You return to your parked hire car and find a dent or a long scratch. There is no note, no witness, and no sign of whoever caused it. Surely you cannot be charged for damage that happened while you were elsewhere?
Unfortunately, you sometimes can. Here is what matters - and what to do next.
Can you be liable when you were not driving?
Many rental agreements make the hirer responsible for damage during the rental period, even if the car was parked and unattended. The amount you may have to pay depends on the agreement, any damage waiver, and the circumstances.
If another driver is identified, the rental company may be able to recover the cost from them or their insurer. Until that happens, you could still face a charge or have your deposit held.
Five things to do when you find the damage
- Photograph the damage close up and from further away. Include the surroundings and record where and when you found it.
- Look for witnesses, a note, or nearby cameras. If there may be CCTV, ask promptly whether the footage can be preserved.
- Tell the rental company as soon as possible, following its incident-reporting instructions. Keep a written record.
- Contact the police if required by local law or the rental agreement. For suspected theft, attempted theft, or vandalism, SimplyExcess requires police notification within 24 hours, or as soon as practicably possible, and a police report.
- Do not arrange repairs without the rental company's written permission.
What if the rental company charges you later?
Sometimes you only discover the alleged damage when an email or card charge arrives after returning the car. Ask for the collection and return inspection reports, dated photographs, and an explanation of how the charge was calculated. Compare them with your own records.
If something does not add up, challenge it promptly and in writing. Photographing the car both at collection and at return is particularly valuable when no member of staff inspects it with you.
Will car hire excess insurance cover the charge?
Potentially, if the incident and the charge meet the policy terms. Standalone excess insurance does not remove your liability to the rental company: you normally pay an eligible charge first and then claim reimbursement.
SimplyExcess provides up to £10,000 in eligible excess reimbursement and related benefits in total during the period of insurance, subject to limits and exclusions. Cover is not automatic just because the vehicle was parked.
Claims must be reported as soon as possible and within 90 days of the incident. Keep the rental agreement, damage report, photographs, invoices, proof of payment, and any required police report. See our claims information for how to make a claim.
The important point
Being blameless does not always mean being free of liability. Good photographs, prompt reporting, and clear evidence give you the best chance of resolving a disputed charge.
Before your next rental, you can compare SimplyExcess cover options and check the policy wording alongside your rental agreement.