Hire car damage charges: what to check

Before you drive away, and when you return it

• Photograph or film every side of the car, the wheels, the windscreen and the interior, with the date showing.
• Make sure any existing damage is marked on the check-out sheet before you sign it.
• When you return it, get the car checked with you there if you can, and keep a signed copy of the return sheet. If it's a key drop, take the same photos.

If you're charged for damage

• Ask for the evidence: the check-out and return reports, dated photos of the damage, and an itemised repair invoice or estimate.
• Check your rental agreement for the excess (the most you can be charged for damage) and any admin or loss-of-use fees.
• Compare their photos with yours. Damage that's already on the check-out sheet, or isn't on your return photos, shouldn't be charged to you.
• Put your dispute in writing, keep copies, and ask for a response by a set date.

Your rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a term in a consumer contract that's unfair isn't binding on you. A charge also has to be for damage that actually happened during your rental.

Many rental companies belong to the BVRLA, the industry's trade body, which has a code of conduct and can help when a complaint to a member company gets stuck.