Budget - Hail damage
 

Last night I stayed in Co Springs and the "worst hail storm in 20 years" passed through.

My rental car took a good hit and is peppered with dents all over, no glazing was damaged mind.

I'm from the UK and have comprehensive insurance there but don't know if it will cover USA stuff (I can only hope). Barclaycard have absolved themselves of any responsibility as have my travel insurance. We return the rental in a couple of days and I'm concerned I'm going to get absolutely pasted in damages.

What's the best course of action at this point? I'm going to take photos and a video before handing it back but is there anything else I can do right now? Taken the edge off an otherwise wonderful 3 week road trip!! So unfair .

What booking channel did you use to book the rental? Foreign booking channels often quote an all-inclusive rate that includes SLI and LDW.

Holidayautos.com

I'm fairly sure I'm screwed

First, do I understand it that you did not have SLI or LDW through your rental channel and also declined that coverage from the rental agency? If so, it is all between you and whatever insurance you may carry. If you do have those, that is what you paid for.

Second, take the car for a damage estimate from a reputable body shop (get a recommendation at your hotel). You will likely need to pay for this, but it is well worth it. Make sure that the estimator understands that you need a "real" document which will stand up. Does not help for you to waive around an estimate of $4,000 when it really costs $6,000.

Third, read through your insurance policy documents yourself. Phone agents are trained to say "no".

Fourth, presuming that this is on you, see if you can't turn the vehicle in by prior arrangement with a manager. Nobody will give you an estimate on the spot, but it is helpful to work with someone you can then call.

I just did a rate search at holidayautos.com for a rental out of Colorado Springs with Budget. This language was included in the rate quote:

"Insurance:
Included Cover

• Third Party Liability
• Theft Protection
• Collision Damage Waiver"

Suggest you check your rental agreement with Budget immediately. ;)

I checked and...

LDW .00/day ACCEPTED

Phew?! I'm not screwed?

I expect that you'll be OK. And if you're not near the end of your rental, you might even be able to exchange the vehicle for another, if you wish. Did you rent the car at COS, or is that just where you happened to be on your rental when the hailstorm hit?
​​​​​​

Pleased to report I returned the car this morning and the CDW waiver was valid with no excess. Thanks for the peace of mind chaps.

The agent was very pleasant at DEN and advised that hail damage is so common there they have a full time guy on site just for that. He informed me of their 16000 hire car fleet from that brnach 9000 were repaired for hail damage last year.

Thanks for reporting back. Glad that it all turned out OK for you!

This is one of the big advantages of renting through one of those consolidators as a foreigner visiting the USA..... I have NEVER seen a rate booked that way that did NOT include CDW/LDW....

Great data point for the rest of us too..thanks.