Unfair Car Hire Damage

Clairjb

Hi All

I hired a Campervan, VW T5 transporter, upon taking the van I didn't check the roof, being 5ft 4 and not offered stepladders :rotfl: so other than 2 chips in the windscreen that were noted I signed the form to say no other damage.

When I returned the vehicle, the owner checked it and noted an additional chip in the windscreen I pointed out and then wrote 'All Good' across the notes before we both signed. Now the owner has sent a text message saying they got on their stepladders and there are stress cracks on the roof?? They've sent photos of this. They then sent a text saying they can get a 'friend' to repair these at a cost of £350 from the deposit to avoid going through our Insurances?

I luckily got excess insurance with icarhireinsurance for campervans which covers roof damage, but even so I didn't do it? How should I approach this situation?

Thanks in advance

Geoff1963

then wrote 'All Good' across the notes before we both signed. Now the owner has sent a text message saying they got on their stepladders and there are stress cracks on the roof??

So they checked the vehicle more thoroughly, after agreeing it had no faults ? What more defects might they discover in the coming weeks ?
Not sure what stress cracks are, or what causes them, but I might suspect they accumulate with age and use, rather than a sudden event. Check the owners forum.

PeacefulWaters

Sounds like they're trying it on.

I'd take the initial approach of denying liability based on the mutually agreed "all clear" paperwork.

Which country? Which hire firm?

eDicky

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Sounds like they're trying it on.

I'd take the initial approach of denying liability based on the mutually agreed "all clear" paperwork.

Which country? Which hire firm?

This is exactly what I was going to say, almost to the word! If you identify the company and location it will help others to avoid.

Geoff1963

New Text Message
Hi Clair. I've just had the cylinder head off, and found that you scuffed the pistons by driving too harshly. Don't worry about the £1000 repair bill, I'll just take that off your deposit. Cheers.

Archergirl

Yes, name and shame so we know who to avoid, I really can't see how you could cause 'stress fractures' and I wonder how long they have been there.... and let us know how you get on.