Car hire charges

Springjock

Hi
After a recent holiday in Italy, I noticed unexpected charges on my CC from the hire car company. I had no notification from them regarding these charges until I asked for an invoice . They are charging me for damage that I did not do. I do have photos of the car when we collected it but none from when we dropped it off. What is the best way to proceed because they are being unscrupulous and should not get away with it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks 

eskbanker

Was the car inspected by a company representative when you returned it, and what paperwork were you issued with at that point?

Springjock

No, it was not inspected as it was before 8am. There was no one there and we left the key in the box.I received an invoice only after I had requested one. Is there anyway that I can contest this?

Caz3121

really important to prove the vehicle was returned to them undamaged. (hindsight is great but photos all round the car would have been helpful since there was no-one there to physically inspect) Damage may have happened after you dropped it off and before they arrived but you will not be able to prove that is the case so they will assume that the damage was you. have they provided evidence of the damage? (check it is the correct car and compare to the photos from collection) I had a case in the uS a few years back when car was collected with damage already there but nothing on paperwork...went back and got them to document it and took photos. Car returned to different office and a few months later we received invoice for the damage...fortunately I was able to provide all the evidence that the car had been returned in the same condition it was collected in and that was the end of it.

Do you have car hire excess insurance? - maybe they can assist

Springjock

Thank you, yes we do have excess insurance, I will explore this too. I was going to respond to them advising that we are disputing the damages and will also ask for photos of the damage with the dates to see what they come back with, wish me luck 

sammynunes

Why bother arguing the toss if you have excess insurance? Just claim....it's what you bought the insurance for.

born_again

https://www.ecrcs.com/

European Car Rental Conciliation Service

Hopefully your car hirer will be on there. 
Given you have had a invoice from them stating the reason. It is pointless disputing via card company. As they will only provide the same information, leading to a rejection of the dispute.