Car clubs work on trust — every member is expected to return vehicles clean, fuelled and in good condition for the next person. But sometimes you’ll unlock a car and notice it isn’t quite as tidy as it should be, or spot a scrape that makes you wonder if you’ll be blamed for it.
If that happens, don’t panic. Every car club has a clear process for reporting damage or cleanliness issues, and as long as you follow it before you start driving, you won’t be held responsible.
Always Check Before You Drive
The moment you unlock the car, take a quick walk around it. Look for any scratches, dents, scuffs, cracked mirrors or broken lights. Inside, check for litter, stains, or signs that someone has been smoking.
This inspection doesn’t need to take long — a minute or two is usually enough. The key is to spot and report any problems before you move the car. Once you start driving, the system records that you’ve accepted the vehicle, and any unreported damage could later be assumed to have happened during your booking.
What Counts as “Dirty”?
Car clubs expect normal, everyday cleanliness — a few crumbs or bits of dust are fine. But if the car has visible rubbish, mud, strong smells, pet hair or cigarette smoke, that’s not acceptable. You should report it before driving so the previous member can be identified and charged a cleaning fee.
Never try to fix or clean something major yourself. If the car is genuinely unpleasant to drive, the club can usually switch you to another nearby vehicle or issue a refund for the booking.
How to Report a Problem
Before you start driving, use your car club’s app to record any dirt, damage or other issues you notice. Most apps have a simple reporting feature where you can describe the problem and upload photos.
Take clear pictures of both the inside and outside of the car, especially if you spot scratches, dents or anything unusual. Make sure the registration plate is visible in at least one image to confirm which vehicle you’re reporting.
If the issue seems serious — such as a warning light, flat tyre or broken part — call the support line instead of just logging it in the app. Always report problems before you move the vehicle so there’s a clear record of its condition at the start of your booking.
Why Reporting Matters
Reporting damage or dirt before you drive protects you from liability. Each car has a record of known issues, and support teams compare your report to previous check-ins. If you don’t report something and it’s later found after your trip, the system assumes it happened while you had the car.
That could mean paying for repairs or cleaning even if the problem wasn’t your fault. Taking a few quick photos is the easiest way to prove you didn’t cause the issue.
If You Notice Damage During the Trip
If you only spot a problem once you’ve started driving — for example, a warning light comes on or you hear an unusual noise — pull over safely and contact the support team straight away. They’ll tell you whether to continue, switch cars, or end the trip.
Never ignore warning lights or try to fix mechanical issues yourself. The club needs to inspect the vehicle before it can be used again.
When to Contact Support Immediately
There are a few cases where you should call rather than just report through the app:
- Broken windows or mirrors
- Flat tyres or warning lights
- Signs of a serious accident
- Smoke or strong odours
- Anything that makes the car unsafe to drive
Support lines operate 24/7, and it’s always better to report too much than too little.
What Happens After You Report It
Once you’ve reported a cleanliness or damage issue, the club will log it, review your photos, and arrange for cleaning or repairs. You’ll usually receive confirmation that you won’t be held responsible.
If the car isn’t suitable to drive, support can transfer your booking to another vehicle nearby or refund you. For smaller issues, they’ll simply note the damage and allow you to continue your trip.
Helping Keep Standards Up
Most car clubs rely on members to keep standards high. Returning the car clean and reporting problems promptly means the next driver gets a better experience.
It also helps the clubs identify members who consistently return cars in poor condition — repeat offenders can be fined or suspended.
Taking two minutes to inspect the car at the start of every booking is the best protection you have. It keeps the system fair, ensures you’re not blamed for someone else’s mess or damage, and helps the car club keep its fleet in good condition for everyone.