What happens if a rental car is damaged?

Damaged rental car, it could happen to you. It is probably the worst thing that can happen to you when renting a car, besides car theft. Want to know more about what to do when your rental car gets stolen? Read it in this blog. You had a collision or hit a pole while parking? What happens now? Damage to your rental car can also occur outside of your own fault, of course. What happens in those cases? This blog will delve deeper into these issues.

Liability for damage to rental car

If you have caused damage with the rental car, this does not automatically mean that you as the driver are 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 pay the costs. If you cause the damage yourself by causing an accident or in the case of minor damage to the rental car such as scratches while parking, then you are liable. In addition, damage can be caused by an unknown person. You did not see who caused it and the perpetrator did not leave any information. In this case, you as the driver are also held liable, because the car rental company can no longer trace the perpetrator. The type of insurance taken out for the rental car also determines who must pay the costs. Read more about insurance for a rental car in this article.

Deductible for damage with rental car

No matter which rental company you rent a car from, you can assume that there is a deductible in the terms and conditions. How high this is, differs per rental company. At Adrem Limburg we have seen that a high deductible ensures extra caution with the renter. That is why you have a deductible of € 1.000 with us, if you have driven damage with the rental car. You can then reduce this deductible to € 250. Read more about the options for buying out the excess on a rental car here.

How to proceed in case of rental car damage?

If damage occurs to a rental car, you can take the following steps:

• Examine the damage and assess its extent. Take photos and note any relevant details such as time, place, cause, etc. If there are witnesses, note their contact information.
• Report the damage immediately to the car rental company. This can usually be done by phone or by using the emergency number listed in the rental agreement. Follow the instructions of the rental company and fill out any damage forms that are required.
• Collect all relevant information needed to handle the claim, such as the name and contact details of the rental company, the insurance policy number, the car's license plate number and the rental agreement.
• Discuss the cost of the damage with the rental company and ask for an estimate of the cost to repair or replace the rental car. If you have insurance, discuss your insurance coverage and deductible as well.
• Document all communications with the rental company and keep all paperwork and receipts relating to the car rental and damages.

Damage to rental car after returning

It can happen that a car rental company, after you have returned the car, discovers damage to the rental car. They will charge the repair costs to the credit card details that you left behind to pay the deposit. Do you have rented a 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 is already included in the check-in form. This describes the condition of the car when you returned it. To be on the safe side, always take photos when you picked 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 on the check-out form whether all existing damage is indicated. If not, report this to the car rental company immediately. Also read the check-in form carefully when returning the car and ask for a copy of this form.