Understanding when to report damage

At the end of a rental you might notice new signs of damage or wear and tear.

We will support you to make sure that you receive compensation for any damages but it’s important to first differentiate “normal wear and tear” and damages.

What is normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear arises naturally over time as a result of normal use and if your vehicle is being hired out on a regular basis, this will expedite the process.

Normal wear and tear arising from the correct use of the vehicle is a standard part of hiring out a car and certain circumstances can accelerate wear and tear, such as street parking. The owner cannot be compensated for normal wear and tear to the inside or outside of their vehicle.

Don’t forget that as the owner you are responsible for maintaining the cosmetic appearance and mechanical integrity of your vehicle.

Mechanical systems and their parts experience wear through the course of routine driving. It is the responsibility of the owner to maintain the mechanical integrity of the vehicle. Vehicles that are not maintained to the manufacturer's guidelines may experience accelerated wear during operation.

Vehicles over 8 years have endured more in their lifetime and therefore have experienced more wear and tear. It is not surprising if the body of the car has a few more bumps and scrapes than a newer vehicle. With older cars, it is necessary that the car's mechanical components undergo regular maintenance. Just like the above guideline, the car’s safety is the most important. All damage that affects the car’s safety must be repaired before it can be hired out again.

Convertibles have specialized features that are distinct from other vehicles. These features may deteriorate through repetitive, routine use. Getaround does not pay for weathered, soiled or worn convertible top upholstery arising from natural exposure to the elements. Additionally, Getaround does not pay for tears or mechanical failure to a convertible top arising from its intended use. Example: Raising and lowering the top while the vehicle is parked.

Vans are more prone to accelerated wear and tear as they are predominantly used to move items from point A to B. The body of the vehicle has the same guidelines as above, however, as the inside of the vehicle is more susceptible to scratches and dents Getaround considers these to be wear and tear rather than damage.

Hybrid and electric vehicles experience wear and tear similar to gas powered vehicles and require the same routine maintenance. Furthermore, like any other battery, its life will get shorter over time. A three year old car may have a significantly shorter range than a brand new electric car.

What is damage?

Damage is deterioration due to an incident such as an accident with or without a third party, vandalism, or any impact or contact of your vehicle with an object or surface causing a deterioration (whether inside or outside your vehicle), larger than 3 centimeters and which can be attributed to a specific rental without any doubt. Scratches, dents or bumps which cannot be attributed to a specific rental without any doubt do not give right to compensation for the owner.

The damage can be attributed to a specific rental without any doubt when the photos taken by the driver enable Getaround to obviously see the damage declared by the owner. However, if the photos taken by the driver do not allow to obviously see the damage declared due to the visibility of the photos and/or the way they were taken but Getaround has sufficient evidence (e.g. elements provided by you and/or other photos of previous/subsequent drivers), Getaround will charge the Renter with the value of the damage.

We remind you that you can decide to settle the damage amicably with the driver or report it to Getaround.

When reported to Getaround and the damage can be attributed to a specific rental without any doubt and is larger than 3 centimeters, some specific damages will be subject to the lump sum payments or compensation limited to a maximum amount as indicated in the table below (even if the damage requires the replacement of the element):

Compensation with a lump sum payment:

Category 1 vehicles

Category 2 and 3 vehicles

Utility vehicles