Motorhome Hire Deposit

DieselASFC

Hi, wasn't sure whether to post this here or in motoring. Anyhow, we hired a motorhome around a month ago, and put down a £500 deposit. Anyway, whilst driving, I clipped a branch, damaging the wing mirror. There was a slight crack on the back, and the glass was cracked. I assumed that replacing the glass would be the course of action the hire company would take, and so didn't worry about it. On returning the vehicle, the bloke said that they couldn't buy the glass for this van, and they would have to replace the whole unit, which would cost £200 at most. Wasn't impressed, but it's my responsibility, so I left it with them to sort out an invoice which should have been no longer than 7 days. 3 weeks, and several emails later, I get an invoice for £303 plus a charge of £35, plust VAT, for polishing damage out of the bumper. This was noted when we checked the van out, so I queried it and why the mirror was so much. They immediately knocked off the £35, as that was a mistake. They said it was cheaper than Fiat, and I could phone them to check. I asked for a receipt for the part, and was told they don't have one as they buy them in bulk. Now I'm very cynical about just how much they've spent repairing the damage. I've emailed them back saying their T&C's state that I'm liable for their costs, but that they are trying to bill me a £35 fitting fee, were trying to charge £35 for damage I didn't cause and £270 for a part they have no proof of purchase for. Where do I stand on this? I'm happy to cover their costs, but no more than that, and it certainly feels like they're trying it on.

arcon5

Ring round and find out yourself how much this part costs. Then you will have a better idea of whether they are diddling you or not.

DieselASFC

I've found the whole unit for less than £200 including VAT, and just the glass itself for less than £30. They are either unwilling or unable to provide proof of purchase for the part. Am I entitled to see this?

DieselASFC

I've sent them an email following Which's advice. So I'll wait for a response before deciding what to do next.

arcon5

If the contracts states you are to cover their costs, I'd interpret this to mean their actual losses so I'd say you should be able to request proof of their costs if you are challenging them. I'd also say they have a duty to mitigate their losses so if a piece of glass is all it takes they shouldn't replace the whole unit.

DieselASFC

Yeah, that's basically been my argument. I want to pay for the repair, but not to line their pockets. £370 for parts and fitting is just not right.

Edit;

They've emailed me back to tell me the emails have been forwarded to their manager, so that sounds a little promising. Maybe I'm being naive.

spacey2012

Make it very clear you will sue them for the return of any money they can not produce genuine receipts for.

DieselASFC

Thanks Spacey, that sounds like a reasonable request. Like I said, I'm not trying to wriggle out of paying, but I wouldn't pay that sum of money for a wing mirror, so I certainly don't expect a Hire Company to ask for that amount.

System

The cost won't be that far off what they've quoted. I am sure on a car it's about £200.

They are more complicated than you would think.

shaun_from_Africa

Don't forget that as they are entitled to charge you for all of their losses, this can include loss of hire revenue whilst the vehicle is being repaired.
If it's off the road for 1/2 a day, that's half a days rental that they can't get.

DieselASFC

They haven't mentioned loss of hire charges, this is just for the cost of the wing mirror. I'm just dubious as they are either unwilling or unable to provide receipts for the part. They are also asking for £35 plus VAT for fitting, despite doing the work themselves, so they've just plucked a figure out of the air.