Alamo/National Saying we did Damage we didn't do!!

[littlestar]

Well, I thought I had seen it all. Just opened our mail from National/Alamo and they are claiming we damaged a car we rented in Hawaii 4 months ago. They waited 4 months to tell us this? What, hoping we had misplaced our receipt from the drop off at the airport? I am so furious with National/Alamo I could spit!!

The car was fine when we dropped it off. They have pictures showing a dent that we know nothing about. And why would they wait 4 months to tell us about it.

Anybody have any experiences with this?

 

[magicmouse2]

Yeah with Dollar the rental had a small dent in it and they accused us of doing it. DH had none of it.

 

[the kabuki]

Do you still happen to have the receipts? What about the original rental agreement?
Surely there has to be a time limit on them claiming damage to the rental. 4 months later seems a ridiculously long time.

 

[scoutsmom99]

I have never rented a car, but someone else had a thread similar to this here is the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=868553&highlight=national

 

[FigmentGuy]

Whenever we rent a car I take pictures of the vehicle after we get it. I take up close shots of any damage too. I tell the rental company that its what I do to protect myself. I bring my digital cam along on vacation so I use that. And I put the Date Stamp on the photo. My Sig. other kinda laughs at me, but I think its good cautionary measure. How can they argue your photo, when thats what they are using for evidence against you!? I hope it all works out for you none the less. Wishing good vibes your way...

 

[littlestar]

I found the receipt! Yeah. I can't believe I didn't throw it away.

They walked around the car and checked everything and printed our receipt. I'll have to call my insurance company and ask about this. Sounds like a scam to me.

 

[fac]

Whenever we rent a car I take pictures of the vehicle after we get it. I take up close shots of any damage too. I tell the rental company that its what I do to protect myself. I bring my digital cam along on vacation so I use that. And I put the Date Stamp on the photo. My Sig. other kinda laughs at me, but I think its good cautionary measure. How can they argue your photo, when thats what they are using for evidence against you!? I hope it all works out for you none the less. Wishing good vibes your way...

Will a date stamp work? As you own the camera, they can always argue that you change the date stamp.

Does it ever work for anyone?

 

[the kabuki]

I found the receipt! Yeah. I can't believe I didn't throw it away.

They walked around the car and checked everything and printed our receipt. I'll have to call my insurance company and ask about this. Sounds like a scam to me.

I would also be writing a very NASTY letter to Dollar Corporate along with a copy of the receipt.

A complaint to the Better Business Bureau may be in order too. This is just stupid!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Years ago a company called "value rental car" in orlando had a great special on mustange convertibles and we went for it. got there and they had nice cars TILL they rolled out ours. It had paint falling off, dents, a real mess. I guess cause we where 2 single women, I told the guy just a minute, they would not change the car, that was the "advertised car" so I wipped out my camcorder too and had the guy walk around this mess with me, and say the date, and point out all the dents himself! The "DAD" in line behind me told me it was a smart move. So since then I always check the car before we leave the garage. BUT, national has never given us a problem. I had rented a beauitful new grand prixi bright red about 2 years ago and it got "keyed" in the PORS parking lot while we ate dinner one nite. They didn't say anything when I returned it, I didn't point it out, so I waited to hear from them, and they never call? Can't believe they didn't notice it. I was really worried about this after it happened too.

mky

 

[FigmentGuy]

Will a date stamp work? As you own the camera, they can always argue that you change the date stamp.

Does it ever work for anyone?

Well I agree with you about the Date stamp. But they are issueing a picture to the poster of this thread as "proof". I think that if you keep your receipts, document all damage with the agent and have pics. They have a losing battle. And as for this current situation. I agree 4 months is wayyyyy to long , looks fishy to me.