How to Return a Rental Car With Scratches

Take time to thoroughly inspect the car for exterior damage before accepting the rental.

When accepting a rental car, do a careful inspection of the car's exterior. This is important as it may affect what happens when you return the vehicle. Before signing for the vehicle, note all scratches, dents or marred paint on the rental car diagram. Many times agents are in a hurry, but do not let them rush you. You can use your mobile phone to document any existing damage. Have your paperwork accessible and allow adequate time to examine the car with the rental agent when you return the vehicle.

Instructions

Returning a Rental Car With Scratches

1. If you notice a scratch or dent on your rental while it is in your possession, take a photo of the damage and note the time, place and circumstances. If the damage is extensive, contact the rental agency immediately.

2. Thoroughly inspect your rental car hours before its return time. This gives you time to refill the gas tank, collect your personal belongings and look at the exterior for scratches or other damage.

3. If you find minor marks or scratches, you can attempt to correct them. For rubber smudges from a parking lot cone or shopping cart, use a wet towel to rub the rubber off the paint. Ask a car parts store for a wax that can buffer out scratches, apply it and see how it looks. Try this method for a paint splatter also. It is not dishonest to attempt to fix minor damage and it may save you lots of money.

4. Return the car to the agency. Always insist on a complete walk around inspection of the car with the agency representative. This should avoid the unpleasant surprise of damage charges added to your credit card without your prior knowledge. If you have obvious damage beyond normal wear and tear, point it out to the agent. Ask for a written report of the damages and a repair estimate.

5. If you purchased the Full Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance offered by the car rental agency, your obligation is complete. The CDW will cover minor damage. If you refused the CDW, contact your credit card company to see what their coverage is, if any. For example, American Express covers most damages to a rental car provided you declined the CDW, paid for and reserved the rental with your American Express card. If your credit card company does not cover damage on rental cars, contact your personal car insurance company to determine your coverage and to report the claim.

6. Once you turn the matter over to the credit card company or insurance agent, wait to hear further from them as to what your next step is. Keep notes on all conversations you have about the claim and retain all paperwork even after the claim is settled.

Tips & Warnings

• Prior to renting a car, check with your insurance agent regarding what, if any, coverage applies to rental cars. Check with your credit card company as well, as some include insurance on rental cars entirely paid for using their card.

• Be careful when parking. Find a spot where other cars will not be likely to hit the rental with their car doors.

• Overseas car rental companies may not have a diagram for you to note scratches when you pick up the car. Inspect it anyway and make notes on the contract of any existing conditions. Ask the clerk to initial your comments.

• If picking up your rental after dark, take a flashlight for checking over the car in case agency lighting is poor or drive the car to a better lit area for the inspection.

• Be sure the agent initials or signs your exceptions on the car's condition. Mark everything no matter how minor.

• Look over the car completely before accepting the rental, even if it is dark, raining, or you are in a hurry.

• Keep your car rental paperwork, plus all gas receipts, for six months after returning the rental. Gas receipts will prove you used the correct type of fuel in case that is disputed at a later time.

• Some insurance will not cover rental car damage if you were on business instead of leisure.

• If you have damage, initiate a claim with your credit card company or personal car insurance agency immediately even if you do not know the extent of the damage. A delay in reporting can invalidate your claim.

References

• The Washington Post: Ding or Damage? Car Rental Dispute is a Cautionary Tale
• Federal Trade Commission: Facts for Consumers: Renting a Car
• American Society of Travel Agents: Travel Sense: Car Rental Tips
• Fodor's Travel: Rental-Car Rip-Offs
• American Express: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance Plan Benefits
• GEICO: Car Rental and Auto Insurance

Resources

• Wall Street Journal: Smart Money: 10 Things Rental Car Companies Won't Say