How to Fight a Rental Car Damage Claim

This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006.

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When you rent a car, there's a chance you'll get a bill later for damage the car sustained while in your possession. Rental car companies inspect their cars rigorously, making it possible that you'll get billed for something you wouldn't even have noticed. Although this typically isn't a scam, the company's damage estimate may be significantly higher than you should pay. If you believe the claim is unfair, file a formal dispute with the car rental company. [1] X Research source If they've already charged your credit card, you may also be able to get a refund from your credit card company through the chargeback process. [2] X Research source

Things You Should Know

Collect the photos and documents you have for the rental car. Ask the company for the car’s rental logs to prove that the damage didn’t happen when you had it.
Find and fill out the company’s claim form online, or draft a letter with the car’s details, dates you had it, and photos or documents that show you didn’t damage it.
Call your credit card company to dispute the charge and provide them with any evidence and documentation they need.

Method 1 of 3:

Filing a Dispute with the Car Rental Company

If it includes the dates the car was rented, double-check to make sure those dates match your records. You also want to check the make and model of the car to make sure it's the one you rented. If they've simply sent you the bill in error, that should be easy to resolve.
Figure out whether you've already been charged for the damages or are expected to pay now. If you provided a credit card for a damage deposit, the amount may have been charged to your card — especially if you rented the car relatively recently.

Tip: If the notice doesn't specify the damage you're being charged for, call the company and ask. The type of damage you're being charged for might affect how you dispute the claim.

If you completed any inspection forms either before or after you rented the car, the rental car company will have those in its files. You can check the damage against those documents.

If the online form allows you to attach documents, get digital copies of any documents or photos you have and attach them to the form. If attachments aren't allowed, include a statement to the effect that you have documents or photos to support your dispute. The company may contact you and ask you to submit them another way.

If you have photos or other documentation, attach them to your letter. Make a photocopy of everything for your records before you send it.
Mail your dispute letter using certified mail with returned receipt requested so you'll know when the company receives your letter. When you get the green receipt card back, keep it with your copy of the letter.

If the utilization log shows that several other people rented the car after you did, ask the rental company to prove that the damage didn't happen after you'd already turned the car in.

If the company drops the claim, ask them to send you written notification that the claim was dropped so you have it for your records.

For example, if you rented a car in the US, the state attorney general in the state where you rented the car would typically investigate rental car damage claims.
In the UK, you can work with Citizens Advice Consumer Service. In the EU, contact the European Consumer Centre in the country where you rented the car. [10] X Research source

Advertisement Method 2 of 3:

Initiating a Chargeback on Your Credit Card

You might also print a copy of your credit card statement and circle the transaction on it.

If you initiate a chargeback over the phone, send a written letter as well, so you have the details in writing in case you need proof later.

Tip: Many credit card companies allow you to dispute a transaction directly from their mobile app. However, you may still have to send additional documentation or information to support your dispute.

Typically, your credit card company will place a temporary hold on the transaction. That means that you don't have to pay it back while the credit card company investigates the transaction, and you won't be charged interest on it.

If you are certain that you didn't cause the damage, don't give up the first time your credit card company tells you they won't complete the chargeback. However, keep in mind that if you don't have a lot of concrete evidence, such as photos and documentation of any damages on the vehicle before you rented it and after you turned it in, you're unlikely to be successful with the chargeback.

Advertisement Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Unfair Damage Claims

It's also a good idea to pop the hood and take a photo of the engine. While it's unlikely you could tell any damage simply by looking at a photo, it might still prove worthwhile.
Take photos of the tires and have an employee check the air pressure in each of them.

Even if you're not planning on using them, check the air conditioning and heat to make sure they function properly. Turn on the radio and make sure any auxiliary connections or computer-assisted services are working. If they're not, make a note of them.
Start the car and make note if it doesn't start immediately or if it sounds sluggish. Even if you don't know much about cars, you can tell if something feels or sounds "off" about the way the car runs.

If there's anything in the rental paperwork that you don't understand, ask an employee to explain it to you.

Even if you have collision coverage on your personal insurance policy, it's still a good idea to get the collision damage waiver. That way, you don't have to deal with your insurance company if the rental car company sends you a damage claim.

If you've had the car for several days, it's also a good idea to take it through the car wash and clean out the interior before you turn it back in. The rental car company is less likely to hunt for damage if you return the car in pristine condition.

Tip: Keep both sets of before and after photos for at least 6 months after you turn in the car in case you get a damage claim from the car rental company.

When you return the car, don't simply hand over the keys and leave. Wait until an employee has inspected the car and pronounced it clear. It's also a good idea to get this statement in writing. It might help you if the company later decides to send you a bill for damages.

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Avoid using car-sharing services. Because the cars are not inspected between rentals, you run a much greater risk of being hit with a bill for damage that actually occurred either before or after you used the car. [19] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source

You may also be able to report the claim to your personal auto insurance company and let them take care of it. However, if your insurance company ends up paying the claim, they may also raise your insurance rate. [20] X Research source