Dropping car after hours

We rented a car in Croatia with a 6:25 am flight. We didn’t want to drop off the car in the morning because of this problem. We dropped it off the day before, had them check the car, sign off and take the keys. We didn’t want something to pop up after a few months and ruin our vacation.

I don't view this as the customer being taken advantage of because of the converter. If it had been taken a day earlier would it then be on the customer's nickle? Our son had a car parked in a parking spot. A very careless driver parked next to him and raked the whole side of the car. Think the other car attempted a u-turn into the angled parking space. Son was still responsible. I would not drop off a car unless the rental company is there to view it and to take responsibility for it. Too much risk.

I totally agree with both of you. There's so much room for error to fall on the renter.

A friend of mine is married to an attorney. He recommended if a person had to sign off on a car with its
condition under dispute and won't be allowed to leave unless he did so, but there's no time to stay and "discuss" it, to sign his name but also write "Under Protest" very clearly next to it. He said that could help later on.

And be sure to take a photo of your signature with "Under Protest" next to it.

When we return our cars, we have them inspect it before we leave. It is the same when we pick up the car. We rented through CarWiz and they were very thorough going over the car and noting every scratch, etc and indicating them on the contract.

You are under a false impression that when the car is inspected upon
return that you are good to go. Damages can be added later even if
upon return there is a “sign off.”

That reminds me of a car I rented from Enterprise in Bath and then dropped off at Gatwick. The person that inspected the vehicle noted some scuffing on the tires but said a final inspection wouldn't be done until the car was back at the lot in Bath. I protested because something could happen to the car between Gatwick and there that had nothing to do with me. Luckily no bonus charges were ever added to my credit card.