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Reporter: Hannah Wallis
We've heard from a couple of viewers who've had thousands of
dollars deducted from their credit cars for damage to rental cars
overseas - and had a terrible time proving they didn't do the
damage.
Aucklanders Kate and Gareth Kruyen hired an Avis car in South
Africa. When they returned it, a staff member noted a small dent on
the front bumper. Kate said that wasn't us; Avis said just write
that on the form and sign it. But after the couple got back to New
Zealand, they found Avis had charged their credit card over $2000
for damage to the front bumper, bonnet, left rear door, and front
and rear windscreens.
Queenstown couple Amber George and Murray Nash hired a car in
Melbourne through Europcar. There was already a small scratch on
the door, which was noted in the paperwork, and they later noticed
another minor scratch on another door. Murray says when they
dropped the car off the vehicle was inspected and Europcar said
everything looked fine. But later they were billed around $1400 for
damage.
Problem is - once you swipe that credit card - and sign the rental
agreement - you're on the back foot if the rental firm charges you
for damage. It's up to you make your case and get your money
back.
Fair Go Advice:
- Before you take car make sure even minor damage is noted and
signed off by rental staff.
- Take photos
- Make sure rental staff fill out the damage report in front of you
when you return the vehicle
- Get a copy of the paperwork
