Q re: damage to a rental car

[funnybone]

Has anybody ever been responsible/liable for damages to a rental car? Here's the situation.

I've had a rental for two weeks which is being paid by an insurance company as someone hit my car in a lot and was honest enough to wait for me to come out. Yesterday I noticed there is a scrape on the back panel of the rental car that wasn't there before. It must have happened in a parking lot. I declined all insurance at time of rental because my visa covers me. I will be getting my car back today and returning the rental car. I have called the agency to let them know what happened (hey, they aren't blind and will see it anyway) since I have to leave their car at the body shop. They said that they will get back to me at a later date, once the vehicle has been inspected. I have taken pictures and I will have the body shop give me an estimate so that I have something to compare it to should it need to be pursued.

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with this? How does it work it I end up having to make the claim through my visa?

[Laura]

I was in a parking lot accident in a rental car about three years ago. I also declined all insurance as my own car insurance provided liability coverage and property damage. I was responsible for the deductible however, and that is what American Express covered. I would call Visa, but I just forwarded all the information that had been submitted to my insurance company with a claim form provided by AE to AE and I received a check (as I paid the deductible almost immediately). If you call Visa they will give you information. I also submitted a claim through the rental car agency and had to fill out their paperwork. It really wasn't all that more difficult than if it is your own car, it was just a few more entities that I had to give the notice to.

[mcgeiger]

I was hit while in a rental. The rental company wanted me to pay the $1000 deductible when I returned the car. I refused, insisting on an estimate and the fact the other driver hit me (ran a light). They through a hissy fit and I said too bad.

Weeks later I got a call from the at fault driver's insurance wondering why they hadn't heard from the rental company. The rental company evidently decided it wasn't worth their while and it all went away!

[funnybone]

I actually just called visa to get some info and was told that I can only make a claim if I have an actual charge on the card for the rental. :confused: I had to use the card as security, but there are not supposed to be any charges as far as I know since Allstate is paying for the rental. I guess I have to call my insurance company too. :mad: Maybe I should just keep the car an extra day, incur the small charge to make it easier. :rolleyes:

[LakeMartinGal]

Take your own pictures, if at all possible, just for your own peace of mind. Not saying that the rental car company would overcharge for the damage, but just in case...;)

[funnybone]

Take your own pictures, if at all possible, just for your own peace of mind. Not saying that the rental car company would overcharge for the damage, but just in case...;)


That's already done! That's the first rule I was always told.

[Gumbeaux]

So, who paid for the rental, you or the insurance company? If the insurance company did, I wouldn't worry.