Car Rental Lombok: Inspection Checklist Before You Drive

Renting a car in Lombok is one of the smartest ways to see the island at your own pace — beaches, waterfalls, and Mount Rinjani are all much easier to reach with a car. But before you drive off from Lombok International Airport (LOP), a hotel delivery or an agency lot, a short inspection will save time, money and stress later.

What should I check on a car rental in Lombok before I drive?

Treat the first 10–15 minutes at pickup as essential. Whether you choose a small city car for easy parking or a 7-seater for a family trip, do these checks and get anything unusual noted in writing or photos.

Exterior

• Walk all the way around the car and photograph every side (wide shots and close-ups of any scratches, dents or paint chips). Timestamped phone photos are excellent evidence.
• Check tyres for tread depth, uneven wear and sidewall cuts. Confirm a working spare tyre and the tools (jack, wheel brace) are present.
• Look for fluid leaks where the car was parked.
• Test all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights) and the horn.

Interior

• Confirm the odometer reading and take a photo. Note the fuel level and photograph the gauge.
• Test air-conditioning and heater (important in Lombok’s hot lowlands and cooler highlands).
• Check seat belts, dashboard warning lights, and that all doors open/lock properly.
• Make sure the jack, first-aid kit and warning triangle are in place.

Under the bonnet

• Look under the bonnet for obvious issues (loose caps, low coolant level, or disconnected hoses). You don’t need mechanical expertise — if something looks off, ask the provider.

Paperwork and contact information

• Verify the rental agreement: vehicle make/model, registration number, fuel policy and deposit amount.
• Make sure the provider’s contact number is saved on your phone and that you have the Arrentio booking reference. Providers confirm bookings on Arrentio after you send a request — never assume instant confirmation.
• Check the vehicle registration (STNK) and insurance details if available, and confirm the name on the contract matches the person who handed over the keys.

Practical Lombok-specific checks

• Confirm pickup/drop-off options (agency pickup, hotel delivery, or airport pickup) and any extra charges.
• Ask about fuel stations on your planned route — some stretches (Sembalun, parts of the south coast) have fewer petrol stations than around Mataram or Senggigi.
• If you plan to leave the car overnight for a Gili Islands day trip, ask where it’s safest to park near Bangsal harbour.

How do I document problems and avoid deposit disputes?

• Photograph everything. If the provider notes existing damage, ask them to mark it on the agreement and sign it. If they don’t, send your photos to them and Arrentio before you drive away.
• Keep the original agreement and take screenshots of the provider’s replies. If your booking shows a deposit (for example, many SEMOLAHTRANS TOUR AND TREVEL cars list a deposit of IDR 100,000), confirm when and how that deposit is returned.
• If you find new damage during the rental, contact the provider immediately and follow their instructions. Do not wait until drop-off to raise concerns.

Which rental cars in Lombok are easiest to inspect and why?

If you want a hassle-free pick-up and something economical for island roads, cars on Arrentio start from IDR 350,000/day. Here are a few real options you can consider when you inspect the vehicle:

• Toyota agya — small SUV, automatic, 4 seats, priced IDR 350,000/day with a deposit of IDR 100,000; listed by SEMOLAHTRANS TOUR AND TREVEL (good for solo travellers or couples who want easy parking).
• Honda brio — automatic, 4 seats, also IDR 350,000/day and by SEMOLAHTRANS TOUR AND TREVEL (compact and fuel-efficient for tight village roads).
• Toyota avanza new — 7 seats, IDR 450,000/day, deposit IDR 100,000; by SEMOLAHTRANS TOUR AND TREVEL (practical for families or groups; do a quick check of the suspension if roads are rough).
• Honda Brio Satya — economy automatic, IDR 500,000/day with a higher deposit of IDR 500,000; offered by Infinity Lombok Trans (confirm deposit terms at pickup).

Tip: Smaller cars make it easier to inspect and manoeuvre in tight parking at busy beach access points; MPVs like the Avanza give space but check tyres and undercarriage before coastal or unsealed-road driving.

What should I do if something is missing or not working after pickup?

• Tell the provider immediately and request a written note or photo acknowledgment. If they can’t resolve it, ask for a replacement vehicle or a clear agreement on how they will fix the issue.
• If you have safety concerns (brakes, tyres, oil leaks), do not start a long drive. Request a replacement or technician.
• Use Arrentio’s messaging to keep a record of communications — providers confirm bookings and any changes through the platform, which helps if you need support.

Quick pre-drive checklist (print or save on your phone)

• Photograph whole car + close-ups of any damage
• Photo of odometer and fuel gauge
• Test lights, AC, horn and wipers
• Confirm spare tyre and tools
• Save provider contact + Arrentio booking reference
• Note deposit amount and refund method
• Ask about parking at Bangsal (if visiting the Gilis)

Drive carefully: Lombok’s roads are generally quieter than Bali’s, but some backroads are narrow or unsealed. Keep a charged phone, local SIM or roaming data for navigation, and fuel up before long drives into Sembalun or the south coast.

Ready to book and inspect your car in Lombok?

If you’re ready to browse options and send a booking request, browse cars in Lombok. For common questions before you book, see our FAQ or explore more guides on the Arrentio blog.