Q: Rented car: damaged and claimed responsible for full payment even though so many things were not right?
just rented a car thru TURO (at USA) and I had a BIG problem. 1. the car i rentd was located in Burbank CA and I live about 20min from it, when I got there the car was provided to me late and even dirty and the owner was not there so some1 else helpd giv me the car, so then i took it to a car wash *dirty as in the glare in the windshield impeded my vision. 2. one part of the car was not properly installed (should have been sealed), and fell off during the wash, part is recovered but damaged 3. i tried to return the car on time, the guy was late so the owner via phone told me to leave the car in front of the driveway and leave the keys. took before/after photos via phone 4. owner (who was not there btw) told me via phone that there is an additional damage on hood even tho the after photos don't have it. 5. TURO is claiming us responsible and to pay all damages
Is this fair and can I do anything? It just seems shady that I have to pay so much money for damages not caused by driving
A:
Your agreement with Turo will govern. You should read it.
Ordinarily, the renter is responsible for damage to the vehicle during the term of the rental. If you have liability or comprehensive coverage of your own, you should notify it of the claim. If you don't have that coverage, you can try to dispute the charges by showing that the vehicle you rented was not in proper condition and that you were required to get the car washed for safety purposes. However, there doesn't seem to be photographic evidence of the dirty windshield, or photographic evidence that it was damaged at a car wash, so you are asking Turo to accept your word for it. You might offer to pay for that, but again, read your agreement with Turo first.
The hood damage should be easier. If the before/after photos don't have it, deny that you caused that damage. Close your credit card to avoid unwanted charges. Turo or its insurer will have to sue you and win to get a Judgment before it can collect.
A: BTW, the credit card you used to pay for the care may offer coverage for damage to rental vehicles. Call member services and find out.
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