Help disputing a damage claim?

[GettingScrewed]

When I rented a car in early DECEMBER we did the walk around, the hub caps were damaged, and so was the plastic shield under the wheel well. I pointed those out, the agent marked it down. There was a scuff under the front bumper on both the left and right and the agent said it was minor and under the car it didn't matter.

I returned the car, all was good. Yesterday I recieved a letter from Loss Control requesting over $1600 for repair to replace the hub caps, wheel well plastic, removal of front bumper, paint, removal of under support bracket, A/C condensor replacement, AC recharge, wheel alignment (over 17 hours of labour) I mean wtf.

They sent me a copy of my orginal contact where there are lines through the hub caps indicating a problem, but now I can see they scribbled out the back hub cap mark they put on the wheel well and are trying to charge me for that.

How do I dispute this insane claim? Where do I start? This package came with a letter and an email so I sent her a letter stating I was disputing the claim, requesting to view all damage reports both OX and DX so I could pass it to my insurance company and legal representive.

Then I mentioned if we cannot resolve it I will be calling a lot of comsumer protection radio broadcasts, and local papers that feature these type of colums to get the word out about these scams going on. How can such a thing happen? What else can I do?

[TerryTate1]

Originally Posted by GettingScrewed

When I rented a car in early DECEMBER we did the walk around, the hub caps were damaged, and so was the plastic shield under the wheel well. I pointed those out, the agent marked it down. There was a scuff under the front bumper on both the left and right and the agent said it was minor and under the car it didn't matter.

I returned the car, all was good. Yesterday I recieved a letter from Loss Control requesting over $1600 for repair to replace the hub caps, wheel well plastic, removal of front bumper, paint, removal of under support bracket, A/C condensor replacement, AC recharge, wheel alignment (over 17 hours of labour) I mean wtf.

They sent me a copy of my orginal contact where there are lines through the hub caps indicating a problem, but now I can see they scribbled out the back hub cap mark they put on the wheel well and are trying to charge me for that.

How do I dispute this insane claim? Where do I start? This package came with a letter and an email so I sent her a letter stating I was disputing the claim, requesting to view all damage reports both OX and DX so I could pass it to my insurance company and legal representive.

Then I mentioned if we cannot resolve it I will be calling a lot of comsumer protection radio broadcasts, and local papers that feature these type of colums to get the word out about these scams going on. How can such a thing happen? What else can I do?

Just out of curiousity, if you are a customer with no ties to ERAC, how do you know what an OX and DX report is? That is internal ERAC "lingo"

On to your question, you took a first step in the right direction. First ask that all previous rental contracts are reviewed before ruling you out for responsibility. If you don't make any headway with the LC rep, contact the LC manager and explain your case.

[GettingScrewed]

I read in this forum well investigating similar situations and one recommendation to the fellow in a situation like this someone mentioned requesting the OX and DX damage reports which I assume are employee and customer damage? I believe someone mentioned OX was something employee related so I assume DX is customer.

How do I contact an LC Manager? Is there a direct number? All I have in this letter is an email address saying they will gladly answer any questions I may have.

Thank you for your reply!

[GettingScrewed]

This is where I discovered OX / DX

http://www.failingenterprise.com/for...tml#post142095

[GettingScrewed]

The Loss Control agent I dealt with resolved the claim by stating she will take my word for it on this situation and will walk away from this claim. So also expressed that she was only doing her job, for which I did understand and apoligized if I came off rude or offensive to her.

I believe I wasn't either of those as I calmly stated my case, my facts behind it, and how I wanted to resolve it and if it wasn't resolved I what i would do in regards to the claim. But I apoligized just case.

[TerryTate1]

I was going to suggest contacting the rental branch that you rented from and ask them to direct you to corporate, but it appears as if your situation is resolved.

As a former LC rep, I can certainly attest to many customers contacting me with the same situation. Truth is, employees are supposed to document and repair any damage, but some view damage as "minor" while other offices and employees may view it as "a must fix". That is why the Loss Control dept exists, so that when there is confusion amongst the rental offices, customers, etc., reports can be pulled to try to determine an answer.

[GettingScrewed]

I am not going to lie, I was having a heart attack when I found out what they expected me to pay. I am so relieved to be taken at my word, the situation understood and resolved quickly and professionally.

My opinion of Enterprise is now greater then it was, as I am impressed with how this was handled. I may now be called an employee or a fake or whatever but I could care less because I am not $1600+ poorer.

Thank you for your information and help in my situation, I do really appresiate it.

[Long Time Driver]

first did they mention anything to you when you returned the car??? Did you sign an accident report what they call a DX report??? Ask for a copy of it. Also ask them to check the last 5 rentals i bet you anything there is something marked on those contract. When I was in rental we would usually forge it ourselves and send it in. So ask for a copy of it. The other thing is refuse to pay for it. The worst is that you cant rent from ECRAP anymore. Trsut me your not the only one.

Hope this helps.

[iluvEcars]

honestly, the whole story doesnt make sense. unless a branch does a DX on the spot, they cannot charge for it later. Im not sure what dumbass manager or MT did you claim but you cant just dx people at will later on..... anyhow i agree it is bogus, glad it worked out... LC is pretty good at keeping branches in check

[formererac]

I agree, loss control in Hawaii was always putting the brakes on retarded branches writing ridiculous and incomplete DX reports, trying to pass off old damage, renting to people on cash with no documentation etc.