Guest Check-In: How To

Check-in creates the pickup record for the vehicle before you drive away. The exact prompts differ between the Carvia app and guest web.

Prelaunch: Live guest trips are not open yet. This article describes the check-in flow currently built for launch.

When check-in opens

Check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled pickup time for a booked trip. Complete it at the vehicle before driving away so the photos and readings reflect the actual handoff.

On guest web

  1. Open the booked trip from Trips and select Check In.
  2. Add one clear exterior photo and one dashboard / odometer photo. Web accepts JPG, PNG, or WebP uploads up to 25 MB each.
  3. Enter the odometer in whole miles.
  4. Enter the fuel percentage or EV charge percentage when it applies, and add notes about existing damage or the handoff.
  5. Submit the check-in. Both private uploads must finish before the handoff record is created.

The web form uses the file picker available on your device. It does not currently require live camera capture or attach browser geolocation to every photo.

In the Carvia app

The app provides a more detailed guided inspection:

  • Exterior and interior photo prompts
  • Odometer and fuel or charge readings
  • A location reading when device permission and location services are available

Follow every prompt shown for that vehicle and trip. The app and web submit to the same trip record even though their capture interfaces differ.

Host confirmation

The host completes a separate check-in confirmation. On host web, that confirmation uses your submitted handoff record when one exists; otherwise the host records the dashboard values and notes under their own account. In the app, the host also completes the guided inspection and confirms the driver's license during an in-person handoff.

Do not drive away until the required handoff steps are complete and the trip shows that check-in has been accepted.

Documenting the vehicle

Photograph any visible scratch, dent, wheel damage, windshield mark, warning light, interior stain, or other issue before driving. Add a note and message the host through Inbox so there is a clear trip record.

Submitted check-in evidence is private and is reviewed alongside checkout evidence if a claim or dispute is opened. It is important evidence, but a single photo does not create an automatic claim outcome.

If something is wrong

Do not confirm the handoff or drive the vehicle if it appears unsafe, materially differs from the listing, or the pickup cannot be completed as agreed. Message the host in Carvia and contact support from the trip if it cannot be resolved.

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