car hire alloy damage & impact on insurance costs

data7of9

Hi,

On returning a hire car from Hertz today, they found damage to one of the alloy wheels. I had not been aware of it, however it did look fresh. (i had taken photos before and after hire)
I signed the form, (but did politely question the amount which seems excessive) - £166

I believe the 3rd party car hire excess insurance i purchased would likely cover the damage, however, because I have not owned a car or associated insurance other than for car hire for several years (to save money), i would already likely be looking at insurance costs of £750 upwards.

I am hesitant to claim for the £166 damage bill from Hertz because of how this may affect any insurance I would take if I were to purchase a car in say 6 months from now.

Based on how this could affect near future insurance, any advice on whether to just take the £166 hit, or to claim on the insurance?

(if i did claim, and later took car insurance on purchasing a car, i know id definitely have to mention this as a previous claim)

Many thanks

EdGasket

Why would you pay for cover and then not use it? Some 'excess' cover still excludes things like alloys, clutch, windscreen, door mirrors; you need to check the situation.

Don't think you ever need to declare hire car incidents when getting your own.

Jlo31

data7of9 wrote: »

Hi,

On returning a hire car from Hertz today, they found damage to one of the alloy wheels. I had not been aware of it, however it did look fresh. (i had taken photos before and after hire)
I signed the form, (but did politely question the amount which seems excessive) - £166

I believe the 3rd party car hire excess insurance i purchased would likely cover the damage, however, because I have not owned a car or associated insurance other than for car hire for several years (to save money), i would already likely be looking at insurance costs of £750 upwards.

I am hesitant to claim for the £166 damage bill from Hertz because of how this may affect any insurance I would take if I were to purchase a car in say 6 months from now.

Any advice on whether to just take the £166 hit, or to claim on the insurance based on how this could affect near future insurance, (if i took car insurance on purchasing a car, i know id definitely have to mention this as a previous claim)

Many thanks

If this is a third party hire car excess policy then yes defiantly claim on it as its nothing to do with your personal car insurance. It's just a scuffed wheel, claim, that's what's the policy is for.

Cheers

James