Beware of false implications on car returns
 

Background, I’m an Avis Preferred, Avis First and rent from Avis about 40 times a year.

In June I rented a car from Gainesville and returned to TPA. Upon the return the Avis person walked around the car and handed me a receipt.
There was no damage on pickup and as far as I can tell on return.
Fast forward 6 weeks, I receive a letter in the mail with the opening sentence:

"The investigation process of the damages incurred during your rental period indicates that we did not receive sufficient...."
What!!!!!

I call the number on the letter and they say the car was damaged. I respond that I returned the car and the person who gave me a receipt didn't note any damage to me and I was on my merry way.
The lady states the letter is an inquiry letter only, I respond that it implicates me and makes me sound as if damaged the car.

Basically what their doing is throwing darts at all the renters of the car hoping someone will admit damage. ...!!!!

Anyone else have this occur? I would like to write a letter to a real person who has some influence, anyone have a good email address?

Unfortunately, this isn't only done by Avis. If you dig deep enough here and on other forums, you'll see that it's not uncommon for agencies to send something like this to the last 3+ renters and see what happens.

There, fixed your line :D

And to add to IAHtraveler -- read the rental jacket (or previously agreed upon T&Cs if you're preferred). They reserve the right to assess damage found after the fact.

The "spin around the car" by the rental agent upon return of the vehicle is simple for convenience. They can, and will, assess damage after the vehicle is washed, etc. Read your terms & conditions of what you agreed to, before you complain. Just because you don't like it, doesnt make it wrong.

I've been renting cars for my biz travel for 22 years. This is the first time this has happened.

I know the terms and conditions.

However, I'd bet after they'd admitted that 4 other renters rented the care before it went to the body shop that it be hard to prove that I or anyone did it.

I don't disagree to disagree, I disagree because they're wrong in the approach and fact!

Taking pictures of the car upon picking up.
 

To avoid such problem, I always walk around the car upon rental and check if there is any dent or scatches and inform the rep on site. In addition, I take pictures of the car, any dent or scratches I can find. My last rental car had lotsa scratches and upon return, the rep notices them and I informed him there and then that I have pictures to show that those were there when I picked up the car. That was noted on the receipt and I did not get any issue with the rental company.

Please keep us posted if your issue gets resolved with the rental company.