresses covered damage under the rental terms; documentation proves whether the damage happened before or during your rental.

If the question is whether a mark is pre-existing, evidence matters. Clear records reduce the chance of a dispute later and support surprise charges avoidance.

Time and cost

• Time needed: no extra time if you inspect correctly from the start.
• Cost: €0.

Step 7: Keep proof for later (what to save on your phone)

Do not delete pickup photos after the first day. Keep them until after the vehicle is returned and the rental is fully closed.

Save these items in one folder or chat thread:

• All exterior pickup photos.
• Photos of each scratch or dent.
• Timestamped photos and screenshots showing photo details.
• Odometer photo at pickup.
• Fuel level photo if relevant.
• Copy or photo of the vehicle condition report.
• Handover notes with the scratch listed.
• Any message from support acknowledging your report.
• Rental agreement or contract page showing damage recorded in contract.
• Return photos if you want a complete record.

Name the folder something obvious, such as “Georgia rental pickup evidence.” If you are traveling with family, send the folder or key photos to another adult in your group as a backup.

What evidence should I keep to support my Casco claim later?

Keep evidence that proves timing, location, and acknowledgement. The strongest set is: timestamped photos, written handover notes, a vehicle condition report, support chat confirmation, and pickup odometer photo. Together, these show that the mark was raised at the correct time and was not hidden until return.

When can you delete it?

Keep the evidence until the rental is closed and there are no open questions. If you used support to report anything, keep the message thread longer. Storage is cheap; resolving a missing-evidence question later is not.

Time and cost

• Time needed: 2–3 minutes to create a folder and save screenshots.
• Cost: €0.

Quick reporting script you can copy

Use this if you need a simple message at pickup or shortly after:

“Hello, during pickup handover inspection I noticed a scratch on [exact location, e.g., right rear door below handle]. I have attached wide, medium, and close-up photos taken before departure. Please add this as pre-existing damage to the handover notes / vehicle condition report and confirm it will not be treated as new damage at return.”

If you noticed it after leaving:

“Hello, I have just noticed a scratch on [location]. I am reporting it immediately after pickup. Attached are timestamped photos, current odometer, and location. Please confirm receipt and add this report to the rental damage report.”

FAQ: Pre-existing scratches & Casco coverage in Georgia

Should I report a scratch even if it is tiny?

Yes. A tiny scratch can still create confusion at return if it was not logged. Photograph it and ask for it to be added to the handover notes or vehicle condition report.

What is the typical process if my rental car has a pre-existing scratch—how should I report it to protect my Casco coverage later?

Inspect the car at pickup, take wide and close-up photos, report the scratch before you drive off, and get written confirmation in the rental damage report, handover notes, or contract. Save all photo evidence and support messages until the rental is closed.

What if the agent says the scratch is already known?

Ask where it is written. If it is already on the vehicle condition report, take a photo of that report. If it is not written, ask the agent to add it or confirm it by message before you leave.

Does 100% Casco included mean scratches do not need to be reported?

No. 100% Casco included is not a reason to skip documentation. Reporting pre-existing damage protects you by showing the scratch was already present at pickup, which helps prevent surprise charges and later disagreement.

What if pickup is at night or the car is wet?

Use your phone flashlight, take extra photos, and ask for a note that visibility was limited. As soon as you have better light, inspect again. If you find anything new-looking, report immediately with photos and odometer evidence.