Zipcar - Help needed

adz2010

Was not sure where to post this thought this was the right place.

Basically I hired a van for the day through zipcar. It was quite late and dark where the car was parked. I did not notice any damage until the morning.

As soon as I did I was on the phone to zipcar to let them know and make sure I was not liable. As I did not do the damage to the van. They said I did the right thing and would not be charged.

However I just got an email saying I will be charged £532 quid for the damage!

I sent a message back explaining the above. Is there anything I can do? I dont have that type of money to pay them and will not pay them as I did not do the damage. I thought I was doing the right thing and now I am the one liable!?

Any thoughts?

pendragon_arther

This is a bone of contention with me. Luckily I've never been in your situation but I've always worried that I might be.

If you're genuine then it's possible the damage was caused by the previous user and they're the ones who should pay.

Personally I wouldn't pay and if Zipcard took the money without my authorisation I'd write them a letter (Special delivery) explaining why I wouldn't pay and informing them I would take them to the small claims court to reclaim the money.

Good luck.

Hintza

This seems to be how the hire companies make their money these days.

You must check the car thoroughly before you drive off.

I had a car delivered after an accident, I didn't even drive it for 3 days then as I got down the drive I noticed the crack on the windscreen, drove straight to their premises (so only miles on clock were from my house to them) huge argument ensued.

The only thing that saved me was they went into administration about 3 days later, when the administrators came to collect the car. (They wouldn't allow me a replacement unless I paid for the damage, I refused so kept it!)

pinkshoes

I'd WRITE to them and let them know that it was dark when the van was delivered, so when you examined the van in the light the next morning BEFORE using it, you immediately notified them of damage to the van, and that they agreed that you did NOT cause the damage and wouldn't be charge. Tell them that you were very angry that they are now trying to hold you responsible for the damage, and that as it was already agreed that you were not responsible, you will NOT be paying the cost for the damage, and if they do try and charge you, you will be taking them to court for a refund plus expenses. Tell them that the damage must've been caused by the previous user, or their own employee, so they need to bill the correct person.

vikingaero

This is the main problem with car clubs. You park the vehicle at the end of your rental and someone else drives into it. Or the previous renter doesn't bother to report damage so you as the next chump gets collared for it.

Next time take photos.

adz2010

Thanks guys for the responses.

Well they have called me and I will be putting an appeal in. I am praying that they find in my favour.

I will never make the mistake of not checking. I usually do but it was so late I just wanted to pick up the van and get home.

I dont know how they expect me to pay £500 when I am a broke student. Plus I have got exams around the corner this is the last thing I need.

Once again thanks for all your replies. I appreciate all of them

pinkshoes

Well, I hope they find in your favour, as it's a very poor attitude given they'd already said on the phone that you weren't responsible. Sounds like they can't hold the last person responsible, so they're going to get you to pay.

Would their insurance have an excess that you could pay, rather than having to pay the full amount?

unholyangel

Have you researched your own quotes to see how much it would cost to have the damage fixed? Is £532 within the same price range as the quotes you got?

Were you given a copy of the terms and conditions and given the chance to read them over before agreeing to them?

Funny how they expect everyone to read their policy yet apparently they failed to read MSE's policy.....you know which one I mean....about company reps posting without authorisation.

And I have to say, I LOVE the fact they've used their profile in such a way as to advertise not only their site, but also where they can provide you a car! (Call me silly but I think the location comes across as advertising - unless James is God/santa in his spare time).

adz2010

pinkshoes wrote: »

Well, I hope they find in your favour, as it's a very poor attitude given they'd already said on the phone that you weren't responsible. Sounds like they can't hold the last person responsible, so they're going to get you to pay.

Would their insurance have an excess that you could pay, rather than having to pay the full amount?

I am not sure regarding an excess but £500 for a scratch above a tyre does seem way too much!

This is the last thing I need with exams around the corner. I am willing to take it all the way and make it an aim in my life to tell everyone I know to avoid the company (if they find against me) but I dont see how they can force money out of me without going through a process.

adz2010

unholyangel wrote: »

Have you researched your own quotes to see how much it would cost to have the damage fixed? Is £532 within the same price range as the quotes you got?

Were you given a copy of the terms and conditions and given the chance to read them over before agreeing to them?

Funny how they expect everyone to read their policy yet apparently they failed to read MSE's policy.....you know which one I mean....about company reps posting without authorisation.

And I have to say, I LOVE the fact they've used their profile in such a way as to advertise not only their site, but also where they can provide you a car! (Call me silly but I think the location comes across as advertising - unless James is God/santa in his spare time).

I know for a fact I can get the damage (if it was done by me that is) for a lot less then £532.

unholyangel

adz2010 wrote: »

I know for a fact I can get the damage (if it was done by me that is) for a lot less then £532.

Then offer to do so. But get quotes first so you have it down in paper.

Even better, ask them to fax over a copy of all the quotes they received and see if they can provide more than one......if not.....then it is likely (if it ever went that far) they would lose in court as the damages they are claiming, have not been mitigated.

And that is on the basis of them contracting the work out. If it was their own garage who was doing the work....courts would probably look on that less favourably as they should be able to do the work cheaper (at cost price rather than another company adding on a profit).