Damage Question
 

So I just rented a car from Budget at PHL on Wednesday. When I got it I did take a video around the whole car, but it was quick and I tried to get everything, but I missed that there was a chip in the windshield (to really zoom in or take a picture). I noticed this a little bit later, but after I had left the rental car area. I'm wondering if I should say something when I return it (I have the video, but it barely shows the chip). Or if I should just let it go unless they say something? I don't want to be charged for it since it was there when I picked the car up. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks!

I would just let it go. It's possible that Avis is already aware of it and noted it on the vehicle's history. Or they consider it so minor so as not to even note it. In any event, there's nothing for you to do about it, unless you want to have it repaired at your own expense at a windshield-repair place, to guard against the risk of the chip expanding into something larger.

Did you charge the rental to a credit card that offers LDW?

I don't think it will expand to something larger (but the possibility is there). I don't want to have it repaired at my own time and expense, but also don't want to be blamed and charged for it since I wasn't the cause of it. I charged the rental to my Amex Plat.

If you have coverage through your Amex Platinum card, then there is even less to worry.

I had an Avis rental a few years ago in Southern California. Because of some road debris (gravel?) on a freeway, my vehicle sustained two or three small -- but very visible -- windshield chips. When I returned the car, I pointed out the damage, the return attendant circled the areas with a crayon, and the car was taken out of service for repair. I initiated a claim with Chase, but never needed to perfect it: Avis never billed me for the chips. (I suspect that at larger Avis stations, they do windshield-chip repairs in house; not sure if that explains why I was never billed.)

I had Avis charge me for glass damage TEN MONTHS after the rental. The check-in agent on the one way rental noted the glass chip, but I showed her the photo I took at pickup. Fortunately I still had this photo and Avis reversed the charge.
If there is any indication in your video of the damage, be sure to save it for a LONG TIME.