The problem with dropping off at a body shop is that the customer is liable for any damage to the car until an ERAC agent checks it in. It says this in the fine print of the contract. The frustrating part of this is that, as a customer, you can be held liable for damages that occur when you no longer have possession of the vehicle. You may tell them that it was fine when you dropped if off at the body shop, but they won't care. They'll say "Someone has to pay for the door ding and the fine print says it is you." I would never drop off a rental car to anyone but an ERAC agent who signs off on the contract. I learned that the hard way and got stuck for damages that allegedly happened after I no longer had possession of the vehicle. I'm of half a mind to believe that ERAC "fakes" damage claims just to dig into customers' and insurance companies' pockets. After all, a customer doesn't have any leg to stand on in this case - you can't disprove what they're saying and, legally, they've got you where they want you.