Van hire damage

WUErunner

I need some help! A while ago I hired a LWB van from a vehicle hire company. Everything went fine until I returned the vehicle after which they noted damage (a small dent on the side). Within 24 hours they had deduced their 'estimated cost' of the damage £300 + £27 admit fee (ex. VAT) from my credit card. I had paid £13.30 damage waiver. Whilst I admit that the damage may have occurred during the rental period, I asked my credit card company to dispute the cost of the damage. What really bugged me was that they had decided the cost of the damage was £300 (ex. VAT) quid and deducted it off my credit card with no justification. There's no way they could have fixed it in that short period; how can they just pluck figures out of the air?? I asked my credit card company to dispute the costs and they found in my favour and refunded me the money....However now the company has threatened me with the small claims court. Can they do this? What are my chances of winning....?? What should I do now??

Lorian

Depending on what the T&Cs of your damage waiver are you maybe owe them nothing. find the contract, find what you paid for.

arcon5

I've always found the damage waiver offered by the hire companies themselves bring it down from £1k to £500 - useless really. Which is why I always use private insurance companies to take on my risk.

As for small claims, they'd need to have proof of damages.

Hintza

WUErunner wrote: »

Whilst I admit that the damage may have occurred during the rental period,

You must have caused the damage because of course you checked the van before you drove off. They will not fix minor damage as it will be an estimate of diminished value when they come to sell it on.

You will have agreed to the T&Cs when you took out the lease so yoi will owe them the money.

Having said all that the cost of repair is probably inflated by about 50%. I would suggest you come to some agreement with them.

jaydeeuk1

When I had some God awful VW polo hire car once and whilst reverse parking, this wall came out from nowhere and took chunks out the bumper (actually thought it improved the look of the car), I just asked the hire car comp for an extra days hire, and repaired the car with chips away. Had to pay for it myself as the wall was uninsured, but still cheaper than inflated repair prices enterprise et al charge.

Probably not much help now, unless they'll let you hire it and repair it.