That final rush to the airport rental car drop-off is often a blur of grabbing suitcases and rushing to catch a flight. In the chaos, it’s easy to overlook a small item tucked into a seat pocket or fallen under a seat. While forgetting a book or a jacket is annoying, some items you may have left in a rental car can have far more serious consequences, from financial loss to identity theft. Before you hand back those keys, doing one last, thorough sweep for these six things could save you a world of trouble.
1. Your Garage Door Opener
This is one of the most commonly forgotten and most dangerous items. If you leave your garage door opener clipped to the visor, you’ve given a stranger a key to your home. Rental car companies often have your home address on file from your driver’s license and payment information. A dishonest employee or the next renter could potentially connect the opener to your address, creating a major security risk for your home and family. Always bring it inside with you.
2. Documents with Personal Information
You might have had a rental agreement, a travel itinerary, or even work papers sitting on the passenger seat. These documents often contain a trove of personal data: your full name, home address, phone number, and sometimes even more sensitive information. If you left in a rental car documents like these, they could easily be used by criminals for identity theft. Shred or take all paperwork with you.
3. A Paired Phone or Device
Modern cars make it easy to sync your phone for hands-free calls, music, and navigation. However, if you don’t unpair your device and wipe the car’s system, your personal data could remain accessible to the next driver. This can include your contact list, call history, and even saved locations like “Home” or “Work.” Always go into the car’s settings and perform a factory reset or delete your personal profile before returning the vehicle.
4. Toll Transponders (like E-ZPass)
Leaving your personal toll transponder stuck to the windshield is an easy way to pay for someone else’s travel. The next driver might cruise through dozens of toll plazas, racking up charges on your account without you realizing it for weeks. Some rental companies also charge a hefty administrative fee for any toll violations traced back to you. Make it a habit to remove your transponder and put it in your bag as soon as you reach your destination.
5. Sunglasses or Prescription Glasses
This might seem like a minor loss, but the cost can add up quickly. A good pair of prescription sunglasses or glasses can cost hundreds of dollars to replace. Because they’re often left on the dashboard or in an overhead compartment, they are one of the most frequently forgotten items. The inconvenience and expense of getting a new pair, especially if you’re far from home, make this a costly item to leave behind.
6. Any Form of Payment or Identification
It sounds obvious, but wallets, credit cards, and driver’s licenses often slip out of pockets and fall into the dark space between the seat and the center console. Losing a credit card is a hassle, but losing your driver’s license can be a travel nightmare, especially if you need it to get through airport security. A quick feel under and between the seats is a crucial final step before you exit the car for the last time.
A Final Checklist for Peace of Mind
The few extra minutes it takes to do a thorough check can prevent weeks of stress and financial loss. Before you walk away, create a mental checklist: check the glove compartment, center console, door pockets, trunk, and under every seat. Wiping your data from the infotainment system should be as routine as refueling the tank. By being mindful of what you might have left in a rental car, you ensure that your trip ends when you get home, not with a surprise bill or a security alert.
What’s the most valuable or unusual thing you’ve ever forgotten in a rental car or hotel room?
Read more:
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8 Things Guests Leave Behind That Hotel Staff Quietly Keep
The post 6 Things You Left in a Rental Car That May Have Cost You appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
