Posted on August 10, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

When picking up your rental car you might be surprised to be asked for a thumbprint as part of the procedure. Don’t be alarmed – it’s quite normal now in the car hire industry, so there’s no need to start acting all shifty and criminal-like.

So Why Thumbprints?

Well, in order to protect customers and car hire companies from fraud, some car rental agents have introduced a thumb printing procedure.
The car hire industry is particularly susceptible to car theft as well as credit card fraud.  The two often go hand in hand.  False documents and credit cards can often be used to rent vehicles and these vehicles may never be returned. 

Companies who employ thumb printing expect ALL customers to submit an impression of their thumb.  If a customer refuses, they may not proceed with their rental. 

Thumbprints are taken via specially produced Touch Pads.  A touch pad is like an ink pad but it will not stain your hands or clothing. As a customer, you will be asked to press your thumb on the pad and then print your thumb onto the Rental Agreement.

It’s ok, you get your thumb print back…

Once you drop your car back, you will receive your thumbprint back.  You may void this thumbprint by crossing it out with a black permanent marker.