Cracked windscreen on rental car

arunadasi

I'm posting this in behalf of my two kids, who rented a car together last month. My son rented it and drove, my daughter gave her credit card as security.

They were driving slowly, not more than 30 mph, when suddenly the windscreen cracked. It was quite a large crack, they both say. They were not aware of a stone or anything hitting the windscreen; it just happened out of the blue. They had not taken out the comprehensive insurance for £5, and were told they'd have to pay a total of £360 (approx). They had already taken a deposit of £250 from the credit card; a few days later they took off the rest.

My son has been told that such a crack could not have occurred unless there was some previous weakness in the windscreen. They are wondering if they have any chance at all at getting some of the money back.

I believe my kids' story, that the crack was not caused by any physical shock to the windscreen. Trouble is, this can't be proven.

I have always warned to take out the comprehensive insurance; it seems that whenever I've rented a car without it, something happens.
This is further proof! I assume they just have to swallow it down? Too bad; she's a student, he's just finished his studies and is not earning yet.


H

forgotmyname

Unless you can prove the screen was faulty then your unlikely to get anywhere.

Cold weather with a small chip already there, Stick the heater on HOT! and bang. One new screen required.

Was your son told my someone that had the qualifications to inspect it and willing to put it in writing?

Or like me now. Just giving my opinion?

A lesson for the future, The unexpected does happen. As does the impossible sometimes.

Not earning yet, how will he pay her back for the car hire?

One expired voucher for a new screen for xmas? Stamped USED

redux

I would feel that without a specific causal incident this risk is part of the general maintenance or wear and tear on the car, like changing the oil or needing a new starter motor, but I can imagine it being difficult to argue.

Tilt

Hang on a minute.

When you say they "didn't take out comprehensive insurance for an extra £5", what do you mean? I would of thought a the rental included fully comp insurance? Or are you talking about damage liability waiver?

In any event, you need to check the insurance excess which was accepted on the rental agreement. They cannot charge you more than that. Personally I would of thought that their insurance would of covered the windscreen. Mine does with no access.

rs65

Tilt wrote: »

Personally I would of thought that their insurance would of covered the windscreen. Mine does with no access.

Basic cover you get with a hire car does not cover glass, in my experience.

arunadasi

Tilt wrote: »

Hang on a minute.

When you say they "didn't take out comprehensive insurance for an extra £5", what do you mean? I would of thought a the rental included fully comp insurance? Or are you talking about damage liability waiver?

.

rs65 wrote: »

Basic cover you get with a hire car does not cover glass, in my experience.

This. When I've rented cars, it's always been only liability in basic coverage. You can get more coverage if you pay a little extra.