Europcar missing parcel shelf

almo.q8 · 12 August 2013 at 7:34PM

I hired a Europcar vehicle to travel to work. I paid £10 extra so that the car was dropped off to my address on a Sunday morning. I was out at the time the car was delivered so came home to the car outside and envelope containing keys posted through the door.

6 weeks since the hire I get a letter through the door saying the parcel shelf is missing and damage to a tyre with photos included. My two colleagues sat in the back seat and recall being able to reach into the boot to get ear phones out of their bag - there definitely was no parcel shelf.

I have hired cars with Europcar on over 10 occasions, I've been complacent and not taken photos of the cars when I receive or drop them off. I know that as I haven't flagged up the tyre damage they can hold me for it (even though I am adamant I did not collide with anything).

Is the burden of proof on me or them? What are my options? Any assistance would be deeply appreciated!