Avis claiming damages a month and a half later
I rented a car through Avis in early January of this year. The location was in a mall and had one employee who gave me the keys and told me where the car was. She did not do any type of inspection or walkthrough with me.
I noticed that the windshield was cracked when I drove off in the car. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and did not have time to go back inside and wait in line to report the crack. I also made a mistake by not taking photos of it at the time I received the car. I returned the car later, and the employee did not inspect the car. She was overwhelmed so I dropped the keys into a box and left.
Today, a month and a half later, I received a letter saying I caused glass damage to the car and was being billed for nearly $200. I called into Avis to dispute the charge. The rep said no damage had been reported previously, but if I wanted to dispute the charge, I could and they would investigate.
Without photos, what is the best way to fight this? I realize I made an error by not taking photos, and I incorrectly assumed the damage had to have already been noted as obvious as it was. I want to ask for rental records before and after I rented it and for photos showing that the car was not damaged before I rented it. However, I realize this is not a court of law and I am guilty before proven innocent. Avis is currently "investigating. The rep said if Avis cannot prove the car was not damaged before I rented it, they would not charge me.
Is there anything else I can do here? They cannot prove the car was undamaged before I rented it because they did no walkthrough and any photo of the car will show the windshield crack. I realize this may be a learning experience, but I wanted to ask whether anyone here has had experiences with this.