You are responsible for any windshield damage caused by debris, such as a rock, if it falls on your rented automobile. Somewhere buried in the fine print of your rental vehicle agreement is a statement that you will be held financially accountable for any damage done to the automobile while it is in your care, regardless of who was at fault. No doubt you are already aware of this, but it may not be enough to convince you to add collision damage waiver coverage to your automobile rental. What are the odds, after all, that it will occur to you specifically?

You, too, are at risk

Indeed, there isn't a lot of danger to your rental automobile. However, after the damage has been done to your rented automobile, the odds become moot. An example situation is as follows:

Once you've collected your luggage and cleared customs, you make your way to the rental vehicle desk. Once the paperwork is completed, you are instructed to choose a vehicle from the available fleet. All the vehicles are parked outside in the parking lot. Planes have climbed to the sky and are now circling. You locate a vehicle, load up your bags, and set off on your journey. When you return the automobile two days later, everything goes off without a hitch.

Approximately three to four weeks after returning your rental automobile, the firm sends a late fee notice. Some examples of what the letter from Alamo (now part of Enterprise) may state are as follows "After reporting the loss or damage to the leased car, you got a communication from our Damage Recovery Unit... You should notify your insurer and/or credit card company about this claim if you haven't already."

The burden of proof is with you

Even if you never observed the damage yourself, there is now no way to disprove that it occurred while the automobile was in your care. It's possible that a pebble hit your windshield just as you placed the keys into the ignition. It's too bad, however, since it doesn't make a difference. You are liable for the resulting harm.

Should you want to contest the claim, the car service in Boston MA will inform the management of the site from where you returned the vehicle. Those in charge will no doubt verify that the damage was caused by you. In such a case, you'll need a plan on how to cover the cost.

Make your rounds and checks

An Alamo spokesperson said that it is very uncommon for counter employees at airport service centers to not do "walk-arounds" of the car before they drive away. Your sole line of defense against being charged for a rental car's pre-existing damage is to do your walk-around before you drive away. Keep track of any dings, dents, and scratches you find. The next step is to return to the point of service and have the injuries recorded. Likewise, if they don't have time to perform the walk-around themselves, they may not be overjoyed with your request, so don't assume that it will be smooth sailing from here on out.

If you want to make sure the automobile is in good shape after returning it, tell the attendant. Inquire for a written statement verifying the absence of any damage to the automobile upon your return. Get in the habit of waiting around. You may always snap photos of the vehicle after you give over the keys if that's a concern of yours.

Once the event has occurred

You may pay for the damage using your own money, your automobile insurance, whatever insurance your credit card issuer offers, or any combination of the three. The insurance deductible is the first thing to check. Next, contact your credit card company; occasionally the insurance that comes with the card will cover at least the deductible. Instead of raising your monthly automobile insurance payment, you may use the card's insurance to pay for any damages you incur.