Flat tire advice?
 

I rented a car in August from Budget. I drove it a few hours and arrived at my destination. The ride was pleasant and uneventful, I didn't hit anything, no big bumps, potholes, curbs. Car is parked in the driveway overnight. Next morning we wake up and see that the car has a flat tire.

Our host had AAA and had them come out and take off the flat tire and put the donut on the car. The AAA technician pointed out to me that there was a scratch on the edge of the rim, and that it is the likely culprit of the tire going flat. I didn't graze anything with the rims so this was definitely existing when I rented the car. I walked around to look at the car before I rented it, but didn't notice it.

I drive the car 2 hours to the nearest Budget location, and they are happy to swap the car out for me. I drive that other car home, return the rental.

4 months later I get a bill in the mail for $185 for Emergency Roadside Assistance and Cost of flat repair. I emailed them at their provided billing inquiry email address to verify this and for discussion. A month later I issue a chargeback on my card because this doesn't seem right. Another month later they have responded that the bill isn't a mistake and that I am responsible for the charges.

What should I do? Try to fight this on the grounds that I didn't cause the damage, and received no roadside assistance from them? Accept it though I did not cause it and try to get the CC I paid with, Chase Sapphire Preferred, rental insurance to cover it, despite the fact that it is way after the 100 day window the CSP insurance asks for the claim within?

Have you called CSP and see what they said?

If you have auto insurance, the chase card is probably secondary, so you should contact your own insurance. They probably don't have the 100 day limit.

Did you get an itemized bill from Budget? They should not charge you for roadside assistance if they didn't provide it. Also, 4 months seems unreasonably long time without a reason stated. You could call your credit card about this, not for the insurance, but for being charged for something you didn't get.

I did, they said to try the chargeback first, then if that fails to resolve it then to try the Insurance. But I didn't talk to the insurance people, just a Chase agent. I messaged for a dispute update and received a reply that it's still being worked on.

I don't have auto insurance, no car.

Budget did send me a letter that laid out the charges (just 2 items, roadside and repair damage), and they specifically charged $20 for roadside assistance, which was never provided.

I thought 4 months is kind of excessively long too.

I did call Chase and opened a dispute with them. I contacted them again, and was told are still working on it. I think the reason Budget responded to my email at all was because Chase was contacting them during disputing.