If the damage is already marked on your copy of the contract, I would request that they research previous contracts to see if the damage has been noticed before. Also, ask the loss control person that you originally spoke to for copies of the estimate. I know that in our group, the branch only has 30 days to get a car in for an estimate before the damage is chalked up as a loss for the branch. If the car has already been rented, chances are it may never make it in for an estimate--especially if the damage is not going to keep the car from being driveable and making money.