Quick Summary:
- Ask the agent to pause the signature screen, then review line-by-line.
- Request the full cover page and itemised charges before signing anything.
- Ask for a printed or emailed agreement copy before you leave.
- Decline add-ons you do not understand, and ask for written clarification.
Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport can feel like a sprint: shuttle buses, queues, and the pressure to get on the road. That is exactly when it is easiest to accept a tablet and sign without properly seeing what you are agreeing to. If the screen is dim, the text is tiny, or the signature box appears before you have reviewed the full document, you can and should slow the process down. A car hire agreement is a contract, and you are entitled to understand the charges, the protection options, and the key terms before you sign.
This guide explains practical steps to take at LAX if you are asked to sign a tablet agreement you cannot fully read. The goal is simple: pause signing, obtain the cover page and a full itemised breakdown, and leave the counter with a printable or emailed copy that matches what you agreed to.
Why the tablet moment matters at LAX
At LAX, many rental desks and consolidated facilities use electronic rental agreements. These can be perfectly legitimate and convenient, but the format can hide crucial information behind scrolling, collapsed sections, or small-print pop-ups. In a busy queue, an agent may summarise quickly and move the tablet straight to the signature page. If you sign without reviewing the details, you may later discover add-ons, upgraded vehicle classes, fuel products, or additional driver charges that you did not intend to accept.
The key thing to remember is that a quick signature is not your only option. You can ask for time, larger text, or a different format. You can request the exact pages that show total price, inclusions, and optional extras. You can also ask for a copy before you leave, so you can check that the final agreement reflects what was discussed.
Step 1: Pause the signing process, politely and clearly
If the tablet is difficult to read, do not sign first and ask questions later. Instead, use a clear, calm line such as: “I cannot read this properly on the tablet. Please go back to the cover page and the itemised charges so I can review them before signing.” This frames the issue as visibility and understanding, not confrontation.
If the agent says the tablet is standard procedure, repeat that you are happy to proceed once you can see the full terms and costs. In practice, most counters can increase font size, rotate the screen, or provide a printed summary. If the text is still not readable, ask for the agreement to be displayed on a larger monitor or printed. The point is not to delay unnecessarily, it is to ensure informed consent to charges and terms.
It helps to know what your expected booking includes before you reach the counter. If you arranged car hire for LAX via a comparison or broker, have your voucher and inclusions ready to reference. For an overview of typical airport rental setups and what to expect on arrival, see car hire Los Angeles LAX.
Step 2: Request the cover page and the full itemised charges
When you are given a tablet, the most important screens are usually the cover page and the itemised charges page. These tend to show:
Total estimated charges, sometimes split into rental, taxes, and fees.
Optional products such as collision damage waiver, supplemental liability, personal accident cover, roadside packages, toll devices, navigation, Wi-Fi, or prepay fuel.
Authorisation amount or deposit hold, which may be higher than the quoted price.
Vehicle class and any upgrade cost.
Additional driver and young driver charges, if applicable.
Ask the agent to scroll slowly through each line item and confirm what is included and what is optional. If you see an item you did not request, ask: “Is this required, or can it be removed?” If it is optional, request removal and ask to see the updated total before you sign.
At LAX, you may also see facility charges and tourism-related fees that are standard. The goal is not to dispute legitimate mandatory charges, it is to identify optional add-ons and mismatches from your expectation. If you want context on California-specific fees and typical rental structures, car hire California LAX can help you understand what commonly appears on agreements.
Step 3: Confirm what “protection” means in plain language
A common reason people feel uneasy at the tablet stage is that protection products can be confusing, especially across different countries and insurers. Before you sign, ask the agent to explain, in plain language, what happens if:
You damage the car, including excess and exclusions.
Someone hits you, including how claims are handled.
There is theft or vandalism, including what documentation is required.
You need roadside assistance, and what is covered versus chargeable.
Then ask the agent to point to where those protections appear on the agreement and the price per day. If you have your own cover, you can say: “I am not agreeing to extra coverage unless I can see the cost and the terms in writing.”
If the counter is pushing a protection product, it is reasonable to ask for the full description page on the tablet, not just a verbal summary. If you cannot read it, ask for an emailed copy of the terms while you are still at the desk so you can verify what you are accepting.
Step 4: Ask for a printable or emailed copy before you leave
Do not leave the counter area without a copy of what you signed. At minimum, you want a complete receipt-like summary plus the full agreement, showing the final totals and selected options. You can request:
An emailed copy sent immediately, and ask the agent to confirm the email address on screen.
A printed copy of the agreement or, at minimum, the cover page and itemised charges page.
A reference number that matches the agreement you signed.
If the agent says the copy will arrive later, ask them to send it now while you are present, and wait until you receive it or see the “sent” confirmation. If you are in a garage or lot pickup area, signal is not always reliable. Getting the copy at the desk reduces the chance of disputes later.
This step matters because the agreement you sign at pickup can differ from the booking confirmation you received earlier. The agreement is what governs charges at return, so keep it accessible. If you are comparing options across providers at LAX, you might also review the partner pages such as Hertz car rental Los Angeles LAX and Thrifty car rental Los Angeles LAX to understand how different desks may present paperwork and add-ons.
What to say, word-for-word, when the tablet is unreadable
If you want a simple script that stays polite and effective, try this sequence:
1) Pause: “I cannot read the agreement clearly on this tablet. Please pause the signature step.”
2) Cover page: “Please show me the cover page with total charges and key terms.”
3) Itemised lines: “Please scroll through the full itemised charges, including any optional products.”
4) Remove add-ons: “I did not request that option. Please remove it and show the revised total.”
5) Get a copy: “Please email me the full agreement now, before I leave the counter.”
This approach avoids arguing and keeps the focus on clear documentation. It also signals that you are paying attention, which often reduces upsell pressure.
Check these specific line items before you sign
Different companies label items differently, but at LAX these are the lines that often cause confusion. Ask to see each one and confirm whether it is mandatory or optional:
Vehicle class and upgrade cost: Make sure the class matches your booking, and any upgrade is explicit.
Coverage products: Confirm daily rate and what you are accepting or declining.
Fuel policy: Look for prepay fuel, “fuel service” packages, or refill charges.
Additional driver: Confirm who is listed, and the cost if applicable.
Toll device: Some programmes include daily fees plus tolls, others are pay-per-use.
Roadside assistance: Clarify what is included with the base rental versus a paid plan.
Deposit or hold amount: Check how much will be authorised on your card.
If anything looks wrong, ask for the agreement to be regenerated after changes, then review the totals again. A “Yes, we removed it” is not the same as seeing the line disappear and the total drop.
If you feel rushed, use time and escalation options
LAX counters get busy, but you do not have to sign under pressure. If you are being rushed, you can ask to step aside for a moment to read, then return to finish the process. If the agent will not provide readable terms, request a supervisor and explain that you are ready to proceed once you can view the document clearly.
If you are travelling with children, jet-lagged, or juggling luggage, it can help to designate one person to focus solely on the agreement while others handle bags. The minute you spend confirming charges can save a long dispute later.
After signing: verify the email, then review before driving off
Once you have the emailed or printed agreement, do a fast verification before you head to the vehicle:
Match the totals to what you saw on screen.
Confirm selected options align with your choices.
Check the fuel policy and return requirements.
Confirm driver details and any additional driver listings.
If you spot an error immediately, return to the desk while you are still on site. Corrections are typically easier before you leave the facility.
FAQ
Can I refuse to sign a tablet agreement at LAX? You can refuse to sign until you can read and understand it. Ask for the cover page, itemised charges, larger text, or a printed version before proceeding.
What is the single most important page to review before signing? The cover page and the itemised charges page. Together they show the total, optional add-ons, taxes, fees, and the vehicle class being provided.
Is it normal for the final amount to differ from the online quote? It can differ due to local taxes, facility fees, deposits, or optional products added at the counter. That is why confirming itemised charges on the agreement matters.
How do I make sure I get a copy of what I signed? Ask the agent to email the full agreement immediately and confirm the address on screen. If possible, request a printed copy of the cover page and charges before leaving.
What should I do if I notice an unwanted add-on after I leave? Contact the rental company as soon as possible with your agreement copy and request removal. If you are still on airport property, returning to the counter is often quickest.
