Rental car company says repair to scratch on vehicle cost $740. How can I fight it?

We don't use rental car company insurance; rely on our own instead. When we returned our rental car in Victoria BC (we are from US) there were two small scratches on the back bumper. Rental guy said "barely there, we'll just rub them out." That was October. Today we got a bill for $740 and request for our insurance carrier info. Asked for bacup; received emailed photos - all that's
visible in 6 photos is a couple small scratches. Their shop REPLACED the bumper. Don't want to run this through our insurance since it will undoubtedly make our rates go up. AND don't want to be ripped off. Any recourse? Anyone had this situation and resolved it? Thanks.

Kasey C

I'm afraid you are ****ed. Once I was driving, and I backed up into someone's rental mustang. It was a gentle touch, and all that everybody on the scene can see is one light gouge on the metal around the headlight, less than 16th of an inch deep. I gave him insurance information. When the bill arrived, it was over $750, as they basically redid the entire corner with the lights (it wasn't even cracked!) I discussed this with my insurance agent and he agreed that I should just pay it since my commercial insurance deductible (it was company vehicle) was $2500, not worth fighting over.

You *could* have bargained them down a bit, like 20% off if you pay by bank transfer so they have money today or something like that, but why bother?

oklatom

You have little choice but to run it through your insurance, who will have the power to investigate this thoroughly, and will ask for your input. Once you tell them the rental agency was aware of the scratches and wasn't concerned about them, hopefully they will deny the claim and that will be the end of it. Just report it, and then stay in touch with your agent for the outcome. Best of luck.

Mr Lizard

Rent another car from them, and buy their insurance. Proceed to take out your frustrations on their insured car.

lady_luck11111

must be avis take them to court

Sebatians B

well if you rented it it would be a diffrent story then if it was ur car just stink in there talk to them about it and how it happend talk to the most incharge that is the best i got for u

Curious

it looks like the only recourse you have is to talk with their insurance adjuster, not just the rental co.

Johnny B Good

Should have taken pictures of the car before you left the lot. Your going to waste money to fight it.

Doodlestuff

I don't know what to tell you to do, but in future, always have them look over the car and SIGN OFF on 'no damage charges'. Verbal agreements aren't worth the spit. This was a tip I got from my boss some years ago (he traveled a lot). They automatically did that for me when I rented 3 different cars in Texas although one guy did try to give me heck for the replacement tire cost (hey, their people authorized it, so too bad - don't have many choices in rural TX).

miamiwings

talk to your insurance company and ask them what they think you should do

Benson L

Technically the law is in their court. However you can take this to a small claims tribunal (which has no judge, but a middle man is present) to talk it out. Or complain to the Consumer affairs division in your state (which may take a long long time).

northstar

take it to small claims court, and get estimates on the same work...actually reverse that because once you get estimates you might decide to just pay it. Next time use enterprise they are great, and take a full set of pictures as a peace of mind for yourself, you can erase them later from your camera.

Vmk Title Rangers_Hockey_Fan

Hmm.. You Can Paint Over It But That Probably Wont Work........

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