Rental - Unjustified Damage Charges

alleycat`

theclarkofben wrote: »

We were both upset and it was impractical to try and source a hubcap when on foot next to Heathrow Airport late in the afternoon of bank holiday Monday. We didn't really feel like we had that as an option, the Green Motion rep as assistant that we had to sign the invoice/form there and then.

Thank you for your help so far, some really good advice.

I have just sent the following email to their damage complaints department:



I will await their reply and let you know.

Damn these companies and their unethical practises!

Agree they are trying it on.
Fair enough letter.
Not sure i'd go as far as naming a person on an open forum at this stage of the game.

theclarkofben

You're right, my apologies. I have edited my post.

OddballJamie

DantheMan wrote: »

Not necessarily true, the Ford Focue, along with the Toyota Prius, both have 'alloy' wheels, although they have a plastic covering the actual wheel.

It gives the effect of an alloy wheel but reduces the cost for the manufacturer. I wonder if the Aygo is the same?

Which model Focus is this? As the only Fords I've seen with alloys and plastic covers are just for the centre to cover the wheel nuts and not the whole wheel.

fivetide

theclarkofben wrote: »

I have just sent the following email to their damage complaints department:

I will await their reply and let you know.

Damn these companies and their unethical practises!

The only issue with your letter is that you've used a cheapo example. It even says

Non OEM product

As said, you really needed to call a Toyota dealer, any Toyota dealer and get a price because that's the place they should be buying from.

That way, they can't argue with your reasoning.

mattyprice4004

As above, you can't expect them to use cheapies because you damage it.

You damaged an original, and it needs to be replaced with such. The charge is a bit much though!
That's the kind of money I'd expect to see for an alloy repair.

OddballJamie

Send them this link
http://www.burrowstoyotaparts.co.uk/14-steel-wheel-trim-pz443-b0661-00-i547.html

It looks like the back office have priced up a new alloy and tyre rather than a wheel trim. Also ask to see the photo that the agent took when you returned the vehicle.

If you don't get anywhere with them, then get onto your credit card company.

CKhalvashi

Tilt wrote: »

I can't imagine a plastic cover costing £138. I would advise them that unless they answer your question within 7 days, you will be requesting that they re-fund your money.

It cost £26, 2 years ago, as I clipped one on an Aygo rental and changed it before it went back

CK

theclarkofben

Their reply:

Good morning

Having relooked at the pictures I am in agreement with you. We have processed this based on it being an alloy wheel. The trim will need to be replaced though. We will obtain a quote for a replacement and then an amended credit note will need to be sent. At this stage I am not sure how much it will be for though.

Kind regards

Marc

My reply in response:

Thank you Marc for looking in to this for me.

I am able to obtain the trim for this wheel from an official Toyota dealer for around £20. If it will cost you more than £20 to replace the trim then please let me source and replace the trim for you, for no cost to you. I have been given advice indicating that I am within my rights to do so.

Please could you confirm receipt and acknowledgement of this email.

theclarkofben

And for anyone interested in the extent of the damages:

http://postimg.org/image/se10sr9wh/

CKhalvashi

theclarkofben wrote: »

And for anyone interested in the extent of the damages:

http://postimg.org/image/se10sr9wh/

It doesn't surprise me.

A lot of the rental companies buy the cars at huge discount, run them for 6-12 months at a loss/breakeven, then the profit comes from the sale of the vehicles.

We do this with a lot of our fleet stuff, for exactly the same reason (my last 3 cars were '10', '61' and now '62' plate), except I'm not that worried about minor things, as long as the car's in good general condition.

CK