On Thursday evening around 9:30 PM, I rented a car from Dollar at AUS. For obvious reasons, I did a walk-around inspection of the car's exterior looking for blaring problems (i.e. dents, broken windows/mirrors, etc.). I should note that it was particularly dark in the airport parking garage where I picked up my car. At this point, I should note that I declined all coverage.

Upon arriving this morning at the AUS Dollar car return, the Dollar employee noticed a scratch (about 10 inches long) on the hood of the car. She claimed that this was my responsibility because it was not noted when I got the car Thursday evening. She requested that I fill out an accident/damage report that basically said I understood that I was liable for the damages. I refused to sign this form -- there was no accident. No "reasonable" person would have noticed the scratch on the car's hood -- especially given the conditions present when I picked up the car.

At this point, I believe they get an estimate. The employee could not give me a "guesstimate," because this was not a scratch that could be buffed out and required a paint job. I assume they will attempt to bill my credit card for the damages.

What would you do in this situation?

Dave