Car Pickup Process

Picking up your rental car is an exciting moment — you're about to explore El Salvador on your own terms! This guide walks you through everything from pre-pickup preparation to driving away, so you can start your trip smoothly and stress-free.

Before Pickup: What to Prepare

Make sure you have these items ready before heading to the pickup location:

Required Documents

• Booking confirmation: Your Sicarro booking reference (email or app screenshot)
• Valid driver's license: Original license — not a copy. International visitors should carry their original license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in Spanish or English
• Government-issued ID or passport: Must match the name on your booking
• Payment method: The card used for booking, or a funded Lightning wallet for any remaining charges

Pre-Pickup Checklist

• Confirm the pickup time and location with the supplier via Sicarro messaging
• Save the supplier's phone number in case you need to call
• Download offline maps of El Salvador if you don't have a local SIM card
• Charge your phone — you'll need it for photos and navigation

Meeting the Supplier

The pickup is a direct meeting between you and the vehicle supplier. Here's what to expect:

Location

The pickup location is agreed upon during booking. Common options include:

• Supplier's location: Their office, home, or garage
• Airport delivery: The supplier meets you at the airport (may include a delivery fee)
• Hotel delivery: The supplier drops the car at your hotel
• Agreed meeting point: A public location convenient for both parties

Timing

• Arrive at the agreed time or a few minutes early
• If you're running late, message the supplier through Sicarro as soon as possible
• Most suppliers allow a grace period of 30 minutes for delays
• For airport pickups, communicate your flight number so the supplier can track delays

Communication

Use the Sicarro messaging system to communicate with your supplier. This keeps all conversations documented and allows our support team to assist if needed.

Vehicle Inspection at Pickup

This is the most important part of the pickup process. A thorough inspection protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage.

Walk-Around Inspection

With the supplier present, carefully inspect the entire vehicle:

1. Exterior — all four sides: Check for scratches, dents, chips, or paint damage
2. Wheels and tires: Check tire condition, tread depth, and look for curb damage on rims
3. Windows and mirrors: Look for cracks, chips, or scratches on all glass
4. Lights: Verify headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals work
5. Interior: Check seats, dashboard, carpet for stains or damage
6. Trunk/cargo area: Inspect and confirm spare tire, jack, and tools are present

Take Photos and Videos

This is critical for your protection:

• Photograph all four sides of the vehicle (front, back, left, right)
• Close-up photos of any existing damage, no matter how minor
• Photo of the dashboard showing mileage (odometer) and fuel gauge
• Photo of the interior condition
• A short video walk-around is even better — captures details photos might miss

Signing the Rental Contract

Before you receive the keys, you'll sign a rental agreement (affiliation agreement) with the supplier:

What the Contract Includes

• Rental period (start and end dates/times)
• Vehicle details (make, model, license plate, mileage)
• Pricing and payment terms
• Fuel policy (Free Tank, Like-for-Like, or Full-to-Full)
• Security deposit amount and conditions
• Insurance coverage details
• Vehicle condition notes and existing damage
• Return location and conditions

Before You Sign

• Read the entire document carefully — don't rush
• Make sure all pre-existing damage is noted in the contract
• Verify the fuel policy matches what was shown in your booking
• Confirm the return date, time, and location
• Ask about any terms you don't understand
• Keep a copy (photo) of the signed contract

Recording the Fuel Level

Before driving away, document the current fuel level:

• Take a clear photo of the fuel gauge
• Confirm the fuel level matches what's noted in the contract
• Understand which fuel policy applies (see Fuel Policy Guide)
• Ask the supplier what type of fuel the car requires (regular, premium, diesel)

Getting the Keys and Documents

When everything is signed and inspected, the supplier will hand over:

• Vehicle keys: Including any spare keys if provided
• Vehicle registration: The tarjeta de circulacion — keep this in the glove compartment at all times (required by law)
• Insurance documentation: Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• Your copy of the rental agreement

Supplier Showing You the Car

A good supplier will walk you through the vehicle's features. Don't hesitate to ask about:

• How to operate the air conditioning and audio system
• Location of the spare tire, jack, and tools
• How to open the fuel cap
• Any quirks or things to know about the vehicle (e.g., "the left mirror adjusts manually")
• How to set up Bluetooth for your phone
• 4WD operation if applicable (for SUVs and pickups)

What If the Car Doesn't Match the Listing?

If the vehicle you receive differs significantly from what was listed on Sicarro:

1. Speak with the supplier: Point out the discrepancies and ask for an explanation
2. Document the differences: Take photos showing how the car differs from the listing
3. Contact Sicarro support: If you're not satisfied with the supplier's response, reach out to support@sicarro.com or WhatsApp before accepting the vehicle
4. You can refuse the vehicle: If the car is significantly different (wrong model, poor condition, safety concerns), you have the right to refuse and request a full refund

Airport Pickup Specifics

If your supplier is meeting you at Monsenor Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL):

• Share your flight number with the supplier so they can track your arrival
• Agree on a specific meeting point (e.g., outside arrivals, at a specific parking area)
• Allow extra time — customs and baggage claim can take 30-60 minutes
• Turn on your phone as soon as you land and message the supplier
• The supplier will typically wait at the agreed spot with the vehicle ready

Tips for a Smooth Pickup

• Communicate proactively — confirm the day before your pickup
• Have all documents accessible (not buried in your luggage)
• Don't rush the inspection — 10 minutes now saves you from disputes later
• Ask questions about anything you're unsure of
• Save the supplier's phone number and Sicarro support contact in your phone
• Test the car briefly before the supplier leaves — check brakes, steering, AC, and that it drives normally