Vehicle handover and return
We have compiled the steps for receiving and returning a vehicle, and we provide useful tips on how to prepare for these in advance. We hope that the following guides will make both processes easier and smoother for you. Please select which topic you are interested in: receiving the car or returning it!
Certain parts of the information on this site were prepared based on the official guidelines of the Hungarian Leasing Association, adapted into a web format.
Contacting us
Our Fleet team will get in touch with the person designated by the Client as the Fleet contact regarding the handover of the vehicle(s).
If you are the responsible person, our colleague will get in touch with you using your preferred method – by phone or email – to arrange the location and time for receiving the car.
at the Mol Mercarius site
KOMÁROMI ÚTI
SERVICE POINT
1142 Budapest, Komáromi út 36-38.
TENGERSZEM UTCAI
SERVICE POINT
1142 Budapest, Tengerszem utca 59/a
GYÁLI ÚTI
SERVICE POINT
1097 Budapest, Gyáli út 48.
ILLATOS ÚTI
SERVICE POINT
1097 Budapest, Illatos út 44.
GYÖMRŐI ÚTI
SERVICE POINT
1103 Budapest, Gyömrői út 115.
MOL MERCARIUS
DEBRECEN
4032 Debrecen, Külső Böszörményi út 8.
at the client's premises
at the car showroom
This can take place at the premises of the importer or the car dealership.
Important: The prerequisite for handing over the vehicle is a signed rental agreement!
Recommended preparations
Important: Read the Hungarian user manual carefully and follow the instructions contained in it.
On the day of the handover
When receiving the vehicle(s), both the person handing over and the person receiving the vehicle(s) are jointly responsible for checking the condition and accessories of the vehicle(s). Make sure that all factory and optional equipment is present and complete.
We kindly ask you to actively participate in checking the following items:
- warning triangle
- first aid kit
- spare wheel or puncture repair kit
- high-visibility vest
- European “blue-yellow” accident report
- car jack*
- and the wheel wrench*
Vehicle condition assessment:
Recording any detected defects in the report.
Receiving the necessary documents:
- vehicle registration certificatey
- insurance certificate
- authorization to drive the vehicle
After the inspection, by signing the Handover-Takeover Report, you confirm the accuracy of the above.
Important: It is the joint responsibility of both the person handing over and the person receiving the car to check the condition and accessories of the vehicle.
What else happens on the day of the handover?
1. Vehicle(s) overview
During the handover, we will show the most important functions and features of the car.
- Vehicle customization: How can you adjust the car to suit your needs?
- Driver assistance systems and extras: What driver assistance systems are available and how can they be activated?
- Mobile connectivity: How can you connect your mobile phone to the car display?
2. Operational use
We provide information on the most important questions related to the rental period and answer your questions.
- Service: How often and where does the car need to be serviced?
- Tire changeovers: How are winter and summer tire changeovers carried out?
- Emergencies: What should be done in case of an accident, lost ignition key, or other problems?
In the days following the handover
Please note that fuel cards assigned to new users or vehicles usually cannot be handed over at the same time as the vehicle. It may happen that we deliver them to you a few days later. Thank you for your understanding!
Additional obligations after receiving the vehicle
- Follow the instructions described in the user manual during the use of the vehicle.
- Ensure that the service book is available.
- Protect the vehicle from extreme weather and other conditions, and do everything possible to preserve its current condition.
- In the event of any malfunction or defect of the vehicle, notify us as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
- Use the vehicle in accordance with traffic regulations.
- Return the vehicle with all equipment complete, including the factory accessories and the registration sticker that were present at the time of handover.
Vehicle operation
- The vehicle must be taken to a service center regularly for inspection and technical examination, according to the manufacturer’s instructions or official requirements.
- Always use the appropriate tires seasonally, ensuring that their size, load and speed ratings, and all other parameters comply with the vehicle’s technical specifications.
- You are also responsible for the vehicle’s daily maintenance (e.g., checking tire pressure, replacing bulbs, or refilling windshield washer fluid).
- Please notify us if you experience any quality issues after maintenance, or if any repairs or bodywork have been performed, preferably within one week.
- Unfortunately, complaints received after the deadline cannot be considered.
Important: Failure to comply with the obligations set forth in the Hungariran user manual may result in the loss of the factory warranty, which could lead to additional costs.
Vehicle damage
Service book
Documents
Keys
Factory equipment
Vignettes
Before returning the vehicle, remove all vignettes and decals so that no residue remains and the surface is neither damaged nor discolored.
If you do not remove the vignettes, you will be responsible for the removal costs.
+ Additional accessories
In addition to the factory and optional equipment, you may install additional devices (e.g., hands-free kits, CB radios, or screens) provided they do not cause any damage to the vehicle (for example, using special clamps that do not leave marks or cause damage).
Before installing such accessories, obtain approval to ensure that the device does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle’s other equipment and does not pose a risk to passengers. Upon termination of the leasing or rental contract, these accessories must be removed without leaving any permanent marks.
If you wish to install accessories that alter the vehicle’s bodywork (e.g., tow hooks, larger tires, or spoilers), approval from the fleet manager and our written consent are required, as these may affect the frequency and cost of inspections and servicing.
Frequently asked questions
What do we need to do when taking over the vehicle?
You must check that all factory-installed and optional equipment of the vehicle is complete. It is also recommended to carefully read the user manual.
What happens if we do not follow the instructions in the user manual?
When do we need to notify MOL Mercarius Fleet Solution about a malfunction or damage?
Who is responsible for servicing and technical inspections?
What kind of tires must we use?
What daily maintenance tasks are our responsibility?
What should we do if the vehicle is damaged?
What happens if we do not report the damage in time?
What does the factory equipment include?
Can we install my own accessories in the car (e.g. hands-free system, CB radio)?
Is authorization required for modifications such as a tow bar or spoiler?
Yes, written approval from the fleet manager and MOL Mercarius Fleet Solution is required.
Kapcsolatfelvétel
You need to coordinate in advance with our Fleet team regarding the date and location for returning the car. The return date will be mutually agreed upon, no later than the 5th working day before the return.
You can indicate your intention to return the vehicle via the Contact form under the “OTHER” tile by selecting Vehicle Return, or by sending an email to ugyfelszolgalat@molmercarius.hu.
A visszavét preferáltan a MOL Mercarius alábbi telephelyein történik:
TENGERSZEM UTCAI SERVICE POINT
1142 Budapest, Tengerszem utca 59/a
GYÖMRŐI ÚTI SERVICE POINT
1103 Budapest, Gyömrői út 115.
MOL MERCARIUS
DEBRECEN
4032 Debrecen, Külső Böszörményi út 8.
MOL MERCARIUS
SZEGED
6728 Szeged, Dorozsmai út 6.
Do you have a question?
Call our central number!
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 16:30 PM
Recommended preparations
When returning the vehicle, it is important that the car is in as clean a condition as possible to ensure that any external and internal damages can be clearly identified.
Before returning the vehicle, make sure that it is in proper condition:
Car cleaning
Wash the bodywork before the inspection and clean the interior (including upholstery if necessary).
Car deodorizing
Eliminate any unpleasant odors (e.g., tobacco smoke, animal or human-related smells).
Emptying the car’s compartments
Check all storage compartments in the car and remove all personal belongings.
Data deletion
Don’t forget to delete any personal data stored in the vehicle’s navigation or media system.
Cleaning the car exterior
Any stickers, labels, or advertisements on the bodywork or windows must also be removed.
Removal of accessories
If there is a GPS tracker or any other device not included in the contract installed in the vehicle, make sure to remove it before returning the car.
Important: If the vehicle(s) is not properly prepared by you, it will be washed and undergo a detailed inspection before the handover, the costs of which will be your responsibility. In this case, the detailed condition assessment will take place without your presence. Any repair costs for damages identified during the assessment will be charged to you.
On the day of return
The vehicle(s) return process, including a detailed condition assessment and documentation, typically takes about 15 minutes. Therefore, please plan for this time rather than just a simple key handover!
Fuel level at return
Valid technical inspection
Roadworthy condition
Engine and warning lights
The engine must be able to start, and no warning lights should indicate a fault. If these conditions are not met, further inspections may be carried out to clarify the vehicle’s condition and to account for the related costs.
Important: After the vehicle is returned, it is no longer possible to settle CASCO or damage coverage services retroactively, nor to replace lost keys or registration certificates. Any costs arising from these will be your responsibility.
Requirements for returning the vehicle
At the time of vehicle(s) return, both the person handing over and the person receiving the car are jointly responsible for inspecting the vehicle’s condition and accessories. Please actively participate in checking the following items:
Presence of mandatory accessories:
- valid registration certificate, registration vignette, and gray license plate (for bike racks, if applicable),
- user manual, service and warranty booklets (if in paper format),
- all keys and copies, including the ignition card,
- user manuals and warranty booklets for any aftermarket accessories,
- radio code cards,
- SD, CD, or DVD discs for the navigation system (for security reasons, delete saved locations such as your home address),
- all removable audio devices,
- removable additional equipment installed on the vehicle (e.g., tow bar, rear sunshade, parcel shelf, hubcaps, headrests, mats, charging cables, etc.),
- keys for the bodywork, roof rack, and tow hitch,
- safety equipment belonging to the vehicle (jack, wheel wrench, warning triangle, first aid kit, etc.)*,
- the spare tire must be in the vehicle and comply with legal requirements,
- if the vehicle has a tire repair kit, it must be operational (plug + 12V compressor for cigarette lighter)*.
*If you receive a puncture repair kit, the car jack and wheel wrench are not included among the mandatory accessories.
Areas to be checked:
Glass surfaces:
Check all lights, lenses, windows, and mirrors for cracks, chips, or holes.
Tires, spare wheel, and tire repair kit:
Check for any damage, tears, or missing parts, and ensure that all bolts and wheel nuts (wheel locks) are present.
Many manufacturers do not provide a spare tire but instead supply a tire repair kit containing a puncture sealant and a 12V compressor.
– If the vehicle comes with a tire repair kit, it must be in usable condition upon return.
– If the vehicle has a spare tire, it must also be returned inside the vehicle and in proper condition.
Interior:
The upholstery must be clean and free of unpleasant odors, and it must not have burn marks, tears, or stubborn stains.
Dashboard and center console:
All functions and devices must work properly, and no error codes should be displayed. Surfaces should be free of damage and cracks.
Body elements (including sills and roof):
Under proper lighting conditions, check for dents, damage, or scratches on the bodywork.
Important: The person handing over the car(s) and the person receiving it share joint responsibility for inspecting the vehicle’s condition and accessories.
Assessment of damages
This guide helps you understand the basic requirements the car must meet at the time of return.
Naturally, the vehicle’s condition is influenced by its age and mileage, but there are certain damages that are no longer considered acceptable (e.g., missing parts or broken glass surfaces).
Important: The following guide provides general information; in the case of valid contracts, all settlements are carried out according to the terms specified therein.
Vehicle exterior surfaces
- Scratches up to 10 cm in length, if they can be removed by polishing
- Scuffs and wear marks up to 2 cm, if they can be removed by polishing
- Dents up to 2 cm in size, with a maximum of two per panel
- Stone chips affecting less than 25% of the panel, without corrosion
- Stone chips that were properly repainted before the onset of corrosion
- Breaks and scratches longer than 10 cm
- Scuffs, wear, and dents larger than 2 cm
- Any stone chips, scratches, or wear that cannot be removed by polishing
- More than two dents per panel
- Corroded dents, scuffs, or scratches, or paint damage where bare metal is visible and corrosion may start
- Stone chips affecting more than 25% of the panel surface
- Defective repainting showing color mismatch
- Improper repair
- Complete or partial absence of decals that are an integral part of the vehicle
- Discoloration caused by external factors
- Residues, adhesive marks, or contamination remaining from the removal or absence of advertising decals
- Damage caused by corrosive substances
2.) Grille and bumper
- Scratches up to 10 cm in length, if they can be removed by polishing
- Scuffs and wear marks up to 2 cm, if they can be removed by polishing
- In the case of a textured or unpainted bumper: scratches and impact marks up to 10 cm, and scuffs and wear marks up to 2 cm
- Dents up to 2 cm in size, with a maximum of two per grille and per bumper
- Discoloration caused by external factors (e.g. weather conditions)
- Breaks and scratches longer than 10 cm
- Scuffs, wear, and dents larger than 2 cm
- In the case of a painted bumper: any stone chips, scratches, scuffs, or wear that cannot be removed by polishing
- Broken, cracked, or deformed grille, bumper, or its components (e.g. sensors)
- More than two dents per bumper or per grille
- Damage resulting from improper use of chemicals
- Scratches up to 10 cm in length, if they can be removed by polishing
- Scuffs and wear marks up to 2 cm, if they can be removed by polishing
- In the case of a textured or unpainted bumper: scratches and impact marks up to 10 cm, and scuffs and wear marks up to 2 cm
- Dents up to 2 cm in size, with a maximum of two per grille and per bumper
- Discoloration caused by external factors (e.g. weather conditions)
- Tires with a tread depth below 3 mm for summer tires or below 3.5 mm for winter tires
- Scratches, scuffs, or wear marks longer than 10 cm
- Deformed tire (e.g. as a result of hard braking)
- Bulges on the tire or sidewall damage (e.g. cracks, tears, or missing material)
- Damage to the tread or the bead
- Tires with parameters (brand, tread pattern, size) differing from our records
- Tire punctured by a foreign object
- Broken or deformed alloy or steel wheel
- Corrosion on alloy or steel wheels
- Return without the original alloy or steel wheels, tire repair kit, and/or spare wheel
- Missing quantity or broken hubcaps
- Stone chips measuring 1–2 mm, provided they are not located in the “A” zone of the windshield
- Stone chips on the surface of the headlights, fog lights, or turn signals, provided the glass is not cracked and the component is functional
- Small stickers on the windshield as required by local regulations
- Minor damage to the registration sticker
- Scratches
- Matte surface
- Broken glass or headlight
- Any break or crack in a headlight that impairs its operation; all bulbs must be functional
- Aftermarket sun visor strips or tinted bands must be completely removed from the windshield if they were not installed by a professional, or if they are torn or have started to peel off at the corners of the windshield
- Breaks or cracks larger than 2 cm and/or located in the “A” zone
- Major damage to or absence of the registration sticker
5.) Seals
- Protruding from the bodywork but not damaged or missing
- Showing surface scuffing but not missing
- Damaged
- Missing
- Painted mirror frames: wear and scratches up to 5 cm, if removable by polishing
- Textured or unpainted mirror frames: wear, scratches, and impact marks up to 5 cm
- Vehicle must be returned with an intact tow bar and towing hitch
- Properly installed, fully functional, and undamaged headlights and reflectors
- Headlights must fully comply with legal requirements and, if required by law, be documented in the vehicle’s paperwork
- Painted mirror frames: wear and scratches larger than 5 cm, or any wear and scratches requiring repainting
- Textured or unpainted mirror frames: wear, scratches, and impact marks larger than 5 cm
- Deformation or breakage of the mirror and/or mirror frame
- Any reflector whose installation or removal has caused structural damage to the vehicle
- Damage resulting from the removal of the tow bar
Vehicle interior areas
- Dirt on the seats, interior trim, upholstery, and floor mats that can be removed with general cleaning
- Wear and indentations on the seats indicating general use
- Discoloration of the panels as a result of daily use and wear
- The phone holder may remain in the vehicle
- Dirt on the seats, interior trim, upholstery, and floor mats that can only be removed with specialized cleaning
- Tears, wear, scratches, cuts, or deformation in the interior trim, upholstery, or floor mat materials
- Holes in the dashboard resulting from the removal of equipment
- Cuts, grooves, or fraying on the steering wheel
- Breakage (including on the key) or missing parts (including in the engine compartment)
- Unpleasant odors (e.g., tobacco smell) that can only be eliminated with specialized equipment
- GPS device not removed
- Dirt on the interior trim or upholstery that can be removed with general cleaning
- Wear indicating general use
- Discoloration of the panels as a result of daily use and wear
- Dirt on the interior trim or upholstery that can only be removed with specialized cleaning
- Tears, wear, scratches, cuts, or deformation in the interior trim or upholstery material
- Holes on surfaces or missing upholstery resulting from the removal of aftermarket-installed equipment
- Breakage or missing parts
Frequently asked questions
When do we need to schedule the vehicle return appointment?
The date must be mutually agreed upon no later than the 5th working day before the return.
Where can we return the vehicle?
The vehicle can be returned at the MOL Mercarius sites in
What do we need to do before returning the vehicle?
- The car must be washed before the body inspection.
- The interior must be cleaned (upholstery cleaning, odor removal).
- All personal items and data must be removed (navigation destinations, phone contacts, media content).
- Stickers, advertising signs, and any aftermarket markings must be removed.
- Aftermarket GPS and non-factory devices must be removed without leaving permanent marks.
What happens if we do not prepare the car properly for return?
MOL Mercarius Fleet Solution will wash the vehicle and perform a detailed inspection. The costs of any detected damages and cleaning will be charged to you.
What documents must be handed over with the vehicle?
How many keys do we need to return?
What should be done with the stickers before returning the vehicle?
All non-factory stickers must be removed without leaving marks or damage. If you do not remove them, you will bear the removal costs.
How much fuel should the vehicle have upon return?
Is it necessary for the car to have a valid technical inspection upon return?
Can we claim CASCO or damage coverage after returning the vehicle?
What condition must the car be in at the time of return?
The vehicle must be in roadworthy condition:
- The engine must be able to start.
- No warning lights should indicate faults.
- All functions and equipment must be operational.
What happens if the vehicle is not roadworthy?
Further inspections may be carried out, and the cost of repairs or settlements will be charged to you.
What happens if the vehicle is not roadworthy?
Further inspections may be carried out, and the cost of repairs or settlements will be charged to you.
What documents must be returned with the vehicle?
- Registration certificate, registration sticker, gray license plate (for bike racks).
- User manual, service and warranty booklets (paper-based, if available).
- All keys and copies, starter cards.
- Radio code cards.
- Navigation system media (SD/CD/DVD – saved addresses must be deleted).
- User manuals for aftermarket installed devices.
What accessories must be returned?
- All removable audio equipment.
- Detachable factory accessories (e.g., parcel shelf, hubcaps, mats, headrests, charging cables, etc.).
- Roof rack and tow hitch keys.
- Safety equipment (jack, lug wrench, warning triangle, first aid kit, etc.).
- Spare wheel or tire repair kit in usable condition.