Return & review playbook — closing trips like a pro
How to run the post-trip inspection, file any pass-through charges, and write reviews that protect future bookings.
First five minutes after return
Greet the guest. Open the trip → Post-trip inspection. Walk the car together if possible — most issues are easier to discuss in person than over messages later.
Photograph the same angles as pickup: four sides, two 3/4 angles, dashboard with odometer and fuel/battery, interior rows.
If everything looks good, tap Mark trip complete. The deposit hold begins releasing immediately.
If something's off
Damage: open a damage claim from the trip page. Upload pickup vs. return photos side by side and a repair estimate (or a body-shop quote). The guest has 5 days to respond before it auto-escalates.
Toll, citation, cleaning, fuel: use Pass-through charges → Add charge. Upload the receipt. The guest is notified instantly and can approve, partially approve, or dispute.
Never request money off-platform. Off-platform payments aren't covered by FairCar's deposit or dispute system.
Writing the review
Be honest and specific. 'Returned the car on time, full tank, spotless interior — I'd rent to her again.' Toggle the 'Cleaned to perfection!' tag if the car came back ready to re-rent without cleaning.
Five-star reviews from hosts feed into the guest's badge progress. If you skip the review, the guest can't earn the Sparkle Streak discount — even when they earned it.
Sign in and message the FairCar admin team from your in-app Messages — a real person replies within one business day. We don't outsource support.