I'm not sure the majors frequently try and sting renters for non-existent damage after the car has been returned (although from the ST article it clearly has been known). My point was more the sharp selling practice (which I've seen both Herz and Avis try) of this "optional" Super CDW being presented as something that the renter can't really do without. As in "gives you piece of mind / it's at your risk if you don't take it / saves any arguments and lengthy paperwork if we do find any damage" type of sales tactics.

Particularly galling when there really is no way the car can be properly inspected on collection on alot of occasions - but you can't take the car unless you sign . Also when no one from the rental company is available when the car is returned - such as out-of-hours or they just don't have the staff available to meet all returning renters. In the out-of-hours situation there is a reasonable risk of damage (careless parking by other returning renters, stray baggage carts etc) from the time you drop the car off until the rental car employee inspects it as well - all at your risk .

I assume the agents have targets to meet and get a commission cut from upselling renters from the basic CDW?