Is there anything to be careful of when renting a hire vehicle in California?

Having read the letters on car hire in Europe and having been stung good and proper by Hertz at Toulouse airport, we have a son about to go to California on his own where he will be renting a camper van. Are there any hiccups waiting to happen that you know of? He does not own a car but has a clean licence and has taken out insurance with an American company. He is 30 years of age, sensible and a mature human being.

Asked on 11 July 2011 by CS, via email

Answered by Honest John
It's critical to spend a lot of time going over the van with the rep and the damage sheet and a digital camera before departing. Even more critical is to return to the airport early, allowing a lot of time to do the same thing again before he has to catch his flight back.
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