Did You Look Under the Car?
When a Sanibel, Florida couple returned their rental car to Fort Myers International Airport in 2016, they were expecting to be on their way soon. However, Wink News told a different story that makes our blood boil if true. Customer Jim Camp told the reporter, and we quote the news item:
“The gentleman came up to the car door, didn’t even say hello, didn’t walk around the car or do anything. He pulled out a flashlight, moved to the front of the car, dove under the car and he emerged and said Oh, there’s damage to the car.” The Enterprise Agent apparently billed the Sanibel couple $160 for damages plus administrative fees and a penalty charge for devaluing the car.
Enterprise dropped the case after two months of arguing. The car hire company told Wink News, “... The process obviously is not perfect, but it is very detailed and comprehensive, and we thoroughly review all documentation provided by customers. In short, every precaution is taken to ensure that customers are not inadvertently charged for damage that did not occur during their specific rental period.”
However Enterprise May not Have a Customer-Friendly Solution Yet
However, it seems Enterprise may not have the perfect solution yet. Business Wire reports on a recent case where Enterprise customer David Edward Howe - and America’s Child Identity Guardian - attempted to challenge a similar claim by demanding to know the vehicle’s history. He had this to say to the American Congress according to WDRB.Com.
“It’s a blow to justice and it’s a sad indictment that in the United States of America lawmakers have allowed forced arbitration clauses to be inconspicuously inserted into agreements that consumers engage in millions of times each day in this nation.”
Under no circumstance – none at all – should a victim who has been harmed by fraud, negligence, or any other civil or criminal wrong be denied due process in a court of law and by a jury of their peers."
“I have one simple message for anyone and everyone who is or who will be obtaining a car rental,” he told Business Wire. “Do not rely on agents to dismiss even the slightest - most minor - evidence of pre-existing vehicle damage. Take photos of every square inch, inside and outside ... And if agents refuse to document damage for any reason, walk away from the vehicle and cancel the contract immediately.
A Waiver Does Not Provide the Same Level of Coverage as Bonzah
Collision damage waivers is not designed to provide the same level of cover as primary insurance. With waivers, a rental company may be both claimant and arbiter under the small print. Bonzah's primary car rental insurance draws a line between the parties. With Bonzah, the rental company and customer are on level ground as they ought to be.
Image: Hyundai Elantra: Eurovision Nim BY CC 4.0