The intention is – of course – to return a rental car or rental van in the same condition as when you picked it up. But what if you, as a renter, disagree with the car rental company? Who will then lose out?
'That' scratch
You have just dropped off your rental car at the car rental company. You are certain that you returned it undamaged. Or you are certain that the scratch was already there. However, the rental company is not so sure. He claims that you as the renter are liable for the damage.
Before you took the rental car, you quickly walked around the car. You came to the conclusion that the car was undamaged. That one small scratch, no one will care? Besides, they will know about it.
Unfortunately, these types of scenarios do occur in practice. Believe us. We know the stories of customers of other car rental companies. How do you prevent the rental company from making an unjustified claim of hundreds or even thousands of euros? We give you three tips.
Tips
1 – Check your car meticulously for all scratches and dents, both small and large. Do this before you drive off the lot. Don't forget the interior! Report all damage you see on the damage form and ask for a copy of it.
2 – As a backup, take a photo of each damage with your smartphone. In the file properties of the photo, you can see the date and time. Useful as proof that there is existing damage. Make sure that there is a recognizable background in the photo. From this you can deduce that the photo was taken on the premises of the car rental company. Detailed photos are not necessary. Take a photo of the front, sides, back and roof. With the HD cameras that are on your phone these days, you can zoom in and see even the smallest scratch.
3 – Car rental companies essentially put the responsibility on you. You get the key and can drive off the lot with the car. Often, when you return it, no one looks up or around the car. At least not immediately. However, if the next renter discovers damage that was probably not there yet, you will be held accountable. Even if the car has been on the lot for days. Therefore, also take photos after returning your rental car. This way you can prove that you returned the car in the same condition.
Follow the three steps above and prevent unjustified damage claims! Safe and reliable rent a car in the Urmond region? That's possible at Adrem!
