It sounds like the definition of chutzpah. A fellow in Canada rented a truck from Enterprise for a few hours. He returned it after the location had closed, parking it in their lot, and put the keys in their lockbox for after-hour returns. A week later, he got a bill for $3,300 for damage that was done after he returned the truck.
How in the world could they charge the renter for subsequent damage?
*MOUSE PRINT:
That’s right, tucked in the rental contract is an unexpected provision that the renter is responsible for any damage done to the vehicle until the vehicle is actually checked back in by an Enterprise employee.
But there is good news. After CBC started asking questions about this questionable practice, Enterprise relented and cancelled the consumer’s bill. But there is bad news: this provision is common to agreements of the major car rental companies. So do try to avoid returning any rental cars after hours.
They tried that with me many years ago and I returned the car during business hours. I fought them for several weeks. When I asked if the car was damaged why didn’t they point it out when they accepted the return. They dropped the claim.
How dare you confuse the issue, with cold logic?
If you have to return it after hours it’s a good idea to take time stamped photos of the car on their lot showing the entire car and it’s position on the lot
I return cars to Hertz after hours all the time. My first rule of renting a car is time stamped photos all around the car at pickup and at drop off.
I did have one issue with this at Hertz, I had dropped off a car after hours to a Hertz that was in a shopping mall with a couple of bars in it as well. The next day (Saturday) I noticed that I hadn’t received a receipt yet, so I called and asked what was going on. He said the passenger side window was smashed and they were working out the damage report and had planned to call me that afternoon to ask me about it. I provided time stamped photos of it’s condition on drop off and that cleared it up immediately.
I’m not sure if Hertz has the same provision, probably do, but it is best in this situations to cover yourself as best you can.
Better take before and after photos when renting cars now. This is certainly shady for sure.
National tried it with me in New Orleans maybe 20 years ago. It took some discussion, but the matter was resolved without payment (and never using National again). Back then I wasn’t into advanced operation of cell phones (anything beyond making/receiving a call). Guaranteed I’d take pics before and after on any rental these days. For the upcoming trip I’m using a family loaner. 🙂