Rental car damage letter 2 months on, after claim period passed!

genericusername_3

Hello,

I rented a car back in June from Budget Rent a Car. I rented from Friday-Monday, but returned it on the Sunday to nearby street (as advised by them) and dropped the keys through the slot in their door.

When renting, I declined their damage waiver as I had purchased separate rental car insurance (as advised on MSE).

Today I have a letter from them (dated just over 2 months since the rental ended) claiming I have damaged the car and asking for £179. A picture is included of the damage and they did take comprehensive photos of the car before I drove it off so it looks like someone did a bit of a hit and run. However, I'm sure that's not a valid defence.

My real gripe is that they have done this 2 months after the agreement ended and my insurance policy has a 31 day claim limit! Is there any way to argue that this is unfair, especially as they took a damage deposit on my card when renting for this specific purpose? Should they not have inspected it within the 31 days?

dotdash79

Is the photo dated?

I would advise them that they should have contacted you within a reasonable amount of time (i.e. 14 days) and you will need evidence that the damaged happened at that date rather than afterwards.

arcon5

Tell 'em you reject their bill on two grounds:

- you do not believe you damaged the vehicle.

- their actions have been unreasonable in that they have waited 2 months before contacting you, thus preventing you from a) verifying their claim to be genuine; and b) utilising an insurance policy in place with a third party company for such an event.

Keep it straight to the point and see how they respond to that.

If you deny it, I don't think they'd have much to go in if they pursued it - since date stamped photos are not reliable and they have waited so long anything could have happened during that time.

genericusername_3

arcon5 wrote: »

Tell 'em you reject their bill on two grounds:

- you do not believe you damaged the vehicle.

- their actions have been unreasonable in that they have waited 2 months before contacting you, thus preventing you from a) verifying their claim to be genuine; and b) utilising an insurance policy in place with a third party company for such an event.

Keep it straight to the point and see how they respond to that.

If you deny it, I don't think they'd have much to go in if they pursued it - since date stamped photos are not reliable and they have waited so long anything could have happened during that time.

Thanks, have gone with this and will see how they respond, if at all. If I don't get a response within a certain time period (say, 2 weeks? A month?) would it be reasonable to follow it up with an "I now consider this matter closed" email?

genericusername_3

Crabman wrote: »

Also, double-check the separate insurance policy - are you sure it's 31 days from the period of rental and not from the date you received the damage notification? I would ask the insurer for their advice.

I will double-check this, although as the claim isn't for a huge amount (~£180), on reflection I would probably rather pay directly than ruin any future car insurance prices!

arcon5

genericusername wrote: »

Thanks, have gone with this and will see how they respond, if at all. If I don't get a response within a certain time period (say, 2 weeks? A month?) would it be reasonable to follow it up with an "I now consider this matter closed" email?

Personally I wouldn't bother. I'd just wait until they make the next move - obtain proof of postage and keep a copy of the letter for your records though. I suppose the hope is you never hear from them again.

genericusername wrote: »

I will double-check this, although as the claim isn't for a huge amount (~£180), on reflection I would probably rather pay directly than ruin any future car insurance prices!

Was it not one of those excess insurance policies? If so, i'm sure these are not classed as claims for the purpose as motor insurance............