When returning rental car, was accused of doing damage to the car? Is this the normal?

Question

I was given a rental car while my Honda was waiting for the air bag recall parts.  When I returned the Honda I was told I did not have to vacuum it by the office nearest my home...where I got the car.  When I returned it to one by my Honda dealer, they immediately saw about twelve dog hairs and told me the entire car would have to be shampooed at a cost to me of $100.  Then they walked around it and said there was damage underneath and I would have to pay for that as well.  I can assure you I treated that car with kid gloves.  It was a new Buick and simply did not stop very well and one time did not stop at all.  So I was driving far from everyone and pretty slow when I had to drive.  I can assure you I hit nothing.  Inside the car would have easily just vacuumed out.  Is this the way everyone gets treated.  Just saw an article on Yahoo that said this person with smoking charges on her bill that dealing with the hotel when you are innocent is like dealing with car rental places charging you with damage.  I've often thought that on my driving vacations I would simply rent a car but if this is the norm, I will never rent a car again.  Is it?

Butch · Answer

It really depends on who you get to be honest and that's the sad part.  I always take out the extra insurance to cover for this kind of scenario.  If you were having break problems and you were renting from a national rental agency you could have gone to the nearest location to where you were having break problems and you could have gotten rid of that car before any of the likely pre-existing problems were discovered

Towanda · Answer

Proceeded to cause quite a fuss and told them I would sue for false charges.  I also told them I thought the car had been damaged...most likely from one of them and the were trying to pass that on to me.  I was not told anything about not smoking or transporting pets.  The pet was in my car just after being bathed but dry for about five minutes to drive to Pet Smart where she was lucky enough to be adopted and didn't get back in.   that car.  I should have returned it when I realized the brakes were bad but I just drove very carefully and not too fast and it was stopping under those conditions.  I guess I bitched enough because I never heard from them again.

Anonymous · Answer

Read the rental contract. Smoking and transporting pets are usually two  activities that are prohibited in a rental car and they can charge an extra fee for having to clean them up.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi the old trying it on. you should just walk away. Say sue me. rental companies should and are expected to do an inspection. however cleaning is normal before and after a customer has had a car. so tell this idiot to take a hike.

bo · Answer

being scammed but you signed a contract so you'll have to end up paying to do the work. check with your insurance company. see what their willing to pay. next time you rent a car make sure you do a walk around with the agent from the company and mark any and all damage and get it in writing with copies before leaving the lot

? · Answer

They charge you for everything. OMG THE GAS IS 99% FULL. 49$ fee. There are 5 crumbs here 20$. You forgot to set the radio station back to default 89.3. 70$. Thy are just scammers. I would rent a car from your friends or whatever.

Skoda John · Answer

When renting I always take the full CDW. Any damage is their problem.
I also check the car fully before I leave.  Twice I have found the car low on oil. 
Now with your phone you can  photograph the car fully before departing.

Nomadd · Answer

You're full of it.

Ron · Answer

Must be budget.

KayleenR · Answer

you should not have to pay anything extra

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When returning rental car, was accused of doing damage to the car? Is this the normal?

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