The Rentalist

My car has been in for repair. I received a hire car, for 4 days, the duration of the repair to my car. One week after returning hire car, I received a letter and claim form saying I had returned the hire car with accident damage to the passenger door, the date of the accident being 9/12/09, (they say), the day before I returned the car. On this date I did not use the hire car. It was in my garage the whole day, unused. I left the car at the repairer’s, on its forecourt, and handed the key to the reception, on the 10/12/09, and drove off in my repaired car. No check was made of the car, either by the repairer or by the hirer, who did not have a rep there to meet me. The letter, says regardless of fault, I must pay for the repair. What is your view please? I have no knowledge of any damage to the vehicle. How can I fill in an accident claim form when I did not have an accident?

Asked on 6 March 2010 by A.N., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
Write back giving the facts as you have stated them in this e-mail and stating that if they want to take it further they can sue you and you will meet them in court where you will defend yourself with the facts. They will then drop this scam like a hot potato. When any reader takes delivery of a hire car or a loaner, take photos of the vulnerable areas and particularly of any existing damage before you get into the car.
Similar questions
Audi assist recently hired me a vehicle whilst a faulty handbrake on mine was repaired. Scratches to bumpers and alloys were apparent on the hire car. I had it for just over 24 hours before re-parking...
In July I hired a Skoda Yeti from Europcar, Salzburg airport. On returning the vehicle I reported minor scratches on the front right wing. I believe the scratches were made when it was being parked, but...
My fence was damaged again on Sunday by a vehicle using the neighbouring supermarket's car park (it runs along my boundary line). The supermarket were not very helpful, they say they don't have CCTV that...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer