Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

What to Do When I Lose a Rented Power Tool

For a quick project around the house, yard or office, it might make more sense to rent power tools than to buy equipment you might not use again for a while. When you rent a power tool from an appliance store, you have every intent to bring it back. But things can happen, and a simple forgetful moment might render your power tool lost.

Renter's Agreement
- If you lose a rented power tool, read the renter's agreement from the appliance store where you rented the equipment. Rental programs for tools often require customers to sign a renter's agreement or contract that explains the terms, conditions and consequences for losing rental items. For instance, terms might allow customers a given period of time to recover the missing item.
Recovery
- Keep looking for the lost rental equipment before you tell the store it's missing. You might find it in a place you least expected it to be. Be sure the tool is missing before informing the store.
Payment or Replacement
- You might be required to pay the full cost of the power tool you lost, after informing the rental company you misplaced it. Or you might pay the difference between the rental cost and the full cost of the power tool. You might be able to work out a payment plan for expensive items, such as splitting the payment over a series of months. Other stores might require you to replace the product lost by buying it directly from the manufacturer.
Loss Protection
- Find out ahead of time if the store offers rental protection or insurance that covers you in case the equipment is lost or stolen. Such programs might be available for longer projects that span many months, as the chances of losing equipment increase the longer it is rented.

Other Hobbies