OK. When you sign the contract, you are agreeing to the inspection report. Therefore you are saying the car is in the said condition when you accept it. If it is not returned in said condition, you agree to compensate the company.

If the weather conditions do not favor the inspection, ask them to move the car - they will. All ERAC offices legaly have to have the provision to carry out an undercover (ie under a roof) inspection (even if it means travel to another location). Also, you are just as responsible for checking the car.

I am a former ERAC worker, and what I believe happens is, sometimes, damage occurs to the vehicle when under the care of the customer that the don't necessaraly know happens. I.E. stone chips, scratches from bushes etc. Many of such instances people come back saying 'it was there when I got the car'. Unfortunatly, they have signed saying it was not.

Not much you can do about this. However if you do believe it to be an ERAC error, here is what I suggest;
1. As soon as you notice the damage get in touch with ERAC. Normaly, they will trust you if it is within 24hrs.
2. Do not go in 'with all guns blazing'. Pop by the office, be polite.
3. Tell them why you couldn't have done it. "The scratch is discoloured, that shows it's been there for a while'
4. Don't try too hard, and don't lie! "I couldnt have done it - I cot the car and drove it to my house, and never used it. i only live 50 meters away"... "Yes, but sir, it says you have diven 200 miles..."
5. Remember that you are in a legaly binding contract. You have agreed to pay for any damages not noted on the sheet. They can hit you for your excess without any hesitation. Remember you position.
6. Dispite what is implied by this website, the majority of ERAC employee's and offices do not like hitting you for damage you did not cause. If they point it out to you, the chance is you done it!
7. Always take EXs protection. It may seem cheaper to not. But in the long run it is not always.

Stephen