Damage to a hire car, it's something that could happen to you. It's probably the worst thing that could happen to you when hiring a car, apart from car theft. Would you like to know more about what to do when your hire car is stolen? Read it in this blog.. Have you had a collision, or perhaps hit a bollard while parking? What happens now? Damage to your rental car can also occur through no fault of your own, of course. What happens in those cases? This blog will delve deeper into these matters.
Liability for damage to a rental car
When you cause damage to a rental car, it doesn't automatically mean you as the driver will be held liable. The rental car insurance distinguishes between several types of damage. If damage is caused by someone else, then that person is liable and must bear the costs. If you cause the damage yourself by causing an accident or for minor damage to the rental car such as scratches when parking, then you are liable. Damage can also be caused by an unknown person. You did not see who caused it and the perpetrator left no details behind. In this case, you as the driver will also be held liable, because the car rental company can no longer trace the perpetrator. What kind of insurance was taken out with the rental car also determines who has to bear the costs. Read more about car hire insurance in this article.
Excess in the event of damage to a rental car
Regardless of which rental company you hire a car from, you can assume that a deductible will be mentioned in the terms and conditions. How high that is, however, varies from one rental company to another. At Adrem Limburg, we have seen that a high deductible leads to extra caution on the part of the renter. Therefore, with us, you have a €1,000 excess when you have caused damage to the rental car. You can, however, reduce this excess to €250. Read more here about the options for waiving excess on rental cars.
How to proceed with rental car damage?
If damage occurs to a rental car, you can take the following steps:
- Examine the damage and assess its extent. Take photographs and note any relevant details such as time, place, cause, and so on. If there are witnesses, record their contact details.
- Report the damage immediately to the car rental company. This can usually be done by phone or via the emergency number listed in the rental agreement. Follow the instructions of the rental company and fill in any damage forms that may be required.
- Gather all relevant information needed to process the claim, such as the landlord's name and contact details, the insurance policy number, the car's registration number, and the rental agreement.
- Discuss the cost of the damage with the landlord and ask for an estimate of the repair or replacement costs for the rental car. If you are insured, also discuss your insurance coverage and excess.
- Document all communication with the landlord and keep all papers and receipts relating to the car rental and the damage.
Damage to rental car after return
It can happen that a car rental company, after you've returned the car, discovers damage to the rental vehicle. They will charge the repair costs via the credit card details you've left to cover the deposit. Do you hired a rental car without a credit card, then another method will be sought. These repair costs are normally charged immediately upon return. It is important that this damage has already been recorded on the check-in form. This describes the condition of the car when you returned it. To be sure, always take photos when you pick up the car and when you return it. This way, no unjustified repair costs can be charged when the car is returned. When you first pick up the car, it is always advisable to check the check-out form to see if all existing damage is indicated. If not, report this to the car rental company immediately. When returning the car, also read the check-in form carefully and ask for a copy of this form.
