How to Prevent a Rental Car Damage Claim

If you rent a car, you will be held responsible for any damage that occurs to that vehicle while it is in your possession by a car damage claim issued by the rental company who provided you with the car. Rental car damage can be quite expensive, considering rental car insurance policies are generally not good and that many people bypass damage insurance altogether if they're just renting a vehicle for a short period of time. Many companies have accident forgiveness programs, but there are other ways to prevent a rental car damage claim as well.

Step 1 -- Avoid Faulty Claims

One of the biggest concerns that most renters have is that they will be charged for damage to a rental car they did not commit. Unfortunately, this situation arises frequently, and it can be very difficult to argue your way out of paying for a rental car damage repair fee if you aren't properly prepared to handle the case. One of the best ways to avoid a rental car damage claim of this kind is to take photo evidence of the vehicle. It only takes a few minutes to take a few photos of the vehicle at the time of your purchase. These can serve as evidence of a pre-existing site of damage to the car. You should also agree with the insurance company and the rental company that issues the vehicle to you as to what damage exists on the car at the time you sign your renter's agreement.

Doing these two things can help to nullify any argument that a rental company might make that accuses you of causing damage to a rental car you didn't commit. Without this evidence or that agreement, however, you may find yourself legally obligated to pay for any repairs that are necessary.

Step 2 -- Inquire about Accident Forgiveness

Many companies provide accident forgiveness policies to drivers who have proven themselves to be safe and responsible through years of good driving practices. Before you rent a car from any rental company, ask them if they provide a forgiveness program that may help to cut down or even eliminate any costs you might be obligated to pay should you happen to have a collision while you're driving the car. If your driving record is good, ask the DMV for a copy of your record to present to the car rental company. Avoid renting from any company that doesn't have this forgiveness program for people who've gotten in an accident during the time period in which they're renting a car.

If you have any doubts whatsoever about your rental car, do not hesitate to voice your concerns with the rental car company. It is best to be well informed before you sign any agreement that may put you responsible for damages to the car.