National - Pre-existing damage question?




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drzoidberg
Aug 6, 12, 10:03 am
Sorry about cross-posting; posted this thread in Avis forum but thought I might be able to get faster responses here. I realize that National might have different practices, but I think that similar advice will probably apply to both.
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Picked up a rental at DCA last night with my dad; we carefully checked the car, a worn 22K mileage 2012 Toyota Camry, but somehow missed the brake light housing being cracked and damaged. It's because we were checking the bumper/wheel/fascias only, and didn't expect damage on the brake light housing! Also, the parking garage was dark.

We happily drove off the lot, only to discover the damage when I exited the vehicle 2 miles later.

We decided to exchange it immediately. We filled out the accident/incident report on return and indicated the brake light housing as pre-existing damage, which the return agent agreed to and signed. We didn't notify Law Enforcement because the damage was pre-existing.

Exchange at the desk went smoothly.

We also have additional protection from the AMEX Premium Car Rental Insurance, but the rental hasn't been closed out yet with the AMEX card.

1) What is the likelihood that we will charged anyway for the damage?
2) Do I need to notify AMEX's PCRI even if it's pre-existing damage?

Thanks in advance!


peteropny
Aug 6, 12, 1:57 pm
You should be fine - you notified them very soon after you checked out and the agent agreed and signed off on it.

No need to notify until such time should National open a damage claim against you.

drzoidberg
Aug 6, 12, 3:18 pm
Thanks Peter. I think I'm just paranoid about getting charged, after reading all the horror stories on the board...:)


peteropny
Aug 6, 12, 8:47 pm
I'm locking this thread (rather than deleting - since it does present a valid question) but was a duplicate post.

peteropny - mod - National



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