Car hire damage not spotted - guidance

ExiledInScotland

Hello. I'm looking for guidance.

On holiday in France. We have a hire care rhat we picked up late at night a few days ago. We did a check for dents and scratches - and took photos of the front and rear. Seemed OK.

This morning - a week into the holiday - I have noticed that the front driver side wheel arch is bent in at the rear. The car looks like it hit something (a rock?) while turning left. Now I'd put my hand up if it was me - but neither my wife nor me can remember having turned left near a thing like that, nor having heard anything (which we would).

I have UK based annual CDW car hire excess insurance. I believe that will reimburse me. Should I notify the car hire company now or on drop off? Should I require them to invoice me for the actual repair cost? Anyone had experience of something like this?

eDicky

It's not your duty to notify the hire firm, it is up to them check the car upon its return, when they may or may not recognise any new damage that's attributable to yourself. If they do, then you can ask for the invoice. There's a chance they may only notice the damage after your departure and you will have to request the invoice from them later if they blame you for it; to preclude the inconvenience of this you could point it out when you drop off the car if you like.