Help pls! Minor damage on hire car

bylromarha

Currently on hols and have managed to scrape the hub cap. 4 scratches -1 on each spoke of the hubcap. Have to look to see them, but easy to spot if you look, IYKWIM.

Will we get charged the huge excess for this minor damage? Never hired a car before and wondered how minor you can get away with...we do have excess insurance, but wondered if buying a new hubcap will be easier.

We hired a Polo from Europcar if that helps?

Thanks

Donnie

If you have the car hire excess insurance, then you are fine. But it appears that you are contradicting yourself. You never know with the hire companies. Some will waive it off, others can exaggerate the claim. Next time, get Excess Reimbursement Insurance:
http://www.worldwideinsure.com/car-hire-insurance.htm
http://www.carhireexcess.com/
http://www.insurance4carhire.com/index.asp?langID=1&refID=1666&curID=1

Inactive

Unfortunately you chose probably the worst car hire company on the planet, they will go over the car with a fine tooth comb on it's return.

I would buy a new hub cap if I were in your shoes.

Empty_pockets

I never take the extra insurance and hire regulaly with enterprise, excess £600

Never had to pay it yet but it is always a worry.

Would bump the cost from £35 to £65 with the extra cover.

Empty_pockets

Interested in the excess policys above but they seem to be aimed at holidaymakers. They dont seem to offer UK cover as standard.

From FAQ's
You are covered to rent a vehicle in your country of residence if you select the In-Country Coverage option with your booking. Rentals within your home country must be for at least 2 days and be more than 25 miles from your home (unless it involves a sea crossing).

cubegame

Just tell them it was there when you rented it....and the agent didn't properly inspect the car even though you asked them too. Don't sign anything and don't agree that the damage even exists if necessary!!

Being awkward is the best thing to do here. Hertz tried it on with me at Palma airport because there was a slight marker on the bumper. It wouldn't have been possible to see this when we first picked it up as it was shaded whereas we returned in direct sunlight. I was asked to sign a form saying I agreed to being invoiced for the damage. I refused, grabbed our bags and went to check in......

If they go further and charge your CC, call the card company immediately and say there is an unauthorised charge.

cubegame

;-) you could also take it for a mud bath......I've done that before too!!! ;-)

jamesbrownontheroad

cubegame wrote: »

;-) you could also take it for a mud bath......I've done that before too!!! ;-)

Although if it's a deep scratch, mud may get stuck in the scratch when it's washed, making the damage more visible!

Inactive

cubegame wrote: »

;-) you could also take it for a mud bath......I've done that before too!!! ;-)

This is Europcar, not a normal car hire company we are discussing.;)

Max_1066

You can try fronting it out and saying it was already there and if that fails you already have your excess insurance. BTW its worth checking this insurance covers 'attachments' as some companies don't view hubcaps as part of the wheel.

It's worth checking beforehand otherwise they could hit you for a high replacement charge.

jammin_2

cubegame wrote: »

If they go further and charge your CC, call the card company immediately and say there is an unauthorised charge.

Yeah, that'll work.