Vehicle Covered in Existing Damage – Yet We Were Still Charged
We have rented cars internationally for many years and have never encountered a damage process handled like this. The vehicle supplied already had extensive cosmetic damage across multiple panels, to the point where we had to request additional marks be added during collection because they had not initially been recorded.
On return, we were accused of causing a minor mark to a lower sill trim area — conveniently located in one of the hardest areas to properly inspect during a rushed handover process. We formally disputed the damage at the desk and clearly wrote “DISPUTE DAMAGE” on the inspection report at the time of return.
Despite this, our card was charged €278 for what appeared to be a cosmetic plastic trim scuff, described instead as a “broken underbody skirt”.
Most concerning of all, we have since been informed by a local contact in Cyprus that the same vehicle was still operating months later with what appeared to be the same visible damage still present, despite us being provided with an invoice stating the component had supposedly been repaired/replaced.
This has left us with very serious concerns regarding the transparency and legitimacy of the damage recovery process.
We would strongly advise anyone renting here to:
Photograph and video every inch of the vehicle at collection and return
Pay particular attention to lower trims and underbody areas
Never allow yourself to be rushed during inspection
Carefully check all pre-existing damage documentation
Sadly, this experience completely overshadowed what was otherwise a lovely trip.