another bumper "damage" scam

Hello all - first of all, thanks to this site's creator.

Anyway, here's my story.

My car was in the shop for warranty work so my dealer reserved an Enterprise car for me. I was thankful at the time...

I checked the car out on a Wed afternoon and noted damage on the rear bumper and a gouge on the passenger side. The car was backed in to a stall, with the rear end facing north in early evening sun - so the bumper was shaded. Plus, it's a dark blue vehicle - and filthy (and reeks of smoke).

I declined the insurance and obviously left a credit card with Enterprise.

Car is returned on a Friday morning, having put all of about 50-60 miles on it. Basically it drove home and stayed in my garage. It was never out of sight (not parked in a lot).

I get a call on that Friday afternoon from the manager (being quite rude I might add), telling me that there is damage on the bumper. I tell her yes there is - and it was marked as such on the contract when I check out the car. She retorts with something to the effect of "well, I hope you'd be honest and report damage". I say yes I would report damage - if I had caused it (in fact, I had previously reported damage to a Budget rental last summer - light bumper scratch, they never charged me for it).

Anyway, a week and a half goes by, my wife and I figure that it's end-of-story, so we filed the contract copies away.

On this past Monday, we get a letter (dated 3/21) from a loss rep informing me that they're going to charge me for the damage and that I have 2 days to inspect the vehicle. The letter had been sent to a wrong address (I live at 5905 xx street, sent to 5906 xx street AND the rental agent had the wrong CITY). They tell me that it has more damage than when I left.

I immediatelly call loss rep and explain situation:

1) car was damaged when departing Enterprise
2) damage was marked on contract
3) look at previous rental history
4) car has been rented at least once since I had car

He told me I could go look at the car and damage tomorrow (once it's back from a rental).

Okay now - should I be in the clear with damage marked on contract? What should my next steps be? I really don't want to cancel my credit card.

If the car was previously damaged, why doesn't Enterprise fix damage? I rent cars about 60-70 days per year (with Budget) and have NEVER had such a beat up car. I've also NEVER had a problem with "damage" on cars.

Thanks a ton in advance.

additional points:

1) the bad address shows me the agent's lack of attention to detail.
2) the car was left at the car dealer - not at the Enterprise rental office.

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.

[FailingEnterpriseAdmin]

They claim the car is damaged and acknowledge that your contract shows it was damaged when you rented it? It sounds like it would be a slam dunk case for you.

They're just trolling for money so it won't have to come out of their commission checks.

Tell them it's bullshit and that if they don't drop this scam you'll post all the details here, including names. Public shaming should put an end to this bullshit; ask them to verify how to spell their names so you can get it right on the Internet.

Push back hard on these idiots.

Thanks guys.

BTW, I also have a background in public relations and know how to contact the local media if this gets out of hand. ;-)

[JD Dude]

Don't forget about your state's attorney general's office, they're always a good source to utilize.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks guys.

BTW, I also have a background in public relations and know how to contact the local media if this gets out of hand. ;-)

You must realize there are 2 bumpers on a car. Perhaps the damage they are talking about is on a different bumper than the one you saw damage on. Perhaps when you accidentally hit that parked car and then drove off, you did in fact damage the bumper. I say quit lieing and go pay up. Erac needs there money..NOW!

[playerchick]

If you were not confronted for any kind of damage when you returned the car ( even though you dropped at the dealership ) they have no ground to call you a week and a half later accusing you of damages. That car has been rented at least 4-5 times since! Ask for at least the previous 10 rental agreements ( before you rented ). I have a feeling they will show the damage existed before you rented.
They have no case against you since you have a copy of the contract that shows the damage was marked when you rented ( right? ). THat is all you need.

Keep us posted

ps. What state are you in?

Originally Posted by timetopayup

You must realize there are 2 bumpers on a car. Perhaps the damage they are talking about is on a different bumper than the one you saw damage on. Perhaps when you accidentally hit that parked car and then drove off, you did in fact damage the bumper. I say quit lieing and go pay up. Erac needs there money..NOW!

Not sure how much of this is sarcasm, but sorry for not being clear - it's the rear bumper in question.

Anyway I was livid tonight. After going by the office LAST night after work and finding that the car was being rented out, they promised me that it'd be there today. Guess what - it's at another branch. Anyway I told them to get the car over to my renting location for first thing in the morn.

BTW, to the person who asked, I'm in Wisconsin.

And also thanks for the tip on the AG office. In addition to being trained in PR, I've also lobbied members of congress and my two senators - so I sorta know my way around government.