QLD Hired a Car for 2 Weeks - Pay for Repairs?

[sonal]

We had hired car from the rental car company for 2 weeks. We already return the car, and one of their staff member already checked the car and she said that's fine. On the same day we return the car, they called us back, and telling us there was some smash needs to be repaired on that car and now we have to pay for it. We have taken the best care of their car and nothing had happened to the car in those 2 weeks, and now those people have sent us a quote for $670.20 and asking us to pay for it. What should I do in this situation under Australian consumer law?

 

[Sarah J]

Hi Sonal,

1. What does it say about damage and claiming repairs in your rental agreement? Read this first.
2. If they are claiming the debt against you, they will need to prove that (i) you caused the damage, and (ii) they are able to claim for the damage under the rental agreement despite signing off on the return
3. Contact Fair Trading QLD to enquire about your consumer rights under ACL and the law. They offer free advice and may be able to assist in resolving your dispute

If you are disputing the damage/claim, you should write a formal letter to the company clearly stating that you dispute the claim and that you will not pay the amount until the dispute is resolved. They should not be sending disputed debts to debt collectors and seeking any default listing against you until the matter is resolved.

 

[DennisD]

Hi there
When you hired the car did you inspect it and receive a condition summary which mentioned any scratches or damage? Upon returning the car, was that same slip inspected against the then condition of the car?