car hire legal question

calog

recently hired a car in italy and which i returned with damaged.

the damage was caused while the car was parked by flying debris due the bad weather on the night of 15 October (it was like a huricane). when i went out to the car in the morning there was a dent in the bonnet caused by a roof tile or thin brick which i have no clue where it came from.
my question is, should i be held responsible for this? this is an act of god which i had no control over.
i would be grateful for any advice regarding this matter.
thanks

zagfles

Interesting question - if you hired a chalet/static caravan etc and it got damaged in a storm I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be liable.

But the car hire company will almost certainly hold you liable. Potentially you could sue whoever's roof the tile came off - but I guess that'll be impossible to prove... You probably need proper legal advice if it's worth it.

Alan_Bowen

If you did not purchase excess waiver insurance, or have a separate policy, the car hire company will charge you for any damage caused, whether it is your fault or not. It appears you have no idea how it happened, so the liability is likely to rest with you.

calog

thanks for replies,
i've written to the company and am waiting for reply. i have got excess insurance but feel pretty strongly about this.

i will keep you informed of outcome when i hear from them.