Mistake #1: Always go over the car with a fine tuned comb WITH the ERAC rep and make sure they're marking "everything" down

Mistake #2: If there is "minor" damage like a scratch, since the pink copy the rep gave you is carbon copied, put any paper over top and insert a scratch where the "new" damage is. Then, very important, return it to another branch and give them the doctored pink copy. They won't have the original on file to compare with, and for minor damage won't call, especially if you've provided them with the pink copy when you return. Works every time.

Mistake #3: What were you doing for insurance? You have to consider the possibility something might happen. Besides, this is the biggest scam in the industry -- it happens with every company. Have you never rented before?

Background: The bit about his cars getting vandalized on his property is likely 99% bullshit. There's a chance, but honestly, we'd use that line on customers all the time when I used to work there. We were trying to make the customer second guess themselves, and show sympathy at the same time. Now there is technically the chance that your car was damaged or vandalized, but I want to believe you, so we'll assume you're telling the truth.

You know why he "has" to blame you, because his branch will have to eat the cost of the repair if you're right. Also, if the same guy checked you into the car or verified with the rep who did, the guy who checked you in doesn't want to look like an idiot and get yelled at, so of course he'll deny it. Different people, evaluate the condition of the car differently. When checking the car out at the beginning, the pickier the better.

Solution: Looks like it'll take a little effort. First thing call the branch, don't identify yourself and ask for phone number for head office. If they get suspicious and ask why, tell them you rented a while ago and experienced "great" service and wanted to make sure the head office knew how great they are and that you also planned on sending a letter. Then ask them who the best person to tell would be. Ask for the top boss. If the first branch you call is too sharp, then try calling another branch. One of them will buy it. They'll give you his name, hopefully not the area manager. Thank them. The branch will be more then happy as usually they likely only hear complaints. Some employees even get a cash bonus if a customer writes a positve letter. When you call you won't get him (also too busy), but you'll get his secretary who is the next best person. Don't worry, the message will get to him and then filter down through the chain of command. I should hope that would work. Damage is tricky, and the hardest to get out of. ERAC is so cheap, even this is hard to get them to bend on - even if they know you're probably right. You may be screwed.

Only other thing I can think of, if you were renting through a dealership, bodyshop or insurance company, call them and bitch, bitch and bitch. Hold them accountable for sending you to such a terrible company and that you want them to call ERAC and investigate. Only problem if it's through your insurance company, is that they may turn around and ding you as well, but then you may have no other chance. Worst comes to worst, try negotiating with ERAC to bring down the cost that you'll pay.

Maybe someone else also has some ideas.