If you notice a scratch or dent on your rental while it is in your possession, take a photo of the damage and note the time, place and circumstances. If the damage is extensive, contact the rental agency immediately.
Thoroughly inspect your rental car hours before its return time. This gives you time to refill the gas tank, collect your personal belongings and look at the exterior for scratches or other damage.
If you find minor marks or scratches, you can attempt to correct them. For rubber smudges from a parking lot cone or shopping cart, use a wet towel to rub the rubber off the paint. Ask a car parts store for a wax that can buffer out scratches, apply it and see how it looks. Try this method for a paint splatter also. It is not dishonest to attempt to fix minor damage and it may save you lots of money.
Return the car to the agency. Always insist on a complete walk around inspection of the car with the agency representative. This should avoid the unpleasant surprise of damage charges added to your credit card without your prior knowledge. If you have obvious damage beyond normal wear and tear, point it out to the agent. Ask for a written report of the damages and a repair estimate.
If you purchased the Full Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance offered by the car rental agency, your obligation is complete. The CDW will cover minor damage. If you refused the CDW, contact your credit card company to see what their coverage is, if any. For example, American Express covers most damages to a rental car provided you declined the CDW, paid for and reserved the rental with your American Express card. If your credit card company does not cover damage on rental cars, contact your personal car insurance company to determine your coverage and to report the claim.
Once you turn the matter over to the credit card company or insurance agent, wait to hear further from them as to what your next step is. Keep notes on all conversations you have about the claim and retain all paperwork even after the claim is settled.
