Mobistride helps vehicle owners connect with drivers looking for vehicles for e-hailing and delivery work.

Renting out a vehicle is a serious transaction. Before handing over your keys, verify the driver, agree on the terms and make sure your vehicle and financial interests are properly protected.

Verify the driver before handover

Do not hand over your vehicle simply because someone has contacted you through WhatsApp or has an attractive driver profile.

Before handover:

• Verify the driver's identity.
• Confirm the driver's relevant documentation.
• Make sure the person you meet is the person who will operate the vehicle.
• Confirm the driver's contact details.
• Discuss the intended use of the vehicle.
• Confirm the rental period.
• Agree on payment terms.
• Complete the required rental documentation.

Where possible, meet the driver in person before handing over the vehicle.

Never release a vehicle based on a promise to pay

One of the most common risks in vehicle rental is releasing a vehicle before payment has actually been received.

If your agreement requires payment before handover: confirm the money has reached your account before giving the driver the keys.

Do not rely on:

• Payment screenshots
• SMS screenshots
• “Proof of payment” images
• Promises that the payment is pending
• Claims that the bank is processing the transaction

Check your actual bank or payment account.

Be careful with e-hailing credentials

A driver may show you an e-hailing profile, screenshots or account information.

Do not assume this automatically proves their identity or that they are authorised to operate your vehicle.

Where relevant, verify the information through appropriate channels and make sure the person taking your vehicle is the person you have agreed with.

Never ask a driver for their password, OTP or other private login credentials.

Document the vehicle before handover

Before the driver takes possession:

• Photograph the exterior.
• Photograph the interior.
• Record the mileage.
• Record existing damage.
• Record the fuel level.
• Record the vehicle's general condition.
• Confirm which accessories and equipment are included.
• Record the vehicle registration and identifying details.

Give both parties a clear record of the vehicle's condition at handover.

Put the rental terms in writing

Do not rely only on verbal agreements.

Clearly document:

• Rental amount
• Payment schedule
• Deposit
• Rental period
• Late-payment terms
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Insurance responsibilities
• Fuel responsibilities
• Traffic fines
• Accident procedures
• Breakdown procedures
• Permitted use
• Vehicle return conditions
• Conditions for terminating the agreement

Both parties should understand the agreement before the vehicle is handed over.

Watch for these red flags

Be cautious if a prospective driver:

• Refuses reasonable identity verification.
• Wants the vehicle immediately without completing the agreement.
• Says they will “pay later.”
• Provides inconsistent information.
• Uses another person's identity or e-hailing profile.
• Sends questionable documents.
• Pressures you to skip verification.
• Wants to collect the vehicle through another person.
• Becomes aggressive when asked for documentation.
• Changes the agreed terms at the last minute.
• Asks you to transfer money to someone else as part of the arrangement.

If something does not add up, stop the transaction until you can verify it.

Do not hand over your vehicle under pressure

A genuine rental opportunity should not require you to ignore basic precautions.

If someone says:

“There are other owners waiting.”

“I need the vehicle right now.”

“We'll sort out the paperwork later.”

“Just trust me, I'll pay tonight.”

Do not allow urgency to replace verification.

Keep your records

Keep copies of:

• The rental agreement
• Driver information
• Vehicle documentation
• Handover photographs
• Payment records
• Messages and communication
• Any incident reports

Good records can become important if there is a payment dispute, accident, damage claim or other disagreement.

If you suspect fraud

Do not confront the person unnecessarily or put yourself at risk.

Preserve the available evidence and report suspicious activity to Mobistride and, where appropriate, the relevant authorities.

Your vehicle is your responsibility

Mobistride provides a platform for connecting vehicle owners and drivers. The platform does not replace your responsibility to verify the person renting your vehicle and to establish appropriate rental terms.

Verify the driver. Document the vehicle. Confirm payment. Then hand over the keys.

Renting a vehicle to drive instead? Read driver safety.