The rental car was vandalized: steps to take immediately

  • 2026-07-01
  • When you rent a car chisinau, the thought of finding your car damaged in the morning never crosses your mind. Yet unpleasant situations do happen. A broken window, a deep scratch on the bodywork, a snapped mirror — these things are unpleasant but not impossible, especially if the car spent the night on a poorly lit street. In the lines below we explain exactly what steps to follow and how the Justrent team can help you get through the situation without unnecessary headaches.

    What does vandalism to a rental car mean?

    Vandalism refers to any intentional damage to the vehicle carried out by an unknown or unauthorized person. The most common examples include:

    • Deep scratches on the bodywork
    • Broken windows
    • Damaged mirrors
    • Slashed tires
    • Destroyed wipers
    • Deliberate dents on the bodywork
    • Inscriptions or graffiti on the vehicle

    Whether you chose a model from the cheap car rental chisinau category or a premium vehicle, the recommended procedure is the same.

    Stay calm and do not move the car

    The first impulse of many drivers is to leave the spot where they found the damaged vehicle immediately. However, this reaction can complicate the assessment and documentation process.

    If you notice clear signs of vandalism:

    • Do not move the vehicle
    • Do not try to clean off the marks
    • Do not remove objects in the vicinity
    • Do not carry out repairs on your own

    Keeping the scene exactly as you found it helps both the authorities and us to establish the circumstances of the incident more easily.

    Photograph all the damage

    Documentation is one of the most important steps. Take clear photos from multiple angles:

    • An overall view of the vehicle
    • Close-up shots of the damage
    • The area where the car was parked
    • Any surveillance cameras nearby
    • Suspicious objects or traces left by the vandal

    The more complete the documentation, the simpler the review process will be.

    Contact the Justrent team immediately

    After taking the photos, you must contact our team straight away. At Justrent, clients receive assistance and support for situations like this. The team can explain exactly what steps are needed and what documents must be completed. Whether you picked up the vehicle through the car rental chisinau airport service or from another location, it is important to notify the company as soon as possible. You will generally be asked to provide:

    • The contract number
    • The exact location
    • The approximate time at which you noticed the damage
    • The photos you took
    • A description of the incident

    How can you reduce the risk of vandalism?

    A few simple measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of such situations.

    Choose well-lit parking areas

    Well-lit areas are far less attractive to anyone intending to cause damage.

    Use supervised car parks

    CCTV cameras and security staff serve as an important deterrent.

    Avoid isolated areas

    If you are not familiar with the city, it is advisable to choose central areas or parking spots recommended by locals.

    Do not leave valuables in plain sight

    Bags, laptops, and other visible belongings can attract the attention of ill-intentioned individuals.

    With Justrent, every situation has a solution

    Discovering a vandalized vehicle is upsetting, but the right response makes all the difference. If you notice that the car you picked up from Justrent has been damaged, document the situation immediately, contact the company, and follow the instructions you receive. With Justrent, you have access to a modern fleet, transparent conditions, and support whenever you need it — so that every journey is safe and worry-free.