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Motor 1
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘Hertz Tried to Sue Us:' P.I. Rents Nissan Altima. Then He Shares What You Should Always Do Before Leaving the Rental Lot
A private investigator offers rental car drivers a tip: Take a video of your vehicle before driving it off of the lot. TikTok user Mike Calnan of Northstar Investigations ( @mikecalnan5 ) posted a video with his rental car advice on July 7. In the video, the private investigator (P.I.) with 30 years' experience is circling a Nissan Altima with visible dents and scrapes. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Calnan says private investigators often rent cars. That's how he learned this trick. "Always take videos of the car before you rent it," he says. "Because I dropped it off after the weekend. They called me and said, 'You returned a dented car.'" 'Nope, not having it,' he adds. 'That was a 4th of July party in your parking lot that dented your car.' People largely agree Calnan's advice is sound. Many offered additional advice they've heard about the rental car process over the years. One said, "A rental agent told me to video, take pictures, and then email it all to myself immediately so that there's a time stamp. Best advice ever!" Another agreed. "I video and take pictures," they wrote. "Plus, on the sheet with the car diagram on it I circle every area no matter how tiny the mark is and even on the windshield." A third suggested, "Take a video when returning as well." Trending Now 'What Do I Do?:' Woman's Car Gets Boxed-In On the Street. What Can She Do to Get Out? 'I'm Guessing You Have a Bad Radiator:' Woman Puts 'Whole Tub' of Coolant in Her Car. She Doesn't Understand Why It's Still Dry Some shared their own experiences. 'Hertz tried to sue us for damages we did not do,' wrote one. A second said, 'Yup SIXT at Atlanta Airport emailed me a month after I rented a car and said I need to pay 1451.00 for the damaged bumper I forgot to mention, nope here's the video, sorry thank you.' Calnan did not identify the company he rented the car from. Car Rental Advice According to industry data , a quarter of rental car insurance claims are due to preexisting damage. These claims are purportedly often filed because rental car customers aren't meticulous about documenting the state of vehicles before they're driven off the lot. A personal injury attorney says that if you receive notice about a rental car insurance claim that you believe is due to preexisting damage, you can: Provide the company with time-stamped photos and/or videos you took before leaving the lot and upon return; Ask for rental records from after your vehicle return date; Contact your insurance company; and/or Hire an attorney who is knowledgeable about rental car laws. To avoid an unwarranted claim, the easiest thing to do is be obsessive about documenting the condition of the vehicle before you leave the lot. Look over and note each and every paint chip and bumper scuff before ever climbing behind the wheel. If you get into an accident while in your rental car, it's important to contact the company and your insurance provider to report it. If another driver was at fault or if you secured a vehicle protection policy for the rental at checkout, you'll generally be in the clear, per Hertz Car Rental . Your own car insurance may also cover the damages, depending on your policy. If you didn't notice the damage or the vehicle came into your possession already damaged, and you return it to the rental car company, the company may file a rental car insurance claim. This may come at a shock if the claim is over damage caused by someone else. That way, as Calnan says in his TikTok's caption, you may 'avoid this nonsense happening!' Motor1 reached out to Calnan via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We'll update this if he responds. More From Motor1 'That's One Way to Get a Free Rental:' Mechanic Calls Out Customers Who Get Their Car Serviced Just Before a Road Trip 'I Only Came With $24:' Woman Rents a U-Haul Truck. Then She Learns About This Little-Known Additional Charge 'Hertz Would Never:' Man Gets Pulled Over In a Rental. Then He Reaches For the Enterprise Car's Registration Enterprise Customer Skips Protection Fee on 2025 Toyota Corolla Rental. Then She Gets the Bill Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )


UAE Moments
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- UAE Moments
How Often Should You Replace Your Car Battery in the UAE?
The day your car refuses to start is not the day your battery suddenly failed, it's the day it finally gave up after struggling for a while. A typical car battery lasts around 3–5 years, but in the harsh heat and humidity of the UAE, its life drops drastically, often just 1–2 years at best. The intense summer temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, and high air conditioner usage all take a toll. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! So how do you know it's time to replace your battery before you're stuck in a parking lot or on Sheikh Zayed Road? If you notice any of the following warning signs, it's time to get your battery tested and replaced. 1. Check Engine Light Is On If your check engine light turns on, it could mean many things from a loose gas cap to a serious engine issue. But it can also indicate a weak or dying battery. A quick battery test by a mechanic can tell you if the battery is to blame. 2. Your Car Backfires Frequent backfiring is a sure sign something's wrong and often it's the battery. A weak battery can cause uneven sparks, leading to unburnt fuel building up in the cylinders. When it finally ignites, you hear that loud bang. If this happens, get your battery checked immediately. 3. Dim Lights or Slow Cranking Are your headlights dim, or does your car crank more slowly when you turn the key? These are clear signs your battery isn't providing enough power. A sluggish start means the battery is on its last legs. 4. Clicking Sound When Starting If you hear a rapid clicking noise when trying to start your car, it means the battery doesn't have enough power to turn over the engine. This is one of the most common signs of a failing battery. 5. Rotten Egg Smell If you pop the hood and smell rotten eggs, it's likely due to a leaking battery releasing sulfuric gas. This is a serious issue, a leaky battery can damage other car components. Have it replaced right away. Stay Ahead of Battery Trouble In the UAE's extreme climate, it's smart to have your car battery checked every year, especially after the first year. Replacing it before it completely dies saves you time, stress, and the hassle of being stranded. If you notice any of these signs, don't wait for the car to stop running. Head to a trusted mechanic and replace your battery. It's a small investment that keeps you moving safely on the road.