A rental pickup in Agadir can feel quick: keys, a signature, and you’re ready to go. But the fastest way to avoid disputes later is to spend 5–8 minutes documenting the car properly before you drive off. The goal isn’t “more photos”, it’s the right proof: condition, mileage, fuel level, existing damage, and what you were handed.
Table of Contents
- The golden rule (do this first)
- Full exterior set (8 photos that cover everything)
- Damage close-ups (the “dispute savers”)
- Wheels + tires (4 photos)
- Windshield, windows, and lights (6 photos)
- The dashboard evidence (3 must-have photos)
- The interior baseline (6 quick photos)
- Accessories and equipment (photograph what you receive)
- Paperwork and the condition report (don’t skip this)
- Timestamps that actually hold up
- The 60-second handover confirmation message
- Quick FAQ
1) The golden rule (do this first)
Before taking any close-ups, take one wide photo that proves where and when the handover happened.
- Stand back and capture: the whole car + pickup location background
- If possible, include a recognizable sign/structure (parking zone, building façade, etc.)
- Then take a quick 10–15 second video walkaround as backup
That single wide shot helps connect all the detail photos to the actual moment of pickup.
2) Full exterior set (8 photos that cover everything)
You want a complete baseline of the body panels. Take these in order:
- Front-left corner (wide)
- Front-right corner (wide)
- Rear-left corner (wide)
- Rear-right corner (wide)
- Driver side profile (full side)
- Passenger side profile (full side)
- Front view (full bumper + grille area)
- Rear view (full bumper + trunk area)
Agadir light tip: If sun glare hides scratches, shift your angle slightly. If it’s shaded, step back so shadows don’t mask dents.
3) Damage close-ups (the “dispute savers”)
For every mark you notice, take two photos:
- Close photo (fills the frame)
- Medium photo (shows damage + which panel it’s on)
Prioritize common dispute zones:
- Front bumper corners and lower lip
- Door edges and handles
- Wheel arches
- Mirrors
- Rear bumper top edge (loading scuffs)
4) Wheels + tires (4 photos)
Wheels are a classic “return” argument. Photograph:
- Each wheel straight-on (4 photos)
- Any curb rash (close-up)
Also take a quick angled shot showing tread on one front tire and one rear tire.
5) Windshield, windows, and lights (6 photos)
Small cracks and chips can be expensive later. Photograph:
- Windshield outside (wide)
- Windshield close-up if there’s a chip
- Rear window (wide)
- Headlights (left + right close)
- Taillights (left + right close)
Bonus: Turn on hazards and snap one front and one rear photo with indicators lit.
6) The dashboard evidence (3 must-have photos)
From the driver seat, capture:
- Odometer (mileage)
- Fuel gauge
- Warning lights / dashboard status (brief accessory mode)
This is the easiest way to prevent fuel and mileage disagreements.
7) The interior baseline (6 quick photos)
You’re proving the interior condition at pickup:
- Driver seat + steering area
- Front passenger seat
- Rear seats
- Trunk/boot (empty)
- Roof lining (quick snap)
- Center console (cupholders + gear area)
If there are stains/tears/burns, take close-ups and ask for it to be noted.
8) Accessories and equipment (photograph what you receive)
Take photos of what can “go missing” later:
- Key(s) (show how many)
- Spare tire or repair kit (in trunk)
- Jack/tools (if present)
- Warning triangle / reflective vest (if provided)
- Child seat (if rented)
- Any included cables/holders
If anything is missing, message it immediately.
9) Paperwork and the condition report (don’t skip this)
You don’t need every page. You need the parts disputes rely on:
- Condition/damage checklist page (and any marked diagram)
- Fuel policy line (same-to-same, full-to-full, etc.)
- Deposit/authorization amount (if shown)
- Any handwritten notes from the agent
If the agent won’t mark something you found, photograph it and send it by message right away.
10) Timestamps that actually hold up
Your phone metadata helps, keep it intact:
- Record one continuous video walkaround after your photo set
- Back up originals the same day (don’t compress them)
- Keep paperwork as a clean scan/PDF
For backup and document handling, these quick official guides help:
- Use Google Photos to keep originals accessible: https://support.google.com/photos/
- Use Adobe Acrobat to scan documents into a PDF: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/resources/how-to-scan-documents.html
11) The 60-second handover confirmation message
Before you drive away, send a short WhatsApp/SMS/email:
- “Pickup complete at [time]. Photos taken of existing marks: [brief list]. Fuel and mileage noted.”
That one message creates a written record tied to the pickup moment.
12) Quick FAQ
How many photos is enough?
Usually 25–40 photos + a short video walkaround.
What if it’s dark or underground parking?
Use flash for close-ups and add extra wide photos per side.
Should I photograph the contract?
Photograph the condition report, fuel policy, and anything about deposits/extras.
What if the agent is rushing me?
Do wide exterior + dashboard photos first, then damage close-ups.